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Study Abroad Emergencies


EIU students who are overseas and in crisis need to contact:

        1.Your faculty leader's cell phone (check your emergency card or ask another student it you don't have it)
        2. On- site staff at host institution
        3. EIU William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad (00) 1-217-581-7355 or 217-581-3390
        4. Local emergency services in your host country (911 equivalent number)
        5. EIU Police 24/7/365: (00) 1-217-581-3212
        6. EIU Gallagher Insurance 24/7/365 medical assistance: +1 (866) 693-6873 (toll free from outside the U.S (collect calls accepted) or Direct Dial from inside U.S +1 (312) 935-9242
        7. Nearest US Embassy or Consulate (US citizens) 

Local Emergency Assistance for Students 

In the event of an emergency, students abroad should first contact the on-site staff at the host institution or their faculty director. This is usually the best source of information and assistance in a foreign country. You can also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy and Consulate.

Visit the US State Department's Getting Help in an Emergency to find out what to do in a variety of circumstances (i.e., lost/stolen passport, financial assistance, arrest/incarceration, etc.)
  • U.S. Department of State Switchboard: 1-800-877-8339 (from overseas: 1-202-647-4000)
  • Overseas Citizens Services: Call 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444)
  • After Hours Duty Officer: 1-202-498-9077
  • Life-or-Death Emergencies: 1-202-647-4000
  • Lost/Stolen Passports: Call 1-877-487-2778
  • Embassies/Consulates (varies by location)
Families in the United States whose U.S. citizen relatives abroad may be directly affected by an international crisis can contact the Department of State through our Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management at 1-888-407-4747 (from within the U.S.) or 1-202-501-4444 (from outside the U.S.).

Medical Assistance/Health Insurance 

What to do if you get sick while traveling.

All students who study abroad through EIU are enrolled in a Gallagher International Health Insurance and Emergency Assistance Plan. All students are highly encouraged to download the Gallagher app and register as a user. 

Gallagher offers 24/7/365 Global Health & Safety phone assistance. Gallagher representatives are available for help managing any issues related to medical care. 
          To contact Gallagher Global Health & Safety call:
  • Inside the US, call toll free (312)-935-9242
  • Outside the US, call collect +1 (866)-693-6873
To place a collect call, dial 0170 from your phone and wait for the international operator​

Eastern Illinois University
To reach the University in the event of an emergency, please call the EIU Police Department at (217) 581-3212. A dispatcher is available 24/7/365. This information is detailed on the emergency card you received at pre-departure orientation.

Other important university phone numbers:
  • Dean of Graduate Studies, International Programs - (217)-581-2220
  • Counseling Center - (217) 581-3413
  • Health Service - (217) 581-3013
  • Housing Office at EIU - (217) 581-5111
  • Office of Registrar- (217) 581- 3511
  • Financial Aid - (217) 581- 6405
  • Bursar/Student Accounts - (217) 581- 3715