Institute on Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Management 2026 in Boston Advances Fieldwide Strategies for Risk, Resilience, and Real-World Response

From June 24-26, education abroad professionals convened in Boston, Massachusetts, for the in-person portion of The Forum on Education Abroad’s Institute on Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Management (Health & Safety Institute). Building on the momentum of the virtual Institute held the week prior, the Boston gathering offered participants an opportunity to deepen conversations, practice applied skills and collaborate in person around the evolving challenges shaping global education today.

From Virtual Dialogue to In-Person Application 

​Hosted at Boston College, the Institute brought together participants from across higher education, program providers, and risk management organizations to explore the theme of risk and resilience in a complex and rapidly changing global landscape.​

The Institute in Boston opened on Wednesday, June 24, with a pre-Institute workshop focused on student health and wellness considerations, followed by an opening plenary that shared an overview of the challenges and opportunities of AI, and evening reception that set the stage for two days of intensive learning and exchange. Attendees then engaged in a robust agenda featuring concurrent sessions, interactive learning formats, and opportunities to connect with peers navigating similar institutional challenges.  

“Bringing the community together in Boston allowed us to move from conversation to application,” said Dr. Amelia Dietrich, Forum event lead for the Institute, as well as Senior Director for Research & Publications and Managing Editor, Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad. “The virtual program creates a strong foundation, and the in-person Institute experience gives participants a place to test ideas, ask deeper questions, and build relationships that sustain this work long after the Institute ends.” 

Strengthening Preparedness & Institutional Response 

Throughout the Institute, sessions focused on practical strategies for strengthening institutional preparedness and response. Topics ranged from incident prevention and emergency communication planning to supporting student mental health and navigating compliance requirements. These sessions reflected the Institute’s broader goal, equipping professionals with tangible tools to enhance the safety, well-being, and success of students studying abroad.  

“One of the most pressing issues we explored was our new theme, The Broadening Role of the Health & Safety Professional,” said Jordan Viars-Whisinnand, M.Ed., Institute Co-Chair and Interim Director, Global Health & Safety at Duke University. “What makes this topic especially compelling is that it looks different at every institution. While many of us share similar responsibilities, the expectations, challenges, and organizational contexts can vary significantly. Creating space for those nuances to surface led to deeper learning, richer discussions, and stronger connections among participants. It was also valuable for colleagues from other sectors to hear how health and safety professionals are being stretched into new areas, and how that evolution is shaping the work we all do together.” 

Across both days, concurrent sessions offered diverse perspectives and expertise, enabling participants to engage with topics most relevant to their work. From case studies and policy discussions to hands-on exercises and peer-led conversations, the Institute program showcased both depth and breadth of learning.  

Scenario-Based Learning Through Tabletop Exercises 

A central programming feature of the Boston Institute was the inclusion of tabletop exercises, scenario-based learning sessions that allowed participants to work through real-world crises in a collaborative environment. Held on Thursday, June 25, morning, these interactive sessions challenged attendees to apply risk assessment frameworks, test decision-making processes, and explore coordinated responses to emerging situations.  

Peer Exchange and Collective Learning 

In addition to structured sessions, the Institute gave participants the opportunity for peer networking, exchange, and reflection. Coffee breaks, meals, and informal discussions enabled attendees to share insights from their campuses and organizations, fostering a sense of collective learning and shared responsibility. 

“The conversations over coffee, the connections made between sessions, and the opportunities to learn from one another outside the Institute often have just as much impact as the formal session content itself,” said Viars-Whisinnand. 

The Institute also recognized the growing complexity of the global risk environment facing education abroad. Institutions and organizations today must navigate intersecting challenges, including public health concerns, geopolitical uncertainties, regulatory changes, and evolving student needs. As highlighted in the Institute’s theme, resilience is no longer simply responding to crises; it is about anticipating risks, adapting systems, and sustaining programs in uncertain conditions.  

Closing Reflections & Lasting Impact 

The Institute concluded on Friday with a closing session and toast, ending a two-part experience that began the week prior with the virtual event and culminated in collaboration in Boston. Across both experiences, a shared message emerged: that health, safety, and risk management are essential to the sustainability and future of education abroad.  

“I hope that attendees will be able to bring back new ideas, questions for their leadership, and fresh curiosity about international risk management and how we work together in the shared pursuit of safe and healthy experiences for travelers abroad,” said Andrea Drake, Vice-Chair of the Institute and Executive Director of Global Safety and Security University of Massachusetts Amherst. 
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Special thanks to this year’s committee members, presenters, attendees, the Forum team, as well as our 2026 sponsors for their support of The Forum and the field: Chubb, Valneva, Healix, International SOS, Gallagher, Zurich, On Call International, Everest Global, UMass Amherst Office of Global Affairs, Terra Dotta, Allied World: A Fairfax Company; and Allegiant Global Partners: A HUB International Company. ​