QUICK LINKS
Personal Medical Emergencies
Sexual Assault and/or Sexual Harassment
Lost/Stolen Passport
National and Local Emergencies
KEY LINKS
IN CASE OF PERSONAL EMERGENCY
If you have experienced an emergency, such as a robbery, attack, or sexual assault, as soon as you are in a safe location, follow these steps:
Personal Medical Emergencies
Sexual Assault and/or Sexual Harassment
Lost/Stolen Passport
National and Local Emergencies
KEY LINKS
- International SOS
- US Embassy in Brazil Citizen Services
- US Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
- Centro Nacional de Monitoramento e Alertas de Desastres Naturais (Cemaden)
IN CASE OF PERSONAL EMERGENCY
If you have experienced an emergency, such as a robbery, attack, or sexual assault, as soon as you are in a safe location, follow these steps:
- Call ISOS (you may call collect).
- If recommended by the MIT-Brazil Program, call the local police as soon as possible to report the incident and get help.
- Contact MISTI and/or MIT-Brazil Program staff for assistance, support, and guidance about next steps.
PERSONAL MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Remember that you can call ISOS 24/7 for support and assistance for medical and safety/security emergencies
When you arrive in Brazil, if you have not done so already you should familiarize yourself with local hospitals, clinics, and dental care providers recommended by ISOS. Document their contact information and keep with you. Remember that ISOS also has a list of their worldwide Assistance Centers.
For more details on ISOS's vetted hospitals and clinics in Brazil, click here and search for "Brazil." Next, click "Clinics and Hospitals" in the "Medical" tab. You can also call ISOS prior to your trip to find out about the recommended hospitals or clinics in your location.
If you or another student is ill and/or injured:
Remember that you can call ISOS 24/7 for support and assistance for medical and safety/security emergencies
When you arrive in Brazil, if you have not done so already you should familiarize yourself with local hospitals, clinics, and dental care providers recommended by ISOS. Document their contact information and keep with you. Remember that ISOS also has a list of their worldwide Assistance Centers.
For more details on ISOS's vetted hospitals and clinics in Brazil, click here and search for "Brazil." Next, click "Clinics and Hospitals" in the "Medical" tab. You can also call ISOS prior to your trip to find out about the recommended hospitals or clinics in your location.
If you or another student is ill and/or injured:
- Immediately seek medical treatment. If you need assistance in seeking medical treatment, contact: a) ISOS (you may call collect) and b) your health insurance provider (if using MIT's insurance provider, you should call ISOS, they will communicate with insurance directly), and c) your host or local friends.
- Call ISOS for guidance.
- Be in touch with your local supervisor, especially if you may need to miss work.
- Let MIT-Brazil Program staff know about the situation in case there is any way they can provide guidance or assistance.
- Always keep all documentation (original receipts, etc.) for insurance purposes. Be sure to keep copies for yourself even after you submit a claim.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND/OR SEXUAL HARRASSMENT
Sexual assault and sexual harassment can happen to anyone by anyone. The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man; the victim does not have to be of the opposite sex. Sexual assault and sexual harassment can come from someone you live with, work with or interact with on a frequent basis. Those committing assaults and harassment are usually not strangers. Victims are not only the person who has been harassed, but could also be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault or sexual harassment, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted. It is important to remember that while we can take steps to minimize risk, the only person to blame when sexual violence occurs is the perpetrator.
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault:
If you are in immediate danger or in need of immediate medical care:
Remember, MIT’s Violence Prevention and Response Office is a resource for anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault; you can also call in behalf of someone if they agree. VPR’s staff can help you think about your options and decide what to do next and is confidential. You can reach VPR by calling collect 24/7 at 001-617-253-2300.
If you are comfortable doing so, contact program staff so they can provide assistance and support and discuss next steps with you. MISTI staff members are considered “responsible employees” under Title IX and would need to inform the Title IX coordinator so they help with resources.
Bystander Intervention
If you hear from a fellow student that he/she has been harassed or sexually assaulted you can help them by listening and providing them with resources such as ISOS and MIT Violence Prevention and Response Office phone numbers and reminding them that they can call MIT-Brazil Program staff. It is very important not to ignore it if they tell you they feel uncomfortable or have experienced something they feel was harassment or an assault. Remember that you can call ISOS 24/7 for support and assistance.
Sexual assault and sexual harassment can happen to anyone by anyone. The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man; the victim does not have to be of the opposite sex. Sexual assault and sexual harassment can come from someone you live with, work with or interact with on a frequent basis. Those committing assaults and harassment are usually not strangers. Victims are not only the person who has been harassed, but could also be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault or sexual harassment, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted. It is important to remember that while we can take steps to minimize risk, the only person to blame when sexual violence occurs is the perpetrator.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
- Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
- Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
- Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
- Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
- Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
- Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
- Trust your gut instinct. If a situation doesn’t feel right, don’t worry about offending someone, just leave.
- Notice when someone doesn’t respect your boundaries. Don’t be afraid to assert your right to have your boundaries respected.
- Most perpetrators of sexual violence will look for vulnerable targets: appear to not be aware of their surroundings, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, isolated from their friends, etc.
- Control access to your home, dorm room, or car by locking your doors and closing windows if they provide easy access.
- Travel in groups when possible
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help in situations where you feel unsafe: ask for an escort to your car, tell your friends you want to leave the party, ask a friend to stay with you, etc.
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault:
If you are in immediate danger or in need of immediate medical care:
- Call ISOS (you may call collect)
- If recommended by MIT-Brazil Program staff, call the local police as soon as possible to report the incident and get help.
Remember, MIT’s Violence Prevention and Response Office is a resource for anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault; you can also call in behalf of someone if they agree. VPR’s staff can help you think about your options and decide what to do next and is confidential. You can reach VPR by calling collect 24/7 at 001-617-253-2300.
If you are comfortable doing so, contact program staff so they can provide assistance and support and discuss next steps with you. MISTI staff members are considered “responsible employees” under Title IX and would need to inform the Title IX coordinator so they help with resources.
Bystander Intervention
If you hear from a fellow student that he/she has been harassed or sexually assaulted you can help them by listening and providing them with resources such as ISOS and MIT Violence Prevention and Response Office phone numbers and reminding them that they can call MIT-Brazil Program staff. It is very important not to ignore it if they tell you they feel uncomfortable or have experienced something they feel was harassment or an assault. Remember that you can call ISOS 24/7 for support and assistance.
LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORT
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your embassy immediately to begin the process of obtaining a new one. Bring identification such as a driver’s license and a photocopy of your passport and visa (if applicable).
According to the US Embassy in Brazil, you may now electronically submit form DS-64 to report your passport lost or stolen.
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your embassy immediately to begin the process of obtaining a new one. Bring identification such as a driver’s license and a photocopy of your passport and visa (if applicable).
According to the US Embassy in Brazil, you may now electronically submit form DS-64 to report your passport lost or stolen.
- Click the following link to get started: https://pptform.state.gov/.
- After clicking on the above link, you will be directed to a secure portal. Navigate to the tab labeled “Report Lost or Stolen” and click “Submit”. You will be asked to enter personal information and information regarding your lost or stolen passport.
- Once you submit the form online, you will receive an email acknowledging the receipt of your request. A couple days later, you will receive an email (or letter by mail, if you chose that option) confirming that your passport was entered into our Consular Lost and Stolen Database.
NATIONAL AND LOCAL EMERGENCIES
Given the present political, social, economic, natural, and environmental conditions in MISTI countries, the evacuation of MISTI students is unlikely. It is conceivable however, that students would have to be removed temporarily or permanently from a given part of the country. This section includes important information on communicating in and dealing with a national or local emergency situation.
Communicating in an emergency
In case of a national or local emergency, it is your responsibility to stay in touch with MIT-Brazil Program staff to communicate that you are OK and to receive important instructions in case of an evacuation or other change in plans. As long as internet access and telephone lines are operable, it is your responsibility to contact program staff immediately (if feasible).
Natural disasters
Flooding and mudslides occur throughout Brazil and can be fatal. Monitor news and weather reports and adhere to municipal advisories before traveling to areas prone to flooding or landslides. Many of Brazil’s larger cities have frequent heavy rainstorms that cause flash flooding and can disrupt traffic. In general, you should follow your work or home community’s lead in making decisions during a natural disaster, but keep in touch with MISTI staff.
See the Centro Nacional de Monitoramento e Alertas de Desastres Naturais (Cemaden) page for more information (part of the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações).
Medical epidemic
If there is a medical epidemic you should avoid non-essential travel beyond your home and workplace and you should limit activities that could expose you to others who may be ill. MIT-Brazil Program staff will be in contact to alert you of any changes in plans.
Evacuation procedures
The decision to activate national and local emergency evacuation procedures will be made by MIT-Brazil Program staff in consultation with MIT and the U.S. Embassy. If you must leave your location because you are in danger, if possible go to another MISTI participant and notify program staff. The Managing Director will keep you informed of the situation and instruct you on where to go for evacuation. If the threat is local rather than national, you will most likely be relocated rather than evacuated.
Should evacuation be required this effort would be coordinated with ISOS, which provides emergency evacuation support for any MIT international travelers.
Updated November 2017
Given the present political, social, economic, natural, and environmental conditions in MISTI countries, the evacuation of MISTI students is unlikely. It is conceivable however, that students would have to be removed temporarily or permanently from a given part of the country. This section includes important information on communicating in and dealing with a national or local emergency situation.
Communicating in an emergency
In case of a national or local emergency, it is your responsibility to stay in touch with MIT-Brazil Program staff to communicate that you are OK and to receive important instructions in case of an evacuation or other change in plans. As long as internet access and telephone lines are operable, it is your responsibility to contact program staff immediately (if feasible).
- Carry your MISTI Student Information Card with you at all times. It contains all the important phone numbers you need for staying in touch with your Program Manager, local embassy and/or ISOS.
- MIT-Brazil Program staff will also attempt to contact each student by e-mail and/or phone. Make sure your emergency contact information in the Emergency Information Questionnaire of the MISTI student portal is up-to-date.
- Make sure to check your email and phone for updates.
- If phone lines are not working, MISTI may work with the US Embassy or embassy of your home country and the local police (if recommended) in order to communicate messages via radio, television, and any other available method.
- If you cannot get in touch with MIT-Brazil Program staff, work with other MISTI students in your area and continue trying to make communication while following announcements on the radio and television. Follow your host institution and community’s lead and stay with people who can help you communicate.
- Keep on top of international and local news through radio, newspapers, and the internet.
- Keep in touch with your family in the US or home country so they are aware of the situation and your safety. It is important that they hear from you personally.
Natural disasters
Flooding and mudslides occur throughout Brazil and can be fatal. Monitor news and weather reports and adhere to municipal advisories before traveling to areas prone to flooding or landslides. Many of Brazil’s larger cities have frequent heavy rainstorms that cause flash flooding and can disrupt traffic. In general, you should follow your work or home community’s lead in making decisions during a natural disaster, but keep in touch with MISTI staff.
See the Centro Nacional de Monitoramento e Alertas de Desastres Naturais (Cemaden) page for more information (part of the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações).
Medical epidemic
If there is a medical epidemic you should avoid non-essential travel beyond your home and workplace and you should limit activities that could expose you to others who may be ill. MIT-Brazil Program staff will be in contact to alert you of any changes in plans.
Evacuation procedures
The decision to activate national and local emergency evacuation procedures will be made by MIT-Brazil Program staff in consultation with MIT and the U.S. Embassy. If you must leave your location because you are in danger, if possible go to another MISTI participant and notify program staff. The Managing Director will keep you informed of the situation and instruct you on where to go for evacuation. If the threat is local rather than national, you will most likely be relocated rather than evacuated.
Should evacuation be required this effort would be coordinated with ISOS, which provides emergency evacuation support for any MIT international travelers.
Updated November 2017