We have received some inquiries from students and parents, so this statement is being issued to clarify that IU intends to continue with plans to offer its summer programs in Cuernavaca and Guanajuato this year.
The Travel Alert issued recently by the U.S. Department of State urges that everyone visiting Mexico exercise caution, particularly in the areas along the U.S.-Mexico border, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez, which have seen significant increases in violent crime related to narcotics trafficking.
The Office of Overseas Study takes seriously the health, safety and security of students and staff who participate in our programs. While we cannot guarantee the safety of any individual in any specific location, we continually monitor information from official sources and from our international partners and colleagues and take all reasonable and feasible precautions so that students on our programs may have a safe experience. Experienced staff from IU and/or from partner institutions in Mexico provide guidance in written materials, in pre-departure orientation meetings and on-site support and assistance.
Under IU institutional policy , the Safety & Responsibility Committee of the IU Overseas Study Advisory Council would be convened if a Travel Warning (a more severe level of warning than a Travel Alert) advising against travel to Mexico were issued by the State Department.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.
Kathleen Sideli
Associate Vice President for Overseas Study
Office of Overseas Study
Indiana University
Franklin Hall 303
Bloomington, IN 47405-1223
Ph: 812-855-1139
Fax: 812-855-6452
sideli@indiana.edu