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SUNY Study Abroad Programs Face Scrutiny in New Audit

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. -abroad-programs-face-scrutiny-in-new-audit.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 18:29 GMT by fingerlakes1
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

ALBANY, NY - February 3rd, 2026 - A newly released audit from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has revealed significant and concerning deficiencies in the oversight of Study Abroad programs within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The audit, which examined practices across 14 SUNY campuses, paints a picture of inconsistent risk assessment, inadequate emergency preparedness, and uneven access to crucial student support services, raising serious questions about the safety and wellbeing of students participating in these increasingly popular programs.

Study Abroad has become a cornerstone of the modern college experience, offering students invaluable opportunities for cultural immersion, academic enrichment, and personal growth. However, as the number of American students venturing overseas continues to rise - recent estimates place annual participation exceeding 350,000 nationally - so too do the potential risks. From political instability and natural disasters to health emergencies and cultural misunderstandings, students participating in Study Abroad programs are exposed to a unique set of challenges. This audit suggests SUNY's current infrastructure isn't consistently equipped to manage these challenges effectively.

The Comptroller's report specifically highlighted a lack of standardized procedures for evaluating the risks associated with different Study Abroad locations. While some campuses demonstrated robust risk assessment protocols, others lacked any formalized process, relying instead on ad-hoc evaluations. This inconsistency is particularly troubling given the diverse range of destinations offered by SUNY, spanning countries with vastly different political climates, healthcare systems, and levels of infrastructure. A program to a relatively stable European nation presents significantly different risks than one to a region experiencing political unrest or a country with limited medical resources. The audit suggests a 'one-size-fits-all' approach is clearly insufficient.

Furthermore, the audit found that emergency preparedness plans were often inconsistent and, in many cases, inadequate. Plans varied significantly in scope and detail, with some lacking critical components such as evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and arrangements for medical care. The report cited examples of campuses that hadn't updated their emergency plans in years, failing to account for evolving geopolitical realities or potential threats. In a world marked by increasing uncertainty - from global pandemics to armed conflicts - robust and regularly updated emergency plans are not simply best practices, but a moral imperative.

Perhaps most concerning is the finding that student support services are not uniformly available across the SUNY system. Access to healthcare, mental health resources, and on-site support staff varied widely, leaving some students vulnerable and potentially isolated. The audit noted that many campuses lack sufficient mental health support specifically tailored to the unique stressors faced by students studying abroad, such as culture shock, homesickness, and loneliness. The lack of consistent access to quality healthcare is also a significant issue, particularly in countries where the standard of medical care differs significantly from that in the United States. Students could face difficulties accessing appropriate treatment in case of illness or injury, potentially jeopardizing their health and wellbeing.

Comptroller DiNapoli emphasized the urgency of addressing these deficiencies. "Study abroad programs can be transformative experiences for students, but they also come with inherent risks," he stated. "It's imperative that SUNY ensure the safety and well-being of its students while they are abroad. This audit highlights the need for a more standardized and coordinated approach to study abroad oversight."

SUNY officials have acknowledged the findings and pledged to implement the audit's recommendations. This includes developing a standardized risk assessment framework, strengthening emergency preparedness plans, and improving access to student support services. However, the audit cautioned that meaningful progress will require a sustained commitment of financial and human resources, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation. A one-time fix won't suffice. The long-term solution requires a system-wide cultural shift towards prioritizing student safety and wellbeing in all aspects of Study Abroad programming. Several student advocacy groups have already called for increased transparency and student representation in the development of these new policies.

The full audit report is available on the Comptroller's website: [ https://www.osc.state.ny.us/ ]. Further investigations are expected to delve deeper into the financial implications of these oversight gaps and explore potential liabilities for the university system.