Below is a list of questions for students and parents regarding safety and security policies and procedures for study abroad. The questions presented here are not a complete list, nor do they cover every possible scenario. If you have additional questions about your future participation in a study abroad program or participation of your son or daughter, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 540 231-5888.

Study abroad program cancellations are rare. Programs may cancel for reasons such as natural disasters, disease outbreak and terrorism. Some programs may choose not to terminate just for these reasons alone. It would be difficult to explain every scenario here but please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Our policy is to follow the U.S. Department of State in its public notices to U.S. citizens worldwide. If U.S. citizens were recalled from a country in which we have a program, we would force students to return home as well (this is the reason we encourage certain types of insurance and round trip airfare purchases).

The U.S. Department of State provides travel advisories for U.S. citizens abroad. A “Caution” or “Announcement” means that U.S. citizens traveling to a country with an issued advisory should be cautious when traveling to or within that country.

A “Warning” advisory for a specific country indicates that the U.S. government has received a threat of some kind and is warning U.S. citizens to defer travel to that country or region. University policy does not authorize travel where the U.S. State Department issues a “Warning”.

A fact sheet simply outlines information that the U.S. government feels that citizens should know about a country before traveling there. The State Department issues “fact sheets” for every country.

In the unlikely event of an incident we would communicate with students via e-mail, regular mail, or telephone. All students go through a pre-departure and arrival orientation. During these orientations, issues such as contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy abroad and collecting emergency contact information in-country are discussed. Of course, we always recommend that students take basic precautions such as letting people know where they are even when going out for the evening, leaving an itinerary for travel outside the host city, and staying in contact with their parents or family in the U.S.

Students attending the pre-departure orientation are given a Study Abroad Pre-Departure Handbook which includes the names and contact information for all persons working in the Office of International Research, Education, and Development. Also included is the contact information for all active U.S. Embassies abroad. For more information regarding US. Embassies abroad, please visit www.usembassy.state.gov. We suggest students create a document, perhaps a laminated card, with the contact information clearly written on it. It is also important to create such a document with emergency numbers and information for the host country in which the student will be studying as well.

Unless a major incident occurs, we do not contact parents. We encourage students to talk with their parents regarding their decision to study abroad and ask that parents contact us with any questions they may have.

The Assistant Program Director for Education Abroad, the Study Abroad Coordinator, and Peer Advisors talk to students about safety and security issues abroad. During advising sessions, the staff share their own experiences traveling, studying, and living abroad with students. Furthermore, the Office of International Research, Education, and Development provides resources to students so they can do their own research for the country in which he or she is interested in studying.

During the pre-departure orientation we give students very specific suggestions about how to conduct themselves abroad, including basic security measures. In-country, the students are usually given a thorough orientation. These orientation usually take place in the host city and cover topics such as health and safety abroad, academic structures in the host country, politics, and other related study abroad interests. The host country staff often meets with the students, holds special events, takes students out for meals or other special gatherings, provides opportunities for students to discuss any topics of concern or comment.

We recommend that students take reasonable precautions while abroad. They should avoid any and all risky behavior (excessive alcohol consumption, drug use and possession, or risky sexual behavior), walking alone at night, and taking excursions alone or without informing another person where they are going and for how long.

During the Pre-departure Orientation, we revisit the topic of safety and security and provide suggestions such as:
* 'Blend in' to the local community. Socialize and study with host university degree students. Get to know the students in the host classes and dormitories. Speak the language in your host country as much as possible. Don't stick out by speaking English where Spanish, French, or German is the norm. Speak softly. Americans tend to speak loudly and attract unwanted attention that way.
* Follow local security instructions. If police or other government officials have instructed certain behavior, follow the rules, politely and quietly.
* Always carry a photocopy of your U.S. passport and other forms of identification. Don't travel with large groups of Americans. Always travel with at least one other person, especially after dark. Carry extra cash for a taxi in case you are lost or feel uncomfortable.
* Stay away from political rallies or protests.

While this is not an extensive list, it does provide examples of safety and security precautions for travel and study abroad. As always, the U.S. Department of State provides other travel suggestions at www.travel.state.gov.

Virginia Tech is committed to providing equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The Office of International Research, Education, and Development encourages students with disabilities to explore study abroad at Virginia Tech.

As you may know, the American Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed into law in 1990. Unfortunately, this law does not apply to overseas institutions. Many international institutions, and cities, are not equipped to provide the services which are available to students in the United States. Nevertheless, students with disabilities can and do study abroad. If your son or daughter has a disability (e.g. a learning disability, a visual impairment, etc.), and is interested in studying abroad we suggest he or she contact the Office of Student Life and Advocacy to begin working on a plan. We will work with the Office of Student Life and Advocacy and the student to find the best option available.

For more information about disabilities and accessibility overseas, please visit Mobility International.

Ronald Daniel
Academic Director of CESA & Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education
Office of the Provost (0132)
330 Burruss Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone: (540) 231-3341
Fax: (540) 231-7211
Email: rdaniel@vt.edu

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Management Entity: Office of International Research, Education, & Development,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA - 24061-0334