Whether you’re incorporating an international excursion as part of a course or conducting a long-term research project abroad, we would like to help you assess the strategic, academic, and operational risks that can adversely affect a project, how to avoid them, and also what to do in the event they occur.

The questions below will provide you with a basis for assessing many of the risks typical to conducting an activity overseas, and will inform you regarding the feasibility of your project. Refer to the links below and best practices provided throughout our website as you prepare a framework for submitting your project proposal for approval.

Risk Areas and Considerations

Strategic

• How does your project fit within the strategic goals of both your department and the University?
• Are there similar projects at the same location?
• If so, does your project provide added value or a chance for collaboration, or could it possibly threaten the other project?
• See Campus Resources by Region or Area of Expertise; this list, however, is not exhaustive.
• How could the project impact the University’s reputation?
• How is Cornell’s name being used either domestically or abroad?

Academic

• What are the learning outcomes for your course or program, and do the resources available onsite support the students’ ability to achieve them?
• How will students’ level of preparation to participate in the activity abroad be assessed?
• How will you assess the quality of the academic programs abroad?
• If you’d like to partner with an educational institution or agency abroad, does that institution meet or exceed Cornell University academic standards?
• Does your activity affect University or program accreditation and/or licensure?
• Does the activity constitute a change to an existing degree program, including admissions requirements?

Health, Safety and Security

• What are the general health and security conditions and resources at your destination?
• Who will conduct a health, safety, and security assessment and develop emergency plans for your activity?
• Who is your point of contact for emergencies abroad?
• Does Cornell have liability or other appropriate insurance coverage for your destination/activity?
• Are waivers of liability needed for participants and have they been signed?
• How will participants in your program be trained on health and safety issues?
• Who will ensure that program facilities, if any, conform to local code requirements and possess basic security and fire safety protocols?
• See also Risk Management for International Travel.

Legal

• What are the legal requirements, such as registering with government agencies at the destination?
• Has Cornell already been operating in the country of destination?
• If yes, is there already a recognized Cornell entity, affiliate, or contracted partnership?
• If no, will your activity trigger any requirements that may have tax or legal consequences for the University?
• Have you already sought legal advice?
• If yes, from whom?
• Have you addressed any Export Control issues?
• Are there any sanctions imposed on your destination country?
• Have third parties or foreign nationals been screened against Restricted Party lists?
• Are you or any participants traveling with or otherwise exporting equipment, data, or other information that may be restricted?
• If traveling with technology, have you consulted with IT at Cornell? Read about traveling with technology on IT@Cornell and on Navigate.

Employment

• Does your staffing plan involve Cornell faculty/staff travel and/or hiring abroad?
• If using Cornell faculty/staff, are there any immigration regulations that need to be addressed?
• If hiring abroad, what are the employment laws in your destination country?

Financial

• What is the source of funding for your project, and what are the requirements or restrictions placed on it?
• What is the budget for your project? Have you considered the following:
• United States or local corporate, real estate, or employment taxes?
• Salaries, fringe rates, and other associated costs?
• Cost of travel to and from the site during the planning phase and throughout the project, including immigration or vaccination costs, if applicable?
• Fees to third parties, such as institutional partners or service providers?
• If your activity involves students, how will you assess the cost to the students and their ability to pay it?
• Will it be necessary to subsidize the cost, and if so, from which budget?
• Will housing, office, or classroom space be needed and does such space already exist or need to be procured?
• Will you be able to open a bank account, if needed, and how will you manage cash flow with or without one?
• How will exchange rates affect your budget and expenses?
• If you are providing a fee for service to institutions or individuals abroad, what are the tax and legal implications for doing so?
• Will it be necessary to subsidize the cost, and if so, from which budget?

Updated 6/9/17 KMR