SafeAbroad

Spotlight On: Emily Rittenberg, Co-Founder of Being Well Abroad

In this edition of Spotlight On, Emily Rittenberg, co-founder of Being Well Abroad, discusses the crucial role of psychological flexibility in international education. She explains how this concept, derived from acceptance and commitment therapy, helps students manage distressing thoughts and emotions during their study abroad experiences. Emily emphasizes the importance of pre-departure mental health education and highlights the need for thorough staff training in mental health support and crisis management. By fostering a proactive approach to mental health, Emily aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for students, ultimately enhancing their resilience and overall experience abroad.

Forecast Report: French Anti-Far-Right Protests

The dissolution of a Parliament is the simultaneous termination of all its members in preparation for a new election occurring before the general election. French President Emmanuel Macron set forth a dissolution and terminated the lower house of the French Parliament, moving forward with the election process.

Forecast Report: Georgia Foreign Agent Bill and Related Protests

In May 2024, Georgia’s parliament passed a controversial foreign agent bill requiring organizations receiving over 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. As a result, such organizations are subject to additional scrutiny from the Georgian government via targeted legislation and additional auditing/reporting of operations. This legislation received backlash, with opposition arguing that it stifles freedom of speech and is similar to suppressive Russian laws. Protests have since erupted with demonstrators clashing with police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. SafeAbroad analysts assess that this has created an unsafe environment for travelers, especially in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi where protests are more frequent and intense.

Spotlight On: Allie Oberoi, Associate Director for Global Safety and Risk Management at Virginia Tech

In this insightful edition of “Spotlight On,” we sit down with Allie Oberoi, the Associate Director for Global Safety and Risk Management at Virginia Tech, to explore the multifaceted challenges she faces while supporting student travel for research purposes. With a portfolio of approximately 4500 travelers annually, Allie shares her strategies for managing travel risk as a one-person operation.

The Week Ahead: June 3, 2024

The Week Ahead” provides a succinct global intelligence briefing, offering foresight into upcoming geopolitical, economic, and significant events. Our curated forecast equips you with analytical insights, helping you navigate the week’s developments and clearly understand potential impacts and implications for travelers. Stay informed, stay ahead, Travel Confidently.

The Week Ahead: May 27, 2024

“The Week Ahead” provides a succinct global intelligence briefing, offering foresight into upcoming geopolitical, economic, and significant events. Our curated forecast equips you with analytical insights, helping you navigate the week’s developments and clearly understand potential impacts and implications for travelers. Stay informed, stay ahead, Travel Confidently.

On May 28, labor unions in Paris, France will march from Place d’Italie to Montparnasse to oppose potential changes to the French rail line’s public sector status.

On May 28 at 12:00 PM, labor unions in Paris, France will march from Place d’Italie to Montparnasse to oppose potential changes to the French rail line’s public sector status. Turnout may be in the several thousands, as multiple labor unions are supporting the movement. Expect road closures and heightened security presence around the protest venue. 

On May 29, expect heightened security for the UEFA Conference League Final match at the OPAP Arena in Athens, Greece due to fears of Islamic State terror threats.

Authorities are tightening security for the UEFA Conference League Final match being held at the OPAP Arena in Athens, Greece on May 29 due to fears of Islamic State terror threats. Authorities have collaborated with Europol to identify potential extremists in advance; expect a heightened police presence in key commercial areas around the capital as the event draws closer, including drones, helicopters and special bomb disposal units.

The Week Ahead: May 20, 2024

“The Week Ahead” provides a succinct global intelligence briefing, offering foresight into upcoming geopolitical, economic, and significant events. Our curated forecast equips you with analytical insights, helping you navigate the week’s developments and clearly understand potential impacts and implications for travelers. Stay informed, stay ahead, Travel Confidently.

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