The U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for Europe issued yesterday . The full text of the alert is below. The intention of this message is not to alarm any students abroad. As can been seen in the message below, there is no indication of specific threats to American’s safety in Europe. The Isabella Cannon International Center (CIC) staff only suggests that students studying abroad in Europe limit their travel away from their host country and take this opportunity to explore locally. Also it is suggested that students should avoid obvious tourist attractions.
The ICIC also would like to take this opportunity again to remind students of some safety issues discussed during your pre-departure orientations:
· Register on-line with the US Department of State: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
· Follow the local and international media
· Be aware of your surroundings
· Avoid demonstrations and other large public gatherings
· Know how to get in touch with your program coordinators on-site and with Elon
· Keep your family back home informed of your whereabouts, especially when travelling away from your host city
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions and concerns. You can reach us at +1-336-278-6700 during regular office hours. We can also be reached 24/7 through Elon Campus Police at +1-336-278-5555. The State Department’s travel tips can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html.
Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Europe
October 3, 2010
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe. Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks. European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions.
Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.
We continue to work closely with our European allies on the threat from international terrorism, including al-Qa’ida. Information is routinely shared between the U.S. and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
We recommend U.S. citizens register their travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere in the world.
For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country-Specific Information as well as the Worldwide Caution, which can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. For further information on safety tips while traveling abroad, U.S. citizens should also consult the following website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html.
This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2011.