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.

Amherst Study Abroad Program Shuts Down After Not Reporting Alleged Rape Incident

An Amherst study abroad program has shut down after mishandling a situation involving an alleged rape of a student attending a University of Massachusetts-affiliated program in Costa Rica.

“Living Routes on North Pleasant Street — which employed six people — is closing its doors after 13 years this week after UMass suspended its relationship over what a vice provost described as a ‘serious, and potentially life threatening, health/safety issue’ involving a student enrolled in its program at the Monteverde Institute in Costa Rica,” the article reported. Living Routes did not report the rape incident until 20 days after it was first reported, UMass officials said. The Living Routes program is held at the Monteverde Institute in Costa Rica, an “educational institution where other study-abroad programs are run.”

The specifics of the incident have not been released, but the news article reported a 20-year-old student was allegedly raped in the beach town of Montezuma.

“The incident led to Monteverde Institute firing two of its program directors who helped the victim, including its academic director who ran the Living Routes program on the ground in Costa Rica. The action by UMass forced Living Routes to cancel its spring 2014 programs, which affected 28 students from around the country”.

Living Routes was founded in 1999, and has placed 1,485 students in various study abroad programs around the world. Yet in lacking in this year’s spring tuition and cash reserves, the program had no other choice but to shut down.

The article reported a letter proved Living Routes learned of the recent sexual assault on December 2, but withheld information from the UMAass International Programs Office. UMass learned about the incident on December 18, when they received a concerned email from a resident of Monteverde. On December 22, Living Routes confirmed the incident and provided the name of the victim after multiple requests for the identity of the student.

“Living Routes’ deliberate withholding of critical information is unacceptable in multiple respects,” Jack Ahern, vice provost for international programs at UMass wrote. “The university has grave concerns regarding Living Routes’ ability to fulfill its contractual obligations to be responsible for all health, risk and safety issues that may arise during a program’s term.”

Millions of American middle, high school and college students are encouraged to go abroad "on the opportunity of a lifetime" every year.  Their well-being is not well-protected by laws currently in place.  There is no federal oversight.  There are no qualifications or minimum standards. There is no mandatory, transparent reporting on the safety record of programs entrusted with their health, safety & future.  

Help us stop the abuse and neglect of America's students on programs abroad.  They deserve safeguards.  Safety means the world to American students overseas.  Safety is NOT an accident.

Write your federal lawmaker today!  Demand TYS SOS - Traveling Youth & Student Standards of Sa

Alert: Smiley Face Killings Target College-Aged Men

A large number of college-aged young men have lost their lives in “drownings” across the United States in the past fifteen years. Authorities believe the deaths are linked and these tragedies aren’t accidents at all.

College-aged men have been targeted in twenty-five cities across eleven states since 1997 or earlier. Police have found smiley faces painted or etched into the murder scenes at many of the death sites, a sick calling card of the killer. Known as the the “Smiley Faced Killings”, these deaths are staged to look like drownings. Why? Water erases almost all evidence, leaves no witnesses and makes the murder look like a drunken accident. A CNN article reported specific stories of young men who police believe have tragically died this way.

Police believe many of the murder victims are abducted, held for a time and even tortured before being killed. Most of these college-aged men are seen leaving a bar or club before they disappear. Detectives are working cases backward to figure out where the murder victim’s body went into the water to find more information about the killer. The smiley faces are always found at these locations.

An ABC article reported there may be as many as 100 murders linked to the “smiley face killings” across the country. Families don’t have answers. Police say they hope to convince federal authorities to look at cases further.

We at ClearCause urge all college students to drink responsibly to keep yourselves safe!

• Always travel in groups when you are out late at night!

• Plan for a safe ride back to your apartment or dorm room if you are drinking.

• Designate one or two sober friends to safeguard three of you as you go out. These friends can stay alert and aware of your situation and surroundings at all times to keep you away from any potentially dangerous situations.

• Do not leave intoxicated friends alone in a bar, on the street, or in a dorm room. Make sure your group sticks together!

• Guard your drinks and food. Be smart about this - don’t leave your drink unguarded as you go to the bathroom or hit the dance floor. Someone could easily slip something into your drink to harm you. If the bartender is handing you a drink, get it directly from them and don’t let it get passed down the line. Guard your drink to guard yourself.

• Don’t ever take a drink from someone you don’t know. StaySafe!

Montana State Student Aaron Plowman Dies on Study Abroad

Another tragic study abroad death has occurred. Twenty-four year old Aaron Plowman was studying abroad in London, England when he fell off a roof, a recent news article reported. The Montana State student had apparently climbed on top of an abandoned building when the roof collapsed. Aaron was a senior English major from Soulsbyville, California.

London Metropolitan Police have classified Aaron’s death as accidental. Aaron was one of fourteen students who were apart of a spring break 10-day “Shakespeare’s England” trip led by an English professor.

According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Aaron had written on the group’s website, “I'm going on the Shakespeare trip, because it is a great supplement to my Studies in Shakespeare class. I recently saw my first Shakespeare performance, so I'm excited to see some more. I'm most excited about King Lear.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Aaron and his family.

New Travel Alert for U.S. Citizens Residing In or Traveling to Russia

The Department of State has issued a new travel alert, warning U.S. citizens in Russia. The “ongoing tensions with Ukraine, the potential for increased public demonstrations, and anti-American actions in Russia” were cause for the alert to be issued.

U.S. citizens in Russia should be aware of the heightened military presence and on-going military exercises of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation along the Ukrainian border. The Department of State recommends all U.S. citizens either living or traveling in Russia, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive necessary safety and security information. STEP also makes it easier for the closest U.S. Embassy to help you in time of need.

“The U.S. government currently has no information concerning active military conflict inside Russia as a result of regional tensions or of any threat specific to U.S. citizens.  However, all U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to the border region, specifically the regions bordering Ukraine in Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, and Rostov Oblasts and Krasnodar Krai, should be aware of the potential for escalation of tensions, military clashes (either accidental or intentional), violence, and threats to safety and security.  Media accounts note there has been sizable Russian military buildup in those regions and there are reports of an increased presence of Russian neo-Nazi, radical nationalist, and extremist groups in those regions”.

The Department of State recommends American citizens avoid all public demonstrations, large crowds, and public gathers that may lack enhanced security measures. These demonstrations may occur anywhere throughout Russia at anytime and can increase potential confrontation and violence. “Review your personal security plans, 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”.

What recommendations does the Department of State have for you to stay safe?

• Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.
• Read the Country Specific Information for the Russian Federation.
• Refer to the "Traveler's Checklist" on the State Department's website.
• Current information on safety and security can be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• Follow the Department of State on Twitter and on Facebook for safety information and updates.
• Find emergency contact information in Russia at the bottom of the travel alert on the Department of State’s website.

Kidnapped in Mexico - A Shocking Story of Survival

A recent CNN article tells the shocking story of Shane Andersen, an American businessman who was kidnapped and held captive for ransom while living in Monterrey, Mexico.

Andersen was held captive for 36 hours by three masked gunmen who kidnapped him and a co-worker as they were about to embark on a fishing trip on their day off outside of Monterrey. “You just don’t know what second is your last second. It changes your whole life. When you don’t know if you’ll live through it, you’ll live life differently,” Andersen says. “I knew God was with me and I needed to be listening to Him.”

Through various circumstances of meeting a young Mexican boy who helped him and giving the kidnappers both ransom money and his wife’s expensive wedding ring, Andersen was able to narrowly escape with his life.

Until 2005, Monterrey was considered to be one of Mexico’s safer cities. However, in 2010, the city began to change.“...Parts of (Monterrey) turned into a cartel battleground where grenade attacks, shootouts and kidnappings dominated headlines”. Mexico was listed as the country with the most reported kidnappings for ransom in 2013, according to Control Risks.

Andersen had been practicing ways to stay safe in case he ever was kidnapped while living in Mexico. When he was taken captive, he used skills to track where he was by the sun’s position. After escaping from his kidnappers, Andersen says he would only ever go back to the busy tourist areas of Mexico. “Most places I would avoid, especially along the border,” he stated.

Here at ClearCause, we urge you to educate and equip yourself before traveling overseas. Download our ASAPP SOS app today to keep yourself safe and look into various insurance policies including ransom insurance.

One of the most important things about the ASAPP SOS app is that it has a “follow me” feature which enables the student to self-select emergency contacts (parents, program, insurance company, peers, etc). Through GPS, the follow-me feature tracks the students’ smartphone in real time, whenever they want to make others aware of their location. This feature is perfect for students traveling in foreign countries to let their loved ones know where they are. One touch of the “I’m Safe” button will let concerned parents, know their son or daughter is safe.

Why wouldn’t you use every tool to keep yourself safe and secure as you study abroad? The “follow me” feature of our ASAPP SOS app can help loved ones and police find you quickly in case you are kidnapped or harmed. Download the free ASAAP SOS app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Study Abroad Destination London - Learn to Stay Safe As You Travel

Did you know London is one of the most popular study abroad locations? A city overflowing with history, literature, art and business, London is an amazing place to host your study abroad experience. According to Studyabroad.com, over 58,000 students choose to study abroad in London from all around the world each year. Find out why so many students choose to study here!

London, the capital of beautiful Great Britain, has been an influential city for centuries as a leader in business. The principal business center of Europe, London is becoming the world’s second financial capital and is home to more than 100 of Europe’s 500 largest companies.  

A rich, thriving history dwells within London for you to explore. Study the work of amazing artists, thinkers and writers, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Austen, Sir Isaac Newton and Francis Bacon. Learn about Britain's royals, as well as Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.

Art students should visit the Tate Modern Gallery, the world-famous National Gallery and the Louvre of London, Waddesdon Manor. History lovers can’t miss the British Museum, the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe Theater and St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. See the city from the top of the London Eye, or take a boat tour down the River Thames. Visit the London Dungeons or go on a Harry Potter or Jack the Ripper tour. Visit Abbey Road and Piccadilly Circus - the list goes on and on and on!

Stonehenge is just two hours outside of London, and the ancient Roman baths aren’t far from this magnificent city either. Low-cost airlines from London can take you all over Europe and the rest of the world! Check out Fly For Good for discounted student airfare, and remember to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Tips to StaySafe as you explore London:

• Download the free ASAPP Checklist to prepare for your adventure!
• Study abroad? Alcohol is involved! Learn how to drink responsibly to keep yourself safe as you spend time overseas.
• Keep your belongings in sight at all times.
• When traveling in Europe, know that buildings are centuries old. Windows and balconies are not often safe.  
• Be aware of where you are at all times - muggings and kidnappings happen often in Europe.
• Download the ASAPP S.O.S. app from the Apple store or Google Play.
• GRO●UP – Travel in Groups, designate a sober buddy, use a breathalyzer, guard your drinks!
• Know the emergency services phone numbers (999 or 112) for police, ambulances and the fire department.
• Get Insured with STUcard!
• Don't expect fire safety in your apartment or dorm - bring a portable alarm and have an escape plan.
• Remember that cars in the U.K. drive on the left side of the road, so watch traffic carefully as you cross the street and only cross at designated crosswalks.
• Safety is NOT an Accident

Study Abroad? Alcohol is involved!

Did you know an estimated 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries each year? According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 80 percent of college students drink alcohol. The Institute reports an estimated 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape each year. An estimated 599,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are unintentionally injured each year under the influence of alcohol.

GRO-UP: Safety is NOT an Accident!

Alcohol has also been a factor in many tragic deaths occurring in study abroad programs within the past few years. We at ClearCause have come up with GRO-UP, a model to help you stay safe as you travel the world! Drink responsibly as you study abroad - safety is NOT an accident!

• Travel in groups! Never go out to drink alone. Remember, there is safety in numbers.

• Designate one or two sober friends to safeguard three of you as you go out. These friends can stay alert and aware of your situation and surroundings at all times to keep you away from any potentially dangerous situations.

• Do not leave intoxicated friends alone in a bar, on the street, or in a dorm room. Make sure your group sticks together!

• Guard your drinks and food. Be smart about this - don’t leave your drink unguarded as you go to the bathroom or hit the dance floor. Someone could easily slip something into your drink to harm you. If the bartender is handing you a drink, get it directly from them and don’t let it get passed down the line. Guard your drink to guard yourself.

• Don’t ever take a drink from someone you don’t know. StaySafe!

Alcohol Poisoning Can Kill

Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes deadly consequence of  drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute), irregular breathing, blue-tinged or pale skin, low body temperature or passing out. Read more about alcohol poisoning and prevention on the Mayo Clinic’s website.

What if you suspect either you or a friend has alcohol poisoning?

• Call 911 immediately! Be prepared to tell the hospital the kind and amount of alcohol the person drank and don’t leave an unconscious person alone.
• As you wait for help, you can assist a person who is vomiting by trying to keep him or her sitting up. If they must lie down, make sure their head is turned to the side to prevent choking on vomit. Try to keep the person awake.