SCIO
SCIO staff have many years of experience working with study abroad students both in Oxford and in other parts of the world. SCIO staff are available to support students throughout their experience in Oxford. Soon after arrival students are given a health and safety orientation to make them aware of the various resources available to them both through SCIO staff and outside resources. Various members of SICO staff are trained in physical and mental health first aid.
Nightline Oxford
Nightline is a listening, support and information service run for and by students and aims to provide every student in Oxford with the opportunity to talk to someone in confidence. They are available to everyone from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am, but only during Oxford term time. Nightline does not provide advice or tell callers what to do: it is a service that listens and talks about whatever the caller wants, big or small, in complete confidence. Nightline also offers a wide range of information related in to mental health and general health issues. You can contact Nightline from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am by phone (270270) or in person.
Health Services
There are a number of world-class professional medical, surgical, and psychiatric facilities located in Oxford. International emergency medical insurance is provided for all students on the programme, but this may not cover all costs of medical care. Students will be responsible for covering the costs of any medical costs that are not covered by insurance. Some universities provide assitional medical insurance for their students. Students should enquire about this with the off-campus study office at their home university. General pastoral care and support is provided by SCIO staff, who can also assist in helping students get connected to needed medical care.
Know Before You Go
You should be physically and emotionally capable of handling the stresses involved in:
- Living in a residence of multiple occupancy with shared bathrooms, kitchens, and communal spaces. Living (and other) spaces are not air-conditioned, though this is very rarely problematic in the cool British summers. Living and other spaces are heated in winter.
- Historic buildings can present difficulties to students with mobility challenges but professional staff help with such challenges.
- Managing and following a demanding study schedule with substantial independence, and attending lectures, one-on-one tutorials, and day-long field trips.
- Experiencing potentially challenging personal, religious, and cultural learning, lectures, field trips, and assignments.
- Living away from family, friends, and other support networks.
Safety
Oxford is generally a safe place in which to study and explore; nevertheless, you should minimise any risks by remaining alert and taking precautions. Students will be briefed about safety protocols during programme orientation. You can also familiarise yourself with any current travel or health advisories for the United Kingdom by visiting the U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) websites.