College student mortality on U.S. campuses compared with rates while abroad

Education abroad can be perceived as riskier for student health/safety than domestic study, but little data exists to test this assumption. We investigated one facet of student safety by comparing college student mortality rates occurring during educational programs abroad with rates occurring on U.S. campuses. Methods: Two insurers provided information about the duration of education abroad experiences for 1,342,405 individuals insured over seven calendar years and details of repatriation of remains claims during that period. Mortality rates for students abroad were calculated and compared with existing data from students on U.S. campuses. Results: Students are less likely to die during study abroad experiences than on U.S. campuses. This is driven by reduced likelihood of death among male students studying abroad. Conclusions: Results can guide staff and student training and policies by providing professionals involved in study abroad with objective information about the relative risk of overseas study and causes of death.