Travel Advisory Re: OBL

This was sent as an email but it's also worth posting here.  

       Dear Student:

 

You are receiving this message because our records indicate that you are enrolled in a Michigan State University study abroad programthat begins over the summer. Some of you may be leaving this month, others may not leave until June or July. Regardless, we want to make sure that you are all equally informed. Throughout the summer, please remember to check the OSA Homepage for any updates related to this message. Also, as this is the time of year when flights are delayed or cancelled due to severe thunderstorms, makes sure you review our guidelines regarding severe weather delays.

 

By now you are aware that Osama bin Laden was killed on Sunday in Pakistan by U.S. forces. Shortly following this announcement, the U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Travel Alert, which references the possibility of terrorist attacks against Americans or American interests abroad to avenge bin Laden’s death. However, at this time there is no specific, credible information about potential targets in the U.S. or abroad. As a result, no program changes for summer semester are anticipated. The Worldwide Travel Alert is scheduled to expire August 1, 2011.

 

As per our usual procedures when such announcements are made by State Department, we have posted the link to our homepage. Once abroad, we strongly encourage you to avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations that may be cause for anti-American violence. And, for the time being, we also ask that you refrain from congregating in bars, restaurants or other establishments known to be frequented by American citizens.

 

Since OSA registers all study abroad programs with the U.S. Department of State, there is no need for you to complete the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) discussed in the Alert. Instead, we are writing to remind you to take the Alert seriously and once abroad, to follow the security advice of your program leader(s), host institution/organization, or internship provider. It is also very important that throughout the program you stay in regular contact with your loved ones at home, who may experience additional anxiety about your safety due to widespread media reports of the Alert. 

 

Remember that a Travel Alert is not the same as a Travel Warning. Travel Alerts are considered mid-level advisories and are most often issued to describe temporary threats, including potential risks related to elections, major sporting events, civil unrest related to political or economic issues facing the country, outbreaks of widespread disease (such as H1N1), a break-down of infrastructure following a natural disaster, or in this case, a potential terrorist threat. Travel Warnings are the highest level of advisory, noting long-term, systemic, dangerous conditions tied to political, social, economic or environmental conditions.  

 

Should you have any questions or concerns about your safety, please contact your program leaders(s), resident director, or internship supervisor on-site. In an emergency, you may also call our 24/7 hotline at 517-353-3784.