New Haven, CT—SafeAbroad, a leading provider of safety and risk management solutions for international education programs, hosted a virtual Lunch and Learn presentation for NAFSA on leveraging social media in a crisis on August 21, 2024.
In this Spotlight On interview, Leah delves into the comprehensive training programs she oversees for faculty and staff involved in study abroad programs. She emphasizes the critical role these programs play in equipping faculty to handle the multifaceted responsibilities they assume abroad, including health, safety, and student affairs. She also highlights the value of interactive workshops, drawing on real-world examples and external expertise to fuel continuous feedback and ensure the training remains effective and responsive to emerging trends and faculty needs.
On August 14, the União Nacional dos Estudantes (UNE) students’ union will lead nationwide protests to denounce recent education reforms. While most protests are expected at government buildings in urban centers, previous UNE calls for protest have resulted in associated demonstrations on the University of São Paulo campus.
In this “Spotlight On” interview, LaSharon McLean Perez, Assistant Director for Education Abroad at UC Riverside, outlines her holistic approach to pre-departure preparation. She details a multi-touchpoint program that includes selection maintenance seminars, financial literacy workshops, and safety and wellness training in partnership with SafeAbroad. Lasharon emphasizes the importance of tailored safety training for various destinations and building trust with students to encourage proactive reporting of safety concerns, and the need to keep students informed and supported throughout their time 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.
On March 24, the French government raised the country’s terror alert warning to its highest level after the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Russian concert hall attack in a Moscow suburb on March 22. France was already increasing security measures in preparation to host the Paris Olympics and Paralympics this year, which are expected to draw millions of visitors to the country during July and August.
• Madrid, Spain: Protest Advisory | On February 21, large demonstrations across Madrid may block major highways and roads. Demonstrators are protesting in response to similar actions across Europe against EU farming policies. Plan alternative means of transportation to avoid traveling near demonstration sites.
• Guayaquil, Ecuador: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, Guayaquil will likely experience residual effects from recent heavy rain. Debris from flooding, downed power lines, and residual floods are likely to present hazards. Expect travel delays, practice enhanced situational awareness, and monitor local news.
• Newtown, Australia: Protest Advisory | On February 18, LGBTQIA+ activists in Australia will gather to raise awareness on issues facing their community. The event is planned at Pride Square at 2:00 PM. Travelers should expect delays surrounding the protest venue.
• Multiple Countries: Weather Advisory | Through at least February 12, weather alerts for Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have been issued. Thunderstorms carrying heavy rain, wind, and hail are expected to affect the area. Be aware of potential flash floods, seek shelter and high ground as needed, and monitor weather reports.
• Nationwide, Portugal: Protest Advisory | Protests around new EU agricultural policies are expected to continue in the coming days. Recent roadblockades have been lifted, but disruptions are expected to persist. Plan for travel delays.
• Valparaiso, Chile: Disaster Advisory | Wildfires are expected to continue in Valparaiso in the coming days. The highest level of alert (red) has been issued by the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, prompting evacuations and curfews. Expect traffic delays and heed evacuation orders. Monitor local media for evacuation notices and air quality alerts.
• Waitangi, New Zealand: Protest Advisory | Demonstrations are likely during the National Waitangi Day celebration from February 3–6. Roughly 60,000 people are expected to attend the main events, and anti-government protests are scheduled during the celebrations. Maintain situational awareness and avoid protests.
• Nationwide, Senegal: Protest Advisory | Protests stemming from the indefinite suspension of the February 25 presidential election are likely across Senegal in the coming days. Expect heightened security and avoid large public gatherings.
On January 11 at approximately 6:42 AM, a man attacked and wounded six people with a homemade, bladed weapon at Gare du Nord train station in Paris, leaving one with serious injuries. Off-duty police officers neutralized the threat within a minute of the attack, shooting the assailant three times and leaving him in critical condition.
On February 10, U.S. State department urged any U.S. citizens located in Ukraine to leave the country while commercial and private means are still available. The announcement comes in response to the mounting risk of Russian invasion. It is unlikely that U.S. troops will be dispatched to evacuate stranded citizens should the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalate.
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