Emergency situations or if it all goes wrong!

It doesn't always matter how much planning you do things can, and sometimes do, go wrong whilst you are on elective. Over the last few years we have had students involved in tsunami's, fires, earth quakes, assaulted, stuck overseas due to ash clouds and all manner of things outwith their control. In the first instance we would normally suggest you contact Diane Gerrie but in genuine emergency situations the university does provide 24 hour contact details provided below. We would also suggest you pass these details to your main contact in the UK eg friend or family so they can reach us. If you obtain a mobile phone in your host country please send the contact details to Diane Gerrie (diane.gerrie@abdn.ac.uk) so we can make contact in the case of emergency. Diane would also be happy to liaise with your university friends in this situation.

If an emergency situation does arise eg an earthquake, whilst you are on elective, we may also contact your next of kin to check if they have heard from you (NoK as detailed in your student record), if we have not heard from you, or we may contact your host supervisor. It is therefore very important for you keep your student portal up to date and to notify us if there has been a change in location and/or supervisor.

In the event of an emergency situation the University can be contacted on the 24 hour emergency number

+44 (0) 1224 27 30 27 calls may be reverse charged.

In the first instance, please always seek assistance from the local emergency services.

The number is intended for use in a serious crisis situation only and we would ask that in non-emergency situations you contact Fiona Ritchie on

+44 (0) 1224 43 77 77 or diane.gerrie@abdn.ac.uk

Alternatively the electives convenor -  Dr David Nesvadba (year5@abdn.ac.uk) will also be able to provide support and advice.

We understand in emergency situations the University is probably low on your list of people to contact so we would ask that you pass this information to your main contact in the UK eg friend or family so they can reach us.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office may also be able to provide support https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide

Of course we hope that none of you will ever need to use these emergency details and that you all have an enjoyable and safe elective experience!