From Program Coordinators Abroad

Dear Students and Families,

As Program Coordinators of the AIFS Partnership programs, we are writing to reassure you that all students have been given comprehensive guidelines on security and public behavior. AIFS also believes that the students should keep in close contact with family and friends in the U.S. as this is obviously the most reassuring and therapeutic course of action.

As far as receiving news is concerned, all Department of State Public Announcements and U.S. Embassy Advisory Messages are posted on the AIFS bulletin boards at the universities as soon as they are received. In addition, all AIFS students have been given a written copy of the attached security precautions.

Everyone at AIFS is monitoring the world situation as it changes and we have the students best interests foremost in our minds. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to let us know.

Sincerely,

AIFS Program Coordinators

We would like to remind you, just as we do each semester anyway, of the following basic safety precautions:

• Maintain a low profile—don't attract attention by being overloud in public.
  
  
• Try and stay informed of the world situation via newspapers, radio and TV.
  
  
• Avoid discussing politics in public. Be aware of what you discuss with strangers or what others may overhear.
  
  
• Avoid areas where demonstrations are in progress.
  
  
• Be cautious when meeting new people. Do not give new acquaintances your homestay address or the office address.
  
  
• Be alert of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity to the local security or police officials.
  
  
• Make sure that someone knows where you are (your roommate, for example) at all times.
  
  
• Treat mail from unfamiliar sources with suspicion.
  
  
• Never accept a package or suitcase from someone you do not know well. Likewise, do not offer to watch someone else's belongings in train or bus stations, airports or other public places.
  
  
• Stay in touch regularly with your family. Parents can get very worried if you don't make that Sunday afternoon phone call home.
  
  
• Make sure that you have some form of identification with you at all times.
  
  
• Remember that drinking too much may put you in a very vulnerable position as your judgment will be impaired

Additionally, when traveling:

• Be discreet.
  
  
• If you are planning to travel over a weekend, please let your Program Coordinator know where you intend to travel and give a contact address and/or phone number.
  
  
• Avoid going out late at night and drinking too much in places and with people you don't know.

In light of the current situation, we would like to add:

• Avoid dress and behavior that may identify you as an American.
  
  
• You may want to consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and regional travel brochures at the Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov.