The events in Israel and Gaza have sparked protests around the world and protest activity is expected to increase on Friday, October 13, 2023. International Safety and Security encourages all travelers to exercise caution and practice good situational awareness while in public to enhance personal safety.
Best practices for staying safe during times of increased protest activity include:
- Go out in groups and tell someone where you are going.
- Stay informed
- Follow local media;
- Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely security updates from the U.S. Department of State for your study abroad location and any country you might visit on personal travel;
- Follow the guidance of your program or host university.
- Follow all instructions and guidance from local law enforcement or security forces.
- Stay alert. Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts if something feels off or unsafe.
- Avoid large crowds, protests, and other potentially volatile situations.
- Have emergency numbers such as a 24/7 program contact, International Safety and Security, and the local 911 equivalent saved to your phone or written down.
We understand that you might want to join with others and express your care and concern for those who are in harm’s way, but we would encourage you to consider other ways to show your support. As we have seen with regularity in the past few years, large crowds combined with strong emotions can be unpredictable and local law enforcement in the region where you are living may follow very different laws, rules and policies and may even use harsh crowd control measures or arrest protesters.
Please take care this week and we wish you a safe, memorable study abroad experience.
Team International Safety and Security.
24/7 Contact: +1-217-333-1216 (for time-sensitive issues or emergencies) or safetyabroad@illinois.edu (routine matters)