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Westminster College Information for Students Traveling Abroad

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Posted on Tuesday, November 24, 2015

In the wake of the November 13th attacks in Paris, our thoughts and prayers remain with those affected by the tragedy. Our thoughts and concerns also are with Westminster students and faculty who are living and learning abroad this semester.  College administrators continue to monitor the situation across Europe and to rely on reports from the U.S. State Department and our study abroad partners; we are confident that our students and faculty colleagues are safe to complete the remaining weeks of the fall semester and to return to the United States at the scheduled end of their programs.

We advise all members of the Westminster community to follow these safety tips while abroad:

  • Listen to safety information from government officials, including the US State Department, and avoid areas where high alerts have been posted.  (http://www.state.gov)
  • When traveling abroad, know where the closest US Embassy is located, and register your trip with the closest embassy.  (https://step.state.gov/step)
  • Communicate your travel plans to family members, study abroad faculty members and staff, fellow students, the local embassy, etc.
  • Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
  • Avoid areas where demonstrations or protests are occurring.
  • Avoid areas where large crowds are gathered (e.g., holiday events), and be vigilant when in public.
  • Travel together in pairs or small groups so that tracking each other is easier.
  • Have emergency contact information on your cell phones and wallets/bags.
  • Maintain minutes on your cell phone and always keep it turned on so as to be accessible to staff in the event of an emergency.
  • If you see something that doesn't look right, trust your judgment, leave that situation, and report it.

Westminster College is committed to the safety of her students and faculty and will immediately follow all recommendations from the U.S. Department of State.