Health and Safety

World Learning is committed to keeping you healthy and safe during travel and throughout the duration of your seminar. If you are uncertain whether a situation should be handled as an emergency, please contact your World Learning program staff. If you are feeling ill, but do not need immediate help, please inform a World Learning staff member so that they are aware of your illness and can take action if your condition worsens. World Learning staff will guide you on the appropriate steps to address a potential emergency situation or illness.

Personal Health

During the seminar, remember to:

• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of bottled water.

• Get plenty of rest – rest in between sessions and make sure to get a good night’s sleep.

• Eat nutritiously – seek out nutritious meals, opt for freshly cooked meals, and avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood.

• Be flexible and adaptable – sometimes things do not go as planned, so remember to stay positive and flexible in the face of change.

• Avoid interacting with wild animals, including wild dogs and bats – Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Sri Lanka.

• Prevent bug bites – cover exposed skin and use an appropriate insect repellent.

• Stay active – walk, stretch, or run at the hotel gym or outside if possible.

• Wash your hands often.

If you need medical care while in Sri Lanka, private hospitals and clinics, particularly in Colombo, generally offer high-quality care. Some facilities may require a deposit or payment up front, even if you have insurance. Details about the health insurance World Learning provides for international participants are included in the Health Insurance section below. 

Vaccinations to Enter Sri Lanka or Re-enter Your Home Country:

Yellow Fever: If you are traveling (or have recently traveled) from or through countries designated as yellow fever-infected areas, you will need an International Health Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination to enter Sri Lanka. You can find the list of countries designated as yellow fever-infected areas here: https://www.passporthealthusa.com/vaccinations/yellow-fever/. Please contact the World Learning team at GlobalUGRADAlumni@worldlearning.org if this applies to you. 

According to the CDC, the following additional vaccines may be recommended for you but are not mandatory:

• Routine vaccines: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Polio, DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Influenza, Varicella (Chickenpox), Shingles. 

• Hepatitis A & B: Especially if visiting rural areas or staying for extended periods. 

• Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

• Rabies: If you will be in contact with animals or visiting remote areas. 

• Japanese Encephalitis: Especially if visiting rural areas or staying for extended periods.

The information above is provided for logistical planning purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All participants should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance on vaccinations and travel health recommendations. In addition, entry requirements are subject to change at any time, so World Learning recommends that all participants review the entry requirements for Sri Lanka and the re-entry requirements for their home country two weeks before travel. 

General Safety Tips

• Drink bottled water.

• Always carry some form of communication equipment, such as a mobile phone programmed with numbers that would be useful in an emergency (e.g., World Learning staff, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions card, Emergency Numbers in Sri Lanka).

• Avoid disputes, demonstrations, political rallies, and commotions on the street. Do not stay to watch or photograph them.

• Be alert to your surroundings and be alert for – and ready – to respond to changes. If walking alone at night, walk in well-lit areas.

• Limit your alcohol intake: it is likely to reduce your level of awareness and judgment.

• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Always keep your food and drink in sight.

Review travel alerts and warnings for your destination. Go to http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html to review travel alerts and warnings from the U.S. Department of State. 

Emergency Protocols

World Learning is committed to keeping you healthy and safe during travel and throughout your seminar. If you are uncertain whether a situation should be handled as an emergency, please contact your World Learning program staff. If you are feeling ill but do not need immediate help, inform a World Learning staff member. World Learning staff will help you take the appropriate steps to address your illness.

In case of an emergency, call the local emergency number. In Sri Lanka, the emergency numbers are as follows:

• General Emergency/Police: 119

• Ambulance/Medical: 1990

• Fire: 110

• Tourist Police: 011-2421052

After you call the emergency number, complete the steps below. 

1. Contact a World Learning staff member and inform the staff member of the situation. World Learning staff will assist you immediately. 

2. Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Solutions to inform them of the situation and enlist their support. 

3. Remember to always carry emergency numbers and your BCBS Global Solutions card with you. World Learning will work with you, BCBS Global Solutions, and local emergency services to ensure you receive proper treatment and care.

Weather-Related Emergency

In case of flight delays, cancellations, or rebooking due to harsh weather, please contact World Learning staff (contact information shared in your arrival email) to notify them of your updated arrival time. Participants who are stranded in transit should speak to an airline representative immediately to adjust your itinerary and then contact World Learning staff to discuss interim arrangements.