FBI Warning For Study Abroad Students: Don't Become an Accidental U.S. Spy!

Study Abroad Safety Alert! Did you know study abroad students could become accidental U.S. spies? The FBI is now warning American study abroad students to be aware of building relationships with overseas intelligence officers who may try to use you to obtain classified U.S. information.

It may start as an internship or a small job, but according to a CBS news article, the FBI is warning American to be aware that overseas intelligence officers may eventually try to ask them for classified U.S. information in exchange for money or reward.

UC Davis International Program is already working to keep their students safe from harmful relationships like this. This program sends their students through multiple orientations both before leaving the States and after they arrive in their destinated country. The purpose of this is to educate and warn students to stay away from any dangerous relationships that could put them in compromising situations as they study abroad.

According to the news article, a former college student from Michigan was studying abroad in China three years ago and ended up in federal prison for giving intelligence officers classified U.S. information for money.

We applaud the UC Davis International Program’s efforts to keep their students safe, and urge other study abroad programs to do the same. Our students are precious to us and we need to do everything we can to keep them safe as they study abroad. Take heed of this warning and StaySafe.

South Korean Ferry Sinks, Taking Many Student Lives

The South Korean ferry shipwreck has tragically taken many student lives. 281 passengers from the ferry are still missing, and horrifically, most of these individuals are high school students.

There were 462 passengers aboard and 325 of them were students from Danwon High School in Ansan, 20 miles south of Seoul. The students were headed on an overnight trip to Jeju, where they were planning to spend four days on a resort island as a field trip.

The cause of the accident is unknown, although there have been reports of the ship possibly hitting something before it started to sink. The ship capsized within two hours of its first distress call. The ferry was also carrying a large number of vehicles.

These students were in their second year of high school and were taking the trip as a break before their last year, when they must take difficult college entrance exams.

Coast guard, military and commercial vehicles are all working to rescue survivors of the ferry’s wreck. We at ClearCause urge you to do all you can to stay safe as you travel. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all of the South Korean students and families who have lost loved ones.

Americans At Risk - Senator Kirk Makes Strides To Keep Our Study Abroad Students Safe by Increasing Travel Safety Worldwide!

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk is making huge strides in keeping our study abroad students safe by working to increase security by traveling worldwide!

Did you know not all countries are required to check passports and traveler’s documentation against INTERPOL’s Stolen/Lost Travel Document (SLTD) database? This is putting our study abroad students in grave danger! Senator Kirk is working hard to require the Department of State to publish a list of countries and airports that do not check travelers’ documentation against the SLTD database, his official website reads.

"American citizens traveling between foreign destinations should be able to rest assured that individuals on their flight did not use lost or stolen travel documents to board the plane," Sen. Kirk writes on his website.

Even though the United States checks passports against SLTD, we can’t be sure that other countries will do the same. Students going abroad must also understand they are not protected as US Fulbright Scholars. Senator Kirk’s work to increase security in traveling could save many study abroad student lives!

Senator Kirk’s proposal also will require the Department of State to post information about a country’s participation in using the SLTD system, giving students and parents a way to see how much their designated country is using the SLTD database to keep travelers safe.

"The association of terrorists and stolen passports means it is prudent to close the current gap in airline security. We should not wait for a future case of a terrorist using a stolen passport in an attack to guard against this threat,” Dr. Robert Pape, Ph.D., writes on Senator Kirk’s website.

It is time for us to hold travel security and study abroad programs to a standard! Support Senator Kirk’s work and ClearCause’s mission to Protect Our Studetns Abroad!  Be a Voice for ClearCause. Safety Means the World to Students Abroad.  Students mean the world to us.

Virtual OffiCenters hosted a Wayzata Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony for ClearCause Foundation!

VirtualOffiCenters is awarded top honors as the 2013 Global Innovative Workspace. Lisa Olsonoski, Virtual OffiCenters Area Manager, assisted our founder, Sheryl Hill, in cutting the blue ribbon welcome with massive scissors provided by Wayzata Chamber. Herschel Herndon, HRH Global Connections, and Clear Cause founder, Allen Hill, held the honors of holding the ribbon as more than 30 Wayzata Chamber Ambassadors celebrated ClearCause Foundation's new offices!  

ClearCause is presented with a Wayzata Chamber Member certificate. ClearCause is an active member of Wayzata Chamber for years working to 'Protect Our Students Abroad'.

 Virtual OffiCenters provides professional services, elegant meeting, training and offices in five convenient locations raising the bar for small and medium sized or home-based businesses.  OffiCenters  services include office space, business support services, and conference facilities.  Virtual workers can take advantage of OffiCenters workspace for about the price of a latte per day, coffee included.

'We are so fortunate to have Virtual OffiCenters help and support.  Their networking events have helped us meet successful professionals who step up to help us serve.  It's a never-ending gift," said Sheryl Hill, "We are so grateful.  We proudly support Wayzata Chamber."

To find out how VirtualOffiCenters can help you, contact Lisa Olsonoski at (952)876-4044.

Wayzata Chamber Ambassadors welcome new faces and allow current members to network with other Chamber members twice a month. If you would like to know more about the value of Wayzata Chamber's membership contact Andrew at (952)473-9595.

Study Abroad Destination Sydney!

Sydney, Australia is a destination many students choose when planning their semesters studying abroad. It’s no surprise - Sydney has been voted “world’s best city” two years in a row by Travel and Leisure magazine! Located on Australia’s south east coast, Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales. According to the IES study abroad website, Sydney also has more than 70 white sand beaches and is one of the world’s most multicultural cities.

This gorgeous city is known for its Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The Opera House has been internationally acclaimed as an architectural icon in the 20th century and a natural cultural centre. The Opera House includes a concert hall, opera and drama theaters, a playhouse and a studio. Many of the world’s top performers have performed here. Sydney is full of art museums and theaters just waiting to be explored.

The Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge, and has been standing as one of Australia’s leading landmarks since 1932. Daily traffic is estimated at 160,000 vehicles per day. Daring tourists have even climbed the massive monument to see the breathtaking views from the top. Find out more about the bridge’s history on the Australian Government’s website!  

Sydney’s multicultural vibe is reflected in the food, and the city is called one of the world’s great dining destinations. Fresh seafood can be found in five star restaurants on the harbor or you can dine on a rooftop bar. Italian, Greek and Turkan cuisine can all be found here as well. Check out this CNN article on the best Australian foods to eat while you’re there! The list includes macadamia nuts, witchetty grubs, crocodile, fantales and hamburger with beetroot!

Beautiful parks run through Sydney, including the world’s second oldest national park Royal National Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens. Take a hike on a coastal trail to see stunning views of the ocean and shorelines. You can take a ferry to explore nearby islands or kayak to a harbour beach! Sydney’s beaches are world renown and you can enjoy popular Bondi or Manly beach all year round.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe as you enjoy the adventure of a lifetime in Sydney!

• Only swim in designated swimming beaches and between the flags. Many Australian beaches have red and yellow flags showing you where it is safe to swim and where lifeguards can see you. Rip tides, irregular water depths, box jellyfish and other deadly sea creatures could be a hazard to you if you swim in uncharted waters.
• Read more about Australia on the State Department’s website and learn about what vaccines you may need, visa and passport requirements, crucial embassy information, helpful safety and security measures, the country’s local laws and more!
• Educate yourself on rip currents and what to do if you or someone near you is caught in one.
• Study abroad? Alcohol is involved! Learn how to drink responsibly to keep yourself safe as you spend time overseas.
• Enroll in the STEP program today!
• Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen. If you aren’t used to Sydney’s high temperatures, you will need to make even more efforts to make sure you stay hydrated and healthy as you stay there. Don’t underestimate how powerful the Australian sun can be.
• Be careful as you cross Sydney’s busy streets. Watch traffic signals carefully to avoid being in danger.
• Download the ASAPP S.O.S. app from the Apple store or Google Play to make sure you stay safe as you explore Australia.
• Watch out for pickpockets. Stay alert in crowds and on public transit. Make sure you keep your possessions in sight at all times, and don’t carry large amounts of cash on you.
• Download the free ASAPP Checklist to make sure you are ready to go!

Warning! Monsoon Season in Phuket starts NOW!

BEWARE!

April is the start of monsoon season in Phuket, Thailand, a popular study abroad destination.

Costs are cheaper during Phuket’s monsoon season, which many student abroad programs may leverage.  However, monsoon winds cause large waves and hazardous rip currents to form.

ClearCause advisor, Dr. John R. Fletemeyer, Aquatic Safety Specialist and research professor at Florida International University, traveled to Phuket to study rip currents and beach safety.

Dr. Fletemeyer discovered that some of Phuket’s rip currents have a velocity of slightly over a meter per second. He found monsoons sometimes transport hazardous debris onto local beaches and bring huge logs and flotsam into the surf zone. Drowning amongst tourists are common during the monsoon season. They often do not understand red flags mean “WARNING – Rip Current!” Or, how deadly rip currents can be.  Tourists sometimes disobey lifeguard safety attempts. Dr. Fletemeyer noted many lifeguards supervising Phuket’s dangerous beaches are understaffed, poorly trained and inadequately supervised.

How to Avoid Riptide Danger:

• A single Red flag or Double Red Flag are raised on beaches to warn swimmers of rip current danger. -Do NOT swim in the ocean if there are red flags being flown!
• Educate yourself about rip currents and what to do if you or someone else gets stuck in one. You could save a life!
• Unless you are an experienced ocean swimmer, NEVER attempt a rescue of a bather caught in a rip current.  One drowning is horrific, don’t make it two!
• If you see a bather caught in a rip current, try to find a lifeguard or get professional help.
• Learn about your destination’s safety and security concerns and more from the State Department. An ounce of prevention to prepare yourself.
• Don’t ever swim alone! Look for warning signs and obey them.
• Ask locals about the existence of aquatic hazards.
• Never drink alcohol before swimming.
• Never swim during moderate or rough surf conditions.
• Don’t swim at night, during the early evening or early morning.
• Always be on the lookout for dangerous marine life.
• Always practice “touch supervision” with young children - stay within touch of your child when in or near the water.
• Download the ASAPP Checklist before you study abroad to ensure you have emergency contacts and all the necessary information to avoid danger at all costs.
• Get the ASAPP SOS app to send a GPS alert your emergency contacts if needed.

Many tourists, and study abroad students, die from dangerous rip currents.  

We honor and remember, top to bottom, Joshua Shane (Phuket), Erik Downes and Ravi Thackurdeen (Costa Rica).

We must do all we can to save the lives of our students who study abroad.












Seasons of Phuket

According to Know Phuket, three seasons dictate Phuket’s weather - a cool season, a hot season and a rainy season. The cool season starts in November and goes until February, bringing blue skies, little rain and lower humidity. This is the best time to visit Phuket. From March to early May, the hot season is dry and temperatures rise. Rainy season begins when monsoon winds start blowing in April or May. Most of Phuket’s rainfall occurs in May, September and October. The rainy season is monsoon season. Caution Advised.  

Venezuela Travel Warning – ALERT! Attention Fulbright Scholars!

ClearCause Executive Director, Sheryl Hill has spoken with American Citizen Services, Andy Oneal, from the United States Embassy Caracas.  Chief of Missions has issued an order to expatriate Fulbright Scholars.  It would be prudent if all universities, particularly those receiving federal funds, would follow and expatriate students back to America.

The situation is serious. “The U.S. Embassy in Caracas informs all U.S. Citizens in Venezuela that the policy regulating the movements of U.S. Citizen Embassy employees and their family members in Caracas and elsewhere in Venezuela has been updated.  As always, the Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens living in and traveling through Venezuela to remain vigilant at all times and to practice good personal security,” the warning reads. “On March 21, the U.S. Embassy Movement Policy was temporarily amended to prohibit travel by Embassy personnel without permission from the Chief of Mission to the following cities because of ongoing unrest and incidents of violence:  San Cristobal, Merida, Valencia, Maracaibo, Maracay, Barquisimeto, Puerto Ordaz, Ciudad Guayana, Puerto La Cruz, and Lecheria.”

U.S. citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations and practice caution if near any large gatherings, protests or demonstrations. Even peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence, the Embassy warns.

Here are some recommendations from the Embassy for staying safe:

• Remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.
• Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.
• Enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step.
• Regularly monitor the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.
• Read the Country Specific Information for Venezuela at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/venezuela.html.
• For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.
• Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  
• Follow the State Department on Twitter at https://mobile.twitter.com/travelgov and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travelgov for updates.

We urge all universities with study abroad programs in the area to follow suit with the Chief of Missions decision to expatriate Fulbright Scholars.