New Director of Overseas Study issues statement regarding student safety abroad

The Office of Overseas Study constantly monitors information relevant to the safety of IU students abroad from official sources and from our international partners and colleagues. We take all reasonable and feasible precautions so that students on our programs have a safe experience. We have emergency plans in place for responding to any crises which might arise.

We have asked students to stay in close contact with their program staff and with their families and friends at home. We have asked our staff members abroad to maintain regular contact with students on their programs. We have recommended that students avoid crowds and demonstrations and avoid calling attention to themselves as Americans. We have also recommended that students be selective with their travel plans and leave their itineraries with program staff.

We will make changes in our recommendations and procedures as warranted by events and new information and will update this site regularly.

IU students will not be supported for study abroad in any location listed for a Travel Advisory by the U.S. Department of State. See the website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. The Overseas Study Advisory Council subcommittee on Safety and Responsibility meets regularly to discuss IU policies regarding its programs abroad. Please see our Policy on Study Abroad in Countries under Travel Warnings.

I invite anyone with questions regarding IU safety and security policies abroad to contact me.

Kathleen Sideli
Associate Dean, International Programs
Director, Office of Overseas Study
Indiana University

Franklin Hall 303
Ph: 812-855-9304
Fax: 812-855-6452
sideli@indiana.edu