Syracuse University Abroad program directors urge travel caution
Syracuse University Study Abroad program directors issued a travel awareness update to students due to the international military conflict. While SU programs abroad will continue as planned, program leaders urge caution for outside travel. Christian Calabrese | Staff Photographer
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Various Syracuse University study abroad program directors issued “travel awareness updates” to students amid international military conflict, urging caution for upcoming travel.
In the updates, obtained by The Daily Orange, directors said SU programs abroad will continue as planned, despite recent military conflicts between the Iran war. Students at SU’s Madrid, Florence, London, Strasbourg and Santiago satellite campuses received variations of the message.
“At this time, there is no impact to Syracuse University program locations, and there is no known immediate threat to our students or staff,” the Florence, Madrid and Strasbourg emails read.
The United States Department of State issued a worldwide security alert on Saturday, advising Americans to exercise “increased caution” when traveling internationally. The alert was in response to the recent U.S.-Israeli military airstrikes on Iran.
Students at the Santiago and London campuses received similar communication from program leaders, emphasizing current safety conditions in each country, yet urging caution for outside travel.
In a message from SU Abroad London’s program, director Stephanie Solywoda highlighted the SU policy that students are prohibited to travel to any areas marked by the DOS as a Level 3 or Level 4 risk without university approval. Countries at those levels currently include Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait and Qatar.
“Please make careful, well-informed travel decisions,” Solywoda wrote. “Maintaining a low profile where appropriate and staying connected with program staff are prudent measures.”
Program directors from Florence, Madrid and Strasbourg also reiterated this rule in their emails to students.
“Please also bear in mind that emotions are running high and that you may be perceived as an American as you travel and inadvertently aligned with current events,” the Florence, Madrid and Strasbourg emails read. “We recommend you travel with caution and a low profile.”
The emails also told students to follow SU’s mandatory travel submission policy during spring break, when student travel increases.
Any independent travel should be submitted through the AlertTraveler app by Thursday, according to messages from SU’s Florence, Madrid, Strasbourg and London programs.
“Given the current international situation, we want to make sure we can provide timely support and assistance if needed,” the Florence, Madrid and Strasbourg emails read. “Sharing your information helps us stay connected and ensures that we can reach you quickly should circumstances change or if any travel advisories are issued.”
Students currently studying abroad with questions and concerns can contact the emergency contact number provided to them at the beginning of their program for support, according to the Florence, Madrid and Strasbourg emails.
