June 2025 Travel Safety Message to Students

The email below is being sent to students currently on CIS Abroad programs:

Dear Student,

At CIS Abroad, your safety is our utmost priority, and it’s a crucial part of your study abroad journey. 

The U.S. Department of State recently issued a Worldwide Caution alert, advising Americans abroad to be more aware of their surroundings due to the potential for demonstrations in response to recent events in the Middle East.  Here is a link to the State Department’s alert.

While we don't anticipate specific issues in your location, this serves as a good reminder to remain alert and follow these key safety guidelines:

Avoid all demonstrations and protests  

• Participation in demonstrations can compromise safety and can jeopardize your ability to remain in the country.  

Be aware of your surroundings

• Take care of your fellow study abroad students.
• If something looks off, then it is best to get away from it.
• If a situation feels unsafe, walk away immediately.
  

Stay informed

• Follow local news reports.
• Read all messages that your on-site staff send to you.
• Ask your on-site staff questions if you have concerns.  

Log any independent travel in your CIS Abroad independent travel form

• Please do this before leaving your city.
• We want to know where you are so that we can respond in an emergency.

Keep your cell phone with you at all times

• Ensure it's charged and turned on, and please respond promptly to any messages or calls from CIS Abroad staff.

Your local CIS Abroad staff are well-trained and experienced. Their primary concern is your health and safety. The CIS Abroad Team is actively monitoring news feeds, alerts, and various other channels and will provide updates if necessary. Your on-site staff is also available to support you; please don't hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

If you follow these tips, we are confident you will continue to have a great study abroad experience! Be safe and have a great rest of your week!

Best Wishes,

Joe Debiec and the CIS Abroad Risk Management Team