Health & Safety Alerts

On Tuesday, December 3rd, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an “emergency martial law” Tuesday accusing the country’s opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea, and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities. In the same evening, South Korea's parliament voted to block martial law.

We messaged student(s), their families, and schools to share information related to the President’s announcement and recent updates, along with steps to help maintain student’s safety.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring government developments. Should anything arise that could impact students’ regular activities, we will be in contact. We also asked students to pay close attention to any communications from Yonsei University or Korea University, as they may provide updates regarding classes or campus measures related to the current situation.

The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priorities. We provided key guidelines for their safety: 

• Always notify your roommates and friends of your comings and goings.
• Keep your cellphone always charged and with data and emergency contact information in hand.
• Reach out to IES Abroad staff immediately in case of any uncertainties or emergencies.
• Stay away from large crowds, protests, and government buildings.
• Please follow the local news information from official channels and disregard rumors or false news.
• Review your emails and Kakao groups for any updates from Seoul Center staff; and
• Enter your independent travel plans on Trip Tracker.

Our experienced crisis management team is actively engaged, and we will provide additional updates, as necessary.

In light of recent events and activities around the world that have sparked demonstrations, this is a reminder that we strongly advise students studying abroad to avoid participating in local protests or demonstrations. 

Laws and customs regarding freedom of speech and assembly differ widely around the world. Unlike in the United States, many countries do not offer the same protections, and participation in protests could result in serious consequences, including arrest.

For the safety of all students, the IES Abroad Center is required to follow up with any individual if they learn that any IES Abroad student has violated our advice and was involved in a protest or demonstration. If students violate our advice and/or local/national law, they may be subject to an administrative review from IES Abroad. 

Safety Tips & Resources:

• Avoid large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations, even if they seem peaceful.
• Keep your phone charged and with you at all times. IES Abroad must be able to reach you by phone for emergency purposes.
• Save your IES Abroad Center’s daytime and emergency phone numbers in your mobile phone.
• Familiarize yourself with your host country’s emergency numbers.
• Always respond to emergency communication messages from your Center. All students must respond to emergency messages from your Center staff at all times. Failure to do so may result in administrative  review.

Your health and safety is our top priority. Throughout the semester, your Center staff will continue to keep you informed about health and safety matters at your location.  If they become aware of a concern, they will communicate with you directly to help keep you aware and prepared. If you have any questions or concerns about this message, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Center Staff.  They are very willing to be of assistance to you.

In preparation for the soccer match between France and Israel in Paris, and as a follow up to the November 7th violence outbreak at the soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam, the Stade de France area and Paris in general will have increased security, potential transport disruptions, possible clashes, and demonstrations. 

Below are specific guidelines on continued safety and communication protocols for students in Paris right now:

• Avoid the Stade de France and Saint Denis area between now and the weekend.  
• Avoid large crowds or any protests and stay away from confrontations.
• Keep your phone charged and with you at all times. IES Abroad must be able to reach you by phone for emergency purposes.
• Call IES Abroad if you feel unsafe or witness any concerning activity. Our 24/7emergency phone number is +33.6.23.25.95.24. 
• Call 112 to reach Paris’s emergency services (equivalent of 911 in the US) if you are in need of emergency assistance. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, or in a situation where you cannot speak, you can text or call 114 for help. 
• If you experience any act of intolerance, please contact IES staff immediately. We want to be of help to you. 

As always, we will continue to monitor local events and news, and any updates to safety information or guidelines will be posted here. 

On November 7th, it was reported that violence broke out at the soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam. All Amsterdam students are safe. Our on-the-ground Center staff took proactive measures and informed students about the potential for unrest, strongly advised them to stay away from the match and any related gatherings, reminded students of safety protocols, and provided extended support at the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center. 

Safety Reminders & Support Resources Communicated to On-Site Students:

• A counselor is on-site at the Center on Tuesday November 12th, between 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. and on Wednesday November 13th from 9-11 a.m. Students can drop by at any time.
• The IES Abroad Amsterdam Center is a place for community and refuge, and students are invited to spend as much time as they need there.  
• If students experience any act of intolerance, they should contact the IES Abroad Amsterdam staff immediately. 
• Avoid large crowds or any protests. The ban on demonstrations has been extended until Thursday, 14 November 7 a.m. During this time, there will be more police present in the city.
• Call IES Abroad if you feel unsafe or witness any concerning activity. 
• Monitor any information that comes from your partner university - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Universiteit van Amsterdam, or Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
• Call 112 to reach Amsterdam’s emergency helpline if you are in need of emergency assistance. An ambulance, fire department or police will be dispatched to help. For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, the call equivalent is to text 0800 8112. 
• For U.S. citizens in need of assistance from the U.S. Government via the Embassy: Call: +31 (0) 70 310-2209 and Press 3 for emergency support. Alternate US number +1 301 985 8808.
  *Please note only U.S. citizens are eligible for emergency assistance. 

As always, the Crisis Management Team will continue to monitor local events and news. While we understand that incidents like these can be unsettling, the safety and well-being of all students remains our highest priority, and we will continue to provide them and their families with the information and support they need.

Independent Travel Ban 

The health and safety of IES Abroad students is our highest priority. Regretfully, the conflicts in Ukraine and in Gaza continue. As such, IES Abroad will continue to prohibit independent student travel to these locations and their surrounding areas.  

To ensure student health and safety, IES Abroad (including IES Internships, and our Customized & Faculty-Led programs) will continue its complete travel ban for Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, and the greater Middle East, which includes Palestine, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Travel to countries bordering Russia and Ukraine (including Poland) must be approved in advance.  

Be advised of the following: 

• These regulations can be changed at any time as circumstances require.
• Students must monitor all communication from IES Abroad for updates to this policy.
• If a student's home campus prohibits travel outside of the host country, those students are not permitted to travel elsewhere at all (except for going home).

This is a matter of the utmost importance. Students who violate this directive on travel to Eastern Europe and the greater Middle East may be dismissed from their IES Abroad program. Questions about this policy can be directed to the Dean of Students Office in Chicago or the Center Director for their program abroad. 

Our shanghai programs are currently suspended:

• Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society
• Shanghai - Engineering
• Shanghai Summer – Engineering
• Shanghai Summer - Intensive Language
• Shanghai Summer – Engineering Internship
• Shanghai Summer – Internship Program

We continue to monitor the situation, and will continue to keep this page up to date with the latest information.