Health, Safety, & Support
Peace of mind while you pursue your purpose.
At the Fribourg Institute, your wellbeing comes first. From the moment you apply, we prepare you for a safe, supportive study abroad experience with clear guidance on health, travel, and accessibility. Once abroad, you’ll be covered by comprehensive medical and travel insurance, with staff available around the clock to assist in any situation.
Switzerland consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, and our programs are structured with student security in mind. More than policies, though, it’s about peace of mind: knowing you can focus on learning, exploring, and connecting—because support is always close at hand.
Gold Standard Insurance
Every student is covered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), one of the most trusted providers in international education. Coverage includes medical care, mental health support, emergency evacuation, and liability protection, so you’re prepared for the unexpected in Switzerland and across Europe.
Switzerland: A Safe Home Base Abroad
Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries. According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, it’s a top peace-rated nation, globally recognized for political stability, low violent crime, and strong social institutions. Everyday life in Switzerland supports safety and wellbeing: excellent infrastructure, high standard of healthcare, efficient public services, and reliable emergency response systems. These features make it a strong environment for study abroad—students benefit not only from adventure and cultural richness but also from living in a place where safety is built into the social fabric.
Risk Management Framework
Our staff are always on call to support you. With clear emergency protocols, reliable contacts, and 24/7 availability, you’ll never be left to figure things out alone. Before departure, students receive orientation on safety procedures, travel tips, and resources for handling unexpected challenges.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Studying abroad is exciting — and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why our support goes beyond physical safety. Counseling and mental health services are included in your CISI coverage, and our staff are trained to check on student wellbeing throughout the summer. Whether you need help navigating stress, homesickness, or balancing assignments, support is never far away.
Accessibility & Mobility
The Fribourg Institute is committed to supporting students with a wide range of needs, including mobility, hearing, vision, dietary requirements, and other considerations.
At the same time, we want to be transparent: study abroad in Europe can present challenges that differ from those in the U.S. Many program activities involve significant walking, bus, or train travel, and historic sites often do not meet U.S. accessibility standards. While we work closely with students to provide reasonable accommodation whenever possible — such as dietary adjustments, accessible housing, or academic support — some limitations are beyond our control.
Our priority is ensuring that every student has a safe, meaningful, and academically rewarding experience, and we are committed to helping you plan ahead to set you up for success. We encourage students to contact our staff early in the application process to discuss accommodations and determine whether the program is a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health, Safety, & Support
What happens if I get sick while abroad?
Students have access to excellent medical care in Switzerland and in the countries visited during the program. Comprehensive CISI insurance covers doctor visits, hospital care, and even emergency evacuation if needed. Our staff will be at your side to connect you with care and support you every step of the way.
Is someone available if I need help in an emergency?
Yes. A staff member is on call 24/7 for the duration of the program. Whether it’s a medical situation, a travel delay, or simply needing advice, you’ll never have to face a challenge on your own.
How safe is Switzerland for students?
Switzerland consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Its political stability, excellent healthcare system, and reliable public services make it an ideal home base for study abroad. Students can focus on learning and exploring with peace of mind.
Can accommodation be made for students with disabilities, dietary needs, or other health concerns?
Yes, whenever possible. We work individually with each student to address housing, accessibility, dietary, and other needs. Because the program involves extensive travel and Europe’s infrastructure varies, some accommodation may be limited. We encourage students to share their needs during the application process so we can plan together and provide the best support possible.
Do You Have More Questions?
Email us today