Dear MSU Travelers:

In light of the recent events in Manchester and London, the Office of International Health and Safety (OIHS) is reaching out to remind travelers of the roles OIHS, the Risk and Security Assessment Committee (RSAC) and International Studies and Programs (ISP) play in overseeing the health, safety, and security of Spartans abroad. OIHS supports the health, safety, and security of all MSU international travelers and works closely with RSAC, the Office for Education Abroad, the University Physician, and colleges/ departments to prevent or minimize the impact of risks to MSU students and employees traveling internationally.

At this time, we are not recommending the cancellation of any scheduled programs in Europe or elsewhere. Any students with questions about refunds in the event of program cancellation or voluntary withdrawal from the program should be referred to the Office for Education Abroad refund policy.

Travel safety is a partnership between OIHS and the travelers we serve. All Spartans traveling abroad are urged to follow the travel safety precautions outlined below.

• In the event that you are impacted by an emergency situation, immediately call the local equivalent of 911 and then call MSU’s 24/7 International Emergency Assistance Line at: +1 (517) 353-3784.
  • Please remember to check in with your loved ones regularly, but particularly if there is a critical incident that occurs near your location.
  • Follow the advice of local partners. Education Abroad participants are especially encouraged to avail themselves of the resources and information available through on-site providers.
  • Exercise vigilance at all times but especially in crowded locations and public transportation. If you see something suspicious, do not hesitate to remove yourself from the situation and report your concern to the local authorities.
  • Minimize time spent around the perimeter of public venues. Be aware of the various exit points and establish a meeting plan with your friends should you become separated.
  • Anticipate increased security presence in major cities and give yourself plenty of extra travel time.
  • Familiarize yourself with multiple forms of safe transportation. Travel with some extra cash, public transportation cards, etc.
  • Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Keep a charged cellphone, capable of making international calls, with you at all times.

 For more travel safety tips and information on the ways OIHS supports traveler safety, please review our website.

We acknowledge that some travelers may have specific concerns and invite them to speak with us directly or we can arrange for discussions with a counselor. We would also like to remind everyone of MSU’s emergency response capacity, collaboration with RSAC to regularly review travel-related risk for the entire MSU community, close monitoring of security conditions in Europe and throughout the world, and information-sharing with partners including the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Council, professional security information providers, and peer institutions.

Do not hesitate to reach out to our office at oihs(at)msu.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Safe travels, 

Christopher C. Daniel, MA, CEM
Director, International Health and Safety
International Studies and Programs
International Center
427 N Shaw Lane, 308
Michigan State University