Amid the conflict in the Middle East, the United States Department of State issued a worldwide travel warning for Americans. What does that mean for students already overseas in study abroad programs? WLWT spoke to local universities about the steps they are taking to keep students safe. Northern Kentucky University, like other schools in the area, is monitoring the situation closely and has been in contact with students. As of right now no one studying abroad is getting pulled from their programs. According to NKU’s Global Affairs Director, François Le Roy, says currently, 25 students are overseas. He added that NKU does not have students in any part of the world who would be at risk for war. “We are not, we’re not at a point where we need to consider bringing them home, as we’ve had in the past in other circumstances,” Le Roy said. Right now, the travel alert is a worldwide caution and reminder for U.S. citizens to stay aware while traveling internationally. The Department of State also advises Americans not to travel to Gaza.If the travel advisory is heightening to a higher level, Le Roy said NKU would likely advise students to come home. After the advisory came out, NKU notified all students overseas. “They’ve all received messages alerting them about the potential risk and to avoid areas where there might be demonstrations,” Le Roy said. Le Roy went on to say no matter the current situation, students studying abroad are never completely alone and are constantly cared for. He stressed student safety is always the top priority.”There’s always both an umbrella and a safety net all at the same time to ensure their safety,” Le Roy said. “Our student safety is by far our number one priority. We would never do anything that would put our students in harm’s way.”Xavier University shared that its International Education Team has been in contact with its students abroad. The team keeps students informed and advises on ways to stay safe. The University of Cincinnati is looking into the situation. We will update you once we hear back.
Amid the conflict in the Middle East, the United States Department of State issued a worldwide travel warning for Americans.
What does that mean for students already overseas in study abroad programs?
Advertisement
WLWT spoke to local universities about the steps they are taking to keep students safe.
Northern Kentucky University, like other schools in the area, is monitoring the situation closely and has been in contact with students. As of right now no one studying abroad is getting pulled from their programs.
According to NKU’s Global Affairs Director, François Le Roy, says currently, 25 students are overseas. He added that NKU does not have students in any part of the world who would be at risk for war.
“We are not, we’re not at a point where we need to consider bringing them home, as we’ve had in the past in other circumstances,” Le Roy said.
Right now, the travel alert is a worldwide caution and reminder for U.S. citizens to stay aware while traveling internationally. The Department of State also advises Americans not to travel to Gaza.
If the travel advisory is heightening to a higher level, Le Roy said NKU would likely advise students to come home.
After the advisory came out, NKU notified all students overseas.
“They’ve all received messages alerting them about the potential risk and to avoid areas where there might be demonstrations,” Le Roy said.
Le Roy went on to say no matter the current situation, students studying abroad are never completely alone and are constantly cared for. He stressed student safety is always the top priority.
“There’s always both an umbrella and a safety net all at the same time to ensure their safety,” Le Roy said. “Our student safety is by far our number one priority. We would never do anything that would put our students in harm’s way.”
Xavier University shared that its International Education Team has been in contact with its students abroad. The team keeps students informed and advises on ways to stay safe.
The University of Cincinnati is looking into the situation. We will update you once we hear back.