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In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the landscape of student travel safety, Travel Guard has introduced a bold new initiative to safeguard students embarking on international trips. The Depart Smart™ Travel Safety Program, launched this week, is a first-of-its-kind effort designed to equip students, parents, and academic institutions with critical knowledge and resources to mitigate risks associated with travel abroad.

A Mission to Protect Students Abroad

Recognizing students’ vulnerabilities while travelling internationally, Travel Guard, a global travel insurance and assistance service leader, has crafted an extensive safety campaign. This initiative is anchored by a dedicated microsite featuring high-impact safety videos, expert travel advice, and indispensable tips covering crucial aspects such as transportation, accommodation, and social outings.

“We understand that students may lack the global travel experience needed to navigate the complexities of international trips safely. Many opt for budget-friendly options that can compromise their security,” said Rhonda Sloan, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Travel Guard. “Our mission is to bridge this gap by providing free, accessible, and expert-backed safety training.”

Honouring a Legacy of Travel Safety Advocacy

The Depart Smart™ initiative is deeply rooted in a legacy of advocacy. It was inspired by Sheryl Hill, who tragically lost her son Tyler to a preventable travel-related incident while he was on a student-abroad program in 2007. Determined to ensure that no other family experiences such a loss, Sheryl founded Depart Smart, a nonprofit dedicated to arming students with essential travel safety knowledge.

Over the years, her relentless efforts transformed student travel safety awareness. Now, Travel Guard is honoured to continue its mission, ensuring that students, parents, and institutions can access life-saving travel insights and practical contingency plans.

Elevating Student Travel Awareness with Essential Resources

The Student Travel Safety Campaign comprises an array of comprehensive resources tailored to empower every key stakeholder in a student’s travel journey:

Students: Interactive tools to enhance their decision-making regarding transportation, accommodations, and personal security.
Parents: Guidelines on aligning with trip organizers and understanding potential risks.
Educational Institutions & Chaperones: Strategies for structuring safer school-sponsored travel programs.

By taking a proactive approach, Travel Guard ensures that students embark on enriching academic journeys and return home safely.

The Urgent Need for Student Travel Safety Awareness

With student travel programs booming worldwide, the need for structured safety education has never been greater. Recent studies highlight that nearly 300,000 U.S. students travel abroad annually for educational experiences. However, incidents of theft, medical emergencies, and unsafe travel choices continue to pose serious threats.

By integrating Depart Smart™ into student travel preparation, Travel Guard aims to shift the paradigm from reactive crisis management to proactive prevention. The initiative is set to revolutionize how students approach international travel, ensuring they have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate foreign environments safely.

A Call to Action for Safer Student Travel

“Education and empowerment are the cornerstones of safe travel,” Sloan emphasized. “Our commitment to student safety extends beyond providing insurance—we are dedicated to changing the way students prepare for international experiences by making safety a priority, not an afterthought.”

For students, parents, and educational institutions looking to take advantage of this invaluable free safety training, Travel Guard’s dedicated Depart Smart™ microsite is now live and accessible.

Visit www.travelguard.com to learn more about Travel Guard’s safety initiatives, explore its latest offerings, and access comprehensive travel insurance solutions.