Northwestern University is closely monitoring events in the Middle East/North Africa resulting from protests related to a U.S.-based video clip designed to insult Islam and ridicule the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Northwestern University provides educational opportunities in numerous countries around the world including these locations. We know that all NU students in the Middle East/North Africa are safe and accounted for. In these locations, student housing and classrooms are not located in areas affected by the protests; facilities are open and continue to operate normally.

Because it is hard to predict how protest activities may spread in the region and elsewhere around the world, students in all locations abroad have been asked to comply with following security measures:

• Register their stay abroad with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive timely email updates from your local Embassy or Consulate:  https://step.state.gov/step/

• Avoid areas of town where the U.S. and other western embassies or consulates are located. Students needing consular services should discuss this with their resident director or local international student office before visiting the embassy or consulates. There may be ways to achieve these objectives remotely.

• For the time being, avoid U.S.-based businesses abroad (such as well-known chain restaurants) or bars, restaurants or other places of business where North Americans are known to congregate.

• Stay in regular contact with on-staff staff and follow their advice regarding safe movement in your city, country or region.

• Check in regularly (more than usual) with family and friends in the States or elsewhere. Violent images in the news will cause alarm. If such incidents are having no impact on one's safety or security, say so.

• Keep updated on the situation by following media reports.

• If confronted by members of the military or law enforcement, request identification, but show deference and respect.

• Be mindful of sharing personal details, such one's name and address, with strangers (unless they are members of the military or law enforcement).

• Be prepared to "hunker down" in your residence in case demonstrations occur in your community. Have sufficient provisions (food, water, etc.) as well as plans to keep yourself occupied.

• In the unlikely event that curfews are imposed by the host institution/provider or host government  – adhere to them as well as follow these rules and any other emergency orders given.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Worldwide Caution to alert travelers to the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

A Worldwide Caution is designed to call attention to security threats abroad. Northwestern University's study abroad programs continue to operate normally. Students are regularly reminded to take measures related to their personal safety.

Please review the full text on the Worldwide Caution page.

For more information about safety and security on study abroad programs, contact Julie Friend, Associate Director for International Safety and Security, at julie.friend@northwestern.edu or at (847) 467-3175.