Message sent to students on January 8, 2020:
Dear Spring Education Abroad participants,
We hope you are enjoying a wonderful winter break and are looking forward to invigorating educational experiences this semester!
As you may be aware, the recent events between Iran and the U.S. may have serious repercussions, likely in the region of the Middle East and possibly worldwide. While CSU has no specific threat information for locations outside the Middle East, it is good to remind ourselves of personal security actions to follow – wherever you travel.
CSU is monitoring the situation and is not planning to cancel any programs right now. However, CSU is asking all students going abroad to review their personal security measures and be aware of helpful resources.
Informational Resources
• Read travel advisories and country information pages, and adhere to travel safety advice provided by the U.S. Department of State.
• Review the Department of State’s Worldwide Caution for general information about common travel risks for U.S. citizens abroad.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the State Department to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• If you’re not a U.S. citizen or resident, please review your home country’s state department pages to learn their advice to their travelers.
Actions to take:
• Immediately read (and respond, if requested) to any communications from CSU and the Education Abroad team.
• In the event of an incident close to your location abroad, please contact CSU and your loved ones as soon as you are able – to let everyone if you need help or are okay.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, government facilities, places of worship, tourist locations, and transportation hubs.
• Review and alter travel routes and times to reduce time and place predictability.
• Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
• Exercise caution when walking or driving at night.
• Implement a Buddy System.
• Carry proper ID.
• Review your personal security plans.
• Monitor the resources abroad, as well as local media for updates.
If you have any concerns about going abroad right now, please contact CSU’s Education Abroad team. We would be happy to discuss concerns, resources, or alternative plans.
Safe travels,
Laura and the CSU Education Abroad team