Testimonials

Carrying a US passport, in and of itself, is no guarantee of safety or absolute security. In certain places and certain times, it’s very possible to get caught in political strife that may or may not be directed at foreigners, generally, or Americans, in particular. However, it is important to note that there are very few documented instances in the history of study abroad when political violence appeared to specifically target American students.

During orientation, students will be briefed and reminded at times of heightened political tension about being security conscious in their daily activities.

Terrorism is a 21st-century reality. To succumb to the threat by reacting in fear may well be the objective that terrorists seek to achieve. On the other hand, no one wants to make this point at the expense of the health and safety of your student.

All PFW study-abroad participants are covered by overseas insurance, which includes major medical, evacuation, repatriation, and 24-hour emergency assistance. In those few locations with heightened security concerns, the Study Abroad Program and program directors work with local police, US consular personnel, and local university officials in setting up whatever practical security measures are deemed prudent.

The US government monitors the political conditions in every country of the world daily. For current information, advisories, or warnings, you do the following:

• Call the state department in Washington, DC, at 202-647-4000
• Visit the State Department’s website

Parents with concerns about crime and security threats in a given country are urged to take advantage of US Department of State travel advisories, which are available to the public free of charge. Travel warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country.

Consular information sheets are available for every country of the world. They include information such as location of the US Embassy or Consulate, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.

Don’t let your student leave home without having as many reliable means of contact as possible in place: a mailing address, multiple email addresses, social media contacts, and phone and fax numbers. With this in place, in times of heightened political tension, natural disaster, or other difficulty, you should be able to communicate with each other directly about safety and well-being.

You should develop a family communication plan for regular telephone or email contact, with contingencies for emergency situations.