Challenges and insights of creating a safety program abroad

Establishing business and academic endeavors abroad is an exciting and extremely challenging undertaking. This is especially true when setting up ventures that have the complications of an academic institution complete with world-class research laboratories and a diversified faculty, staff and student population from over 50 countries. This article will take the readers through many of the challenges associated with setting up an institution abroad from the start-up to the fully operational phases. The authors will examine an expanded view on “Duty of Care”, security challenges, hazardous material experiences, cultural challenges, and crisis preparedness programs; all while giving a first hand account of tackling these different issues far removed from the parent campus.