St. Thomas is not canceling either of its fall semester study abroad programs after the U.S. Department of State issued a world-wide travel alert on Aug. 2, according to Study Abroad Director Sarah Spencer.

Spencer said the university is warning students to stay safe while traveling, the topic of an email sent to all students studying abroad during the fall 2013 semester.

The email “strongly encouraged” students studying abroad to regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State website for security information as well as following all program safety procedures.

These safety precautions were highlighted in the email:

* Keep in close communication with your program and follow their directives on safety.
* Always keep your mobile phone with you and fully charged, if you have one. Communication via mobile phones are often an important part of a program’s emergency plan.
* Avoid public demonstrations of any sort, and report any suspicious people or events to the proper authorities.
* If you plan to travel outside of your host city, please leave your travel plans with someone you trust – a friend, your host family or your program provider staff. Many programs have travel logs in which you can register your independent travel –use them.
* Finally, be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Be judicious about choosing to visit American-based businesses such as McDonalds.

Should a threatening situation arise for students studying on the two university-sponsored semesters to London and Rome, Spencer said it would be handled on a case-by-case basis by University Action and Response Team, university officials and St. Thomas’ on-site partners.

The email stated that the university will continue to monitor the world-wide situation.

Briggs LeSavage can be reached at lesa4364@stthomas.edu.