An Inside Higher Ed article reported at least two study abroad programs have begun to evacuate students from Ukraine as political crisis escalates. The State Department’s Travel Warning issued on February 28 needs to be taken seriously. The warning called Americans to defer all “non-essential travel to Ukraine and noted that Peace Corps volunteers left the country on Feb. 25,” the article reported.
“All U.S. citizens in Ukraine, and those considering travel to Ukraine, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of political instability and the possibility of violence,” the warning reads.
Ukrainian universities host a large number of international students each year. The Institute of International Education statistics reported 131 American students studied abroad in Ukraine in 2011-2012. A number of American universities have study-abroad programs planned for spring and summer 2014 in Ukraine. Due to recent political turmoil, however, Iowa State University has canceled its summer program in Russia and Ukraine. Other programs are following suit. Students from the the Eastern European Study Abroad program have already been evacuated from Ukraine for safety reasons.
The State Department urges U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest travel updates and to obtain updated information on security within Ukraine. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
Before going abroad, it is vital you research the country you will be in to have an evacuation plan in place if an emergency arises. Studying abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime, but it's not something worth losing your life over. You are your best safety advocate.
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