The safety of all Discovery Student Adventures participants is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable educational experience for all program participants, and we pledge to maintain open and ongoing communication with students, leaders, and family members regarding safety and any world events that may affect our programs.
A Proven Track Record
Discovery Education is working with World Adventures Unlimited, a subsidiary of Ambassadors Group, the world leader in safe student travel experiences, to implement and operate these trips. As experts with over 40 years of experience,
Ambassadors works diligently with us to ensure the safety of every student and leader on every program. As part of our comprehensive commitment to safety, working with Ambassadors Group, we provide the following services for our participants:
- A trained 24-hour response team available to respond to any emergency or situation that may arise during travel.
- A worldwide network of in-country travel experts allow us to anticipate possible situations and respond quickly to ensure that our programs remain high-quality, enjoyable experiences.
- Top-level experts in every country we travel to assess local situations and keep us informed of new travel precautions.
- Every group travels with international cell phones to ensure timely communication.
Our safety practices are an unparalleled approach that includes: reliance on federal guidelines, the strength and experience of leaders, expertise and experience in program destination countries, a vast global network of resources and team members, and a sincere commitment to the well-being of our educators, students and their families.
Federal Guidelines
We rely on the advice of the U.S. State Department, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board for information when we plan and execute our programs. We choose our destinations carefully, and we will not take our participants into areas that may be unsafe. If conditions exist that may hinder our ability to provide a safe program, we will alter the itinerary and redirect the program to safer destinations or provide other alternatives.
Flights and Activities
We apply the same safety standards to flights and activities that we apply to conducting an entire program. If a flight is cancelled due to a federal safety ruling or airline concern, we will make every attempt to quickly place participants on another flight, provided that the FAA and other relevant organizations state that it is safe to travel.
Similarly, if it is advised that we avoid a particular destination, excursion, or event on a program itinerary, or if a location is temporarily unavailable (such as a museum closure), we will arrange comparable, alternative activities to the best of our abilities and with full regard for the well-being of each program participant.
Because of increased airport security in recent years, we help students and their families prepare by providing up-to-date information regarding packing, customs procedures, and related guidelines.
Ongoing Precautions
Ambassador works with docleaf®, a London-based international and security company that helps us monitor and appropriately react to situations around the world. Our internal task force of senior managers continually assesses the international climate and specific situations, and implements program changes as needed.
In every country we travel, we work closely with top-level experts who assess their local situations. This global network briefs us on new safety precautions implemented by their respective countries.
Leader Safety Training
We provide extensive pre-travel safety information and preparation for program leaders and students. Our leaders are required to complete a comprehensive online travel safety course, and are provided an in-depth safety travel handbook to enable an immediate, effective, and efficient response to any circumstance.
Educators are backed with an in-country travel manager and an office devoted to assist them in any situation.
In addition, each leader is subjected to a background check and is required to hold CPR certification.
It is the leader’s responsibility to monitor the physical and emotional health of each participant. If any student expresses or exhibits signs of mental, emotional, or physical distress—or if any member of the travel group expresses concern for another student’s health—action is swiftly taken. Families are contacted in each circumstance, as is our office. At no time is a student or leader in mental or physical distress left to heal or rest without supervision.