Security Statement

Bradley University international programs have continued successfully and uninterrupted during the atmosphere of security concerns in recent years. No one, of course, can guarantee others that they will be safe and secure under all circumstances, either in the U.S. or abroad, and we have never made such a pledge. We must all remember, though, that security is no more an international than a domestic matter; the threat of terrorism exists everywhere, at home as well as abroad. Our decisions about moving forward with Bradley Study Abroad programs have consistently been well-founded and will always be carefully considered.

While we are mindful that Americans at home and abroad have witnessed an unprecedented series of events in recent years, on the other hand, safety and security abroad have been longstanding considerations for international programs. Our office is in routine contact about security matters with official government agencies as well as international education organizations, and we pay careful attention to the advice of our government and others. We would communicate and act immediately upon official notification of any compelling, extraordinary, or specific threat in the venues where we conduct our programs. Students would be notified either by a Resident Director or our office should any program changes, cancellations, or postponements be necessary in the future. Our program decisions will continue to be made with all due precaution and prudence.

No matter how “usual” things may seem in foreign locations, it is essential that students continue to follow the advice we provide. We do not encourage fear, but must remind all program participants to exercise vigilance. All study abroad students should continue to exercise caution, keep us informed of any unusual incidents, and contact us at any time if they feel the need or wish to talk with an adviser.

Please take the time to read carefully the points made below. They could turn out to be very important for your safety. We recommend these measures wherever and whenever a student travels; they are not specifically attached to concerns about the threat of terrorism, nor about our programs. They just represent good sense and careful travel practices.

Don’t stand out and don’t go out at night alone. Traveling as an identifiable American group of students might imply more elements of risk than of protection. Remember a general rule: Try not to stand out as a group or as an individual; try to blend in with the surroundings. And, it never makes sense to go out at night alone.
Report suspicious events immediately. Contact your instructor or one of the Resident Directors immediately if you observe suspicious persons within the premises, classrooms, student hangouts, or other venues, and report anything which could indicate threats.
You will be given appropriate numbers to call in the case of an emergency.
Stay away from street demonstrations—even if you just want to watch. In case of immediate threat of terrorist actions or significant incidents you should remember that the safest place you can be usually is in your room, not out on the streets.
Evacuate your hotel room, classroom, or premises immediately if an alarm is activated or if orders to evacuate are given orally.
Don’t be careless with information about yourself, fellow students, or Bradley events. Please be cautious when you meet new people. Do not give out your address or phone number. Never give away or leave “Student Addresses and Phone Numbers,” “Schedules,” or other material describing when and where our group activities take place.
Leave your individual travel itinerary with someone responsible. When you leave for individual travel, leave a note with a faculty member or the Resident Director about where you will go, where you can be reached, and when you will be back.
Don’t carry, look after, or store any package, parcel or suitcase for anyone. Make sure that nobody puts anything in your luggage.
In train stations and airports, do not hang around ticket offices or counters. Go quickly to the lounges beyond passport control.
In all public places, remain alert; look around; get away from any package or bag which appears to be unattended and mention it to employees or the police. Do not leave your own bags or purse unattended at any time.
This is not the time or place for public displays of American patriotism, no matter how strongly you feel about the U.S. Avoid using American logos on your belongings and clothing. Be prepared for the possibility that you may hear negative or disturbing remarks about the U.S. or Americans. Don’t respond, and ignore people making such remarks. Don’t answer direct questions about your nationality, give information about yourself, or explain why you are abroad to someone who has no business asking or who seems aggressive or insistent.
Consider frequenting venues other than high-visibility areas frequented by Americans, and if you do frequent these venues, keep track of your belongings. We know that Bradley students have been pickpocketed, for example, in the Cheers pub in London, and in the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, and we know that members of student groups even in such cordial local environments as the Goose in London have “lost” belongings that they’d left hanging on their chairs. Keep track, and be attentive.
Keep in close touch with your family and friends at home. Even if you feel safe, it’s reassuring to people back in the U.S. to hear that you are doing fine.
Relax. Deal with realities. Stay calm. Remember that being vigilant does not mean being intimidated.

General Information

Security Statement