In response to a U.S. Department of State alert warning travelers to Europe of possible terrorist attacks, administrators have been in contact with students studying abroad, making them aware of the advisory.
Sunday's State Department alert told citizens to "take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling."
The statement was given after officials from Europe and the U.S. came to believe al-Qaida was involved in potential plots aimed at Britain, France and Germany, the New York Times reported. Officials believe these plots originated in Pakistan and North Africa.
The British government raised the threat of terrorism from "general" to "high" for Britons in France and Germany, the Times reported.
Though the U.S. has not discouraged travel to Europe, this alert affects many University students currently studying abroad in these countries.
"University officials are taking appropriate steps to ensure that Brown students studying abroad are made aware" of the alert, wrote Vice President of Public Affairs and University Relations Marisa Quinn in an e-mail to The Herald.
The Office of International Programs contacted on-site staff in Europe after the alert Sunday to remind students to be "vigilant above and beyond the general precautions," Director of International Programs Kendall Brostuen wrote in an e-mail to The Herald.
There are currently 30 Brown students studying abroad in France, 26 in the United Kingdom and two in Germany, wrote Edward Quigley, associate director of international programs, in an e-mail to The Herald.
Brown is also in the process of reaching students in non-Brown programs to advise them to follow instructions given by their sponsor programs, Brostuen wrote.
Before going abroad, students were made aware about safety overseas.
In a letter to students studying abroad issued in July, Brostuen assured students that they will have 24-hour contact phone numbers for both Brown staff and resident staff of Brown programs.
Those studying abroad must provide resident staff with travel information. All students abroad are also covered by the Brown Travel Assistance Plan, administered by International SOS, which can evacuate students from dangerous areas through private air ambulance if needed.
"We are continuing to monitor bulletins closely and will be following up as needed with local staff and students," Brostuen wrote.