Today on the pod we have Dave Dennis joining us from Cornerstone Safety Group. Dave is co-founder and Executive Director of Cornerstone Safety Group, a risk management services company supporting travel and experiential education organizations. With a master’s degree in risk management and 27 years of experience in domestic and international operations, Dave has been the Vice President of Risk Management at some of the industry’s largest companies, responded to thousands of incidents, and consulted for more than 60 organizations developing customized risk management systems.
This episode provides an overview of how to look at personal safety when it comes to a gap year experience. Whether you are considering going with a structured program provider for your gap time or venturing out on a more independent or self-designed experience, this episode will provide you with resources and food for thought as you go about assessing these potential experiences. Additionally, we discuss mental, physical, and emotional health when it comes to a gap year and how to plan ahead to ensure that you are taking care of yourself to the best of your ability during this time.
Dave brings with him to the pod nearly three decades of experience working in the travel/experiential education realm and provides some invaluable resources and insights to the listeners!
If you are interested in some of the further resources mentioned in this episode, you can find them here:
- Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (US Dept. of State)
- Travel Advisories and US Embassy locations (by region)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
- Allergy Cards (locally translated)
- General Information
- Equal Eats (printed cards)
- Select Wisely (printed cards)
- G3 Visa Services
- Travel Insurance (some trusted providers)
- Battleface Insurance (purchase only what you need)
- Cultural Insurance Services International (trusted by Gap Year programs & Universities)
- World Nomads
You can find Dave and the folks at Cornerstone Safety Group online at cornerstonesafetygroup.org and on LinkedIn as well as by email at info@cornerstonesafetygroup.org.
