Dear USF Study Abroad Student,
As you already know, your safety abroad is of great concern to us. In this ever-changing world, situations within the global community cause us all to remain diligent and alert. It is with this in mind that the Office of Study Abroad is sending out the following information concerning your safety while you are overseas.
First, you should register with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your country. If you have not done this, please do it immediately. It is important that the Consulate/Embassy staff know where you are living abroad and how to contact you; you should also have the phone number of the Consulate/Embassy in case you need to contact them.
Secondly, we urge you to maintain a "low profile" while you are abroad. This means blending in to the local culture as much as possible. Do not travel in large packs, speaking English loudly, and wearing clothes with your school logo. Travel around the city and country in small groups, quietly, and dress like someone who lives in this country.
If a world emergency arises while you are abroad, do not panic. Many events will have no effect on your daily life. But do remain in close contact with the director or coordinator of your program, or with the International Student Office at the university where you are studying. They, in turn, are in constant contact with us, and we are with them. You should also keep in contact with your family while you are away, because they will worry more about you. Phone them or send them e-mail frequently to reassure them.
If you are traveling on the weekend, it is important that someone know where you are. Leave contact information, or an itinerary with a roommate, a flat-mate, or a friend. And return when you say you are planning to, or telephone to tell your friends that you are staying later. It is important that someone know where you are when you are away from campus. Take with you when you travel the telephone number of the international office at your host university, and, if they have one, their emergency phone number, and use these if you need to.
If an emergency situation arises when you are away from school, and you cannot contact your host university, call the Office of Study Abroad at USF immediately. Our contact numbers are below.
We also urge you to avoid any crowd activity while you are away. Do not join demonstrations for or against anything! Keep away from such demonstrations, as crowd behavior can be unpredictable. Do not enter into arguments or heated discussions in pubs or clubs where there may be anti-American, or anti-American-policy opinions expressed. Again... keep a low profile.
We are including the web site links listed below for additional information concerning safety abroad, and we ask you to visit these sites. You will find the information very helpful and of use during your time abroad, regardless of any changes in the world. It is practical information which applies to all Americans abroad, and some material that is specifically geared towards you, those participating on academic programs abroad. You'll find information on how to "blend in" as much as possible while abroad.
Feel free to contact this office if you have any questions or concerns regarding any information presented in this message. You will find USF Emergency Contact information, as well as the location and contact details of the closest US Embassy/Consulate to your varied locations abroad, at the end of this message. Please keep these contacts with you at all times in case of emergency. We remain committed to helping you if the need arises.
At the same time, we want you to continue to enjoy your semester abroad. We do not want to alarm you unnecessarily, and we believe you are in no danger, so long as you follow the instructions above and use good common sense about where to go and how to behave. We wish you a good semester and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Office of Study Abroad
University of South Florida
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Safety Resources:
From the US State Department:
Emergency Contact Information:
Study Abroad Office, International Affairs Center
Office Address: 468 Cooper Hall
Mailing Address: 4202 East Fowler Avenue, CPR107
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida 33620-5550
Front Desk Office Phone: (813) 974-4314
(this phone is answered from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.)
Fax Number: (813) 974-4613
Phone Numbers / E-mail Addresses for Emergency Contact
Mr. James Pulos, Assistant Director, Education Abroad Office
Office Phone: (813) 974-4043
Email: jpulos@iac.usf.edu
Ms. Amanda Maurer, Director, Education Abroad Office
Office Phone: (813) 974-4126
E-mail: amaurer@iac.usf.edu
Dr. Maria Crummett, Dean of International Affairs
Office Phone: (813) 974-8081
E-mail crummett@iac.usf.edu
USF Campus Police
Phone: (813) 974-2628
* This phone is staffed 24 hours per day and will contact the Dean of International Affairs and the Director of Study Abroad in case of a student emergencies while abroad. The campus telecommunications equipment does not accept collect calls.
Contact Information for US Overseas Embassy/Consular Offices
You can also find information on US Overseas Embassy/Consular Offices at: http://usembassy.state.gov/ |
