Individual Safety Plan

The United States Department of State issued a new travel advisory system in January 2018. Under the new system, every country, and in some cases specific locations and regions within countries, has a Travel Advisory, providing levels of advice ranging from 1-4: 

• Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.
• Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.
• Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security.
• Level 4 - Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.

WMU Study Abroad will not authorize students to travel to countries at Level 4. Individuals who wish to travel to countries at Level 3 (or to countries at Level 2 with Level 3 or 4 locations and areas within) must submit to the Director of Study Abroad a summary of their study abroad program and itinerary. The summary must make specific references to the details mentioned in the Department of State Travel Advisory for the country, and confirm that their study abroad program is not impacted by the details in the Travel Advisory. The Advisory is then reviewed by the Director of Study Abroad and other relevant staff in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and a decision is made.

Note: If you are planning to take a group of students abroad, please complete the group safety form located in Faculty and Staff Resources.