Spring 2008

Safety and Security
North Dakota State University
Study Abroad Programs

Dear Students and Parents:

I hope your semester abroad will be enriching and rewarding! Fall semester at NDSU is just around the corner, and I want to take this opportunity to remind you that we're here to help in any way we can. I also have some issues concerning safety that I want to share with you.

The current political situation surrounding the war with Iraq, the increased terrorist threats in the world and the fact that you will be separated from your friends and family are issues that are on all our minds. The safety and security of the students we serve are of paramount importance to everyone at North Dakota State University.

The developments in the world in the past few years provide a lot of uncertainty for many, and we recognize the need to address some of the concerns that surface from war, terrorist threats, and other international conflicts.

At the present time, we have not cancelled any program and have no plans to cancel programs. We are concerned about the world situation and are monitoring it. We are concerned for the safety of all our students, and we feel communication is one of our best safety plans.

We are informed by a variety of sources in making program security decisions. These include the U.S. Department of State, our partner institutions, overseas staff, our own (and other institutions') faculty and other experts, news media, and professional colleagues throughout the world.

We believe that students who are overseas on our programs are safe. You are encouraged to stay in close contact with your resident directors, international offices and/or with host institution officials. Please verify that you have been registered with the local U.S. embassy or consulate. Locate the consulate nearest you and write, e-mail or call them to register.
(See instructions below)

We will continue to do our best to receive current information and to monitor conditions so that we may make necessary and prudent changes in our recommendations and policies, and will do our best to continue to keep you informed. Please refer to this page with any questions you may have, and tell your loved ones they may do the same.

Please contact us with your ideas, suggestions, questions, and concerns. The safety and security of all of our students is of primary importance. We want students to have safe, positive, and enriching study abroad experiences, and we believe that there is no better way to promote peace and understanding than to do what you are doing now as an international student ambassador.


Sincerely yours,

Lisa Hauck
Associate Director
Lisa.Hauck@ndsu.edu

A Note about Registration at U.S. Embassies or Consulates:
As soon as you arrive at your permanent residence abroad, you should register in person or by telephone with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate - or register via the web at https://travelregistration.state.gov   Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released to inquirers without your expressed written authorization. If you register in person, you should bring your U.S. passport with you. Your passport data will be recorded at the embassy or consulate, thereby making it easier for you to apply for a replacement passport should it be lost or stolen.

*Effective immediately:  Students studying abroad during Fall 2007 are required to purchase study abroad health insurance through NDSU*

Please see the study abroad advisor for details

Avian Influenza information
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