Health & Safety Alerts

On November 7^th, 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.