This presentation focuses on the possibilities of minimizing potential risks involved in education abroad programs in the Caribbean. Dealing with the existing literature, the procedures of past and existing programs, and the testimonies and experiences of former students and administrators, we aim to achieve a better understanding of the relationships between responsibilities, accountability, and the possibility of minimizing foreseeable risks. From the standpoint of the students, the faculty, and the institution, we will attempt to gauge the possible risks based on their likelihood, preventability, and severity, and will examine ways in which a standardized procedure for allocating responsibility and accountability can help to prevent or minimize these risks. Among the central issues are risks relating to health, travel, student conduct, crime, and political turmoil or violence. Examining the spectrum of inherent as well as avoidable risks specific to the Caribbean region allows us to conceive of some general safeguards for administrators and institutions planning and carrying out education abroad programs. Among these safeguards are responsibilities relating to legal accountability, the student selection process, health issues, orientation, student conduct policies, and contact/communication. While we cannot eliminate the multitude of potential risks, clarifying the different responsibilities of students, faculty, and institutions in managing and avoiding risks, and presenting a number of suggestions for future planners, enables us to move towards reducing the potential dangers involved in education abroad programs to the Caribbean.