Syracuse University Abroad is currently discouraging independent travel to large European and Middle East cities, according to a statement.

SU Abroad is requiring all students who do independently travel to register their travel plans with their respective SU centers as well as with the International SOS MyTrips Personal Travel Locator. In a statement released Thursday, the program expressed its solidarity with the victims and all those affected by the recent terrorist attacks.

In the statement from Margaret Himley, associate provost of international education and engagement, she said SU Abroad has been monitoring each situation continually, reviewing State Department and International SOS travel guidance and are formulating its responses in light of the changes that are taking place.

The staff at the four European SU Abroad centers are working closely with students, especially those who were in Paris at the time of the attacks, and are offering counseling to those who request it, according to the statement.

The statement added that there are ongoing discussions — both informal and in relevant classes — about these “dramatic” events, their meaning and their implications.

“As international educators, we are working to balance our commitment to engagement with the world with our responsibility for the safety of the students on our programs,” Himley said in the statement.

SU Abroad is reviewing all center-related field trips, the statement said. Some will be maintained, some will be modified and others will be canceled.

The statement added that students who are traveling are reminded to be aware of their surroundings, thoughtful about their own personal safety, plan their itinerary with safety in mind and refer to the U.S. State Department for security updates.

Published on November 19, 2015 at 12:19 pm

Contact Sara: smswann@syr.edu | @saramswann