UPDATE (Mar. 22, 2016 at 10:30am)—The Office of International Safety and Security has confirmed the safety of all students and faculty on our sponsored programs in Belgium. The office will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Champaign, Illinois (Mar. 22, 2016 at 7:15am)—An important message from the Office of International Safety and Security regarding the attacks in Brussels. Please share with other Illinois students abroad in Belgium.
Dear Students,
As the Assistant Director for International Safety and Security, I am checking in to be sure that you are doing OK and encourage you to avoid public spaces and stay put until you are positive that traveling is safe.
Please email me at bordeau@illinois.edu, if possible, so that I and others who may call me know that you are doing well.
In keeping with best travel practices, I encourage you to:
1. Stay put and do not travel in public spaces until you know the situation is safe;
2. Update your contact information in the Illinois Study Abroad online portal;
3. Update any family members or loved ones to let them know that you are OK. An easy way to do this is to forward this email.
4. If you have not already registered for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), please do so via this link: https://step.state.gov/step/. Enrollment with the State Department, or with the Embassy / Consulate of your country, will enable them to better assist you in the event of an emergency during your travels.
5. Follow local news, the advice of your local contacts, and the updates from the U.S. Embassy in Brussels to remain up-to-date on the situation: http://belgium.usembassy.gov/security_messages.html;
6. If needed, you can also contact the University of Illinois by emailing me directly or calling the 24/7 emergency phone line at 217-333-1216.
The University is keeping careful track of events using multiple sources. I will be in touch with updates as well. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Best,
Andrea Bordeau
Assistant Director for International Safety and Security