The Arizona State University (ASU) Study Abroad Office is closely monitoring the situation on the Korean peninsula and takes very seriously the health and safety of ASU students participating in our programs around the world. Based on the most up-to-date information available to us through various private intelligence services, local contacts, government and media sources, ASU does not currently plan to cancel our study abroad programming in South Korea. ASU does not operate any study abroad programs in North Korea.

Students currently studying in South Korea have been provided with the following recommendations and information:

1. Thus far, the U.S. Department of State has not received or published any information to suggest an imminent threat to U.S. citizens in South Korea, nor have they issued any alerts or warnings regarding travel to or within South Korea.  

2. Students have been advised to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/. This is a free service for U.S. citizens that enables the Department of State to better assist in case of emergency. 

3. Students have been advised to stay in touch with the ASU Study Abroad Office as well as the international office at their host institution, providing both with multiple avenues to contact the student, should immediate action become necessary to remove ASU students from harm’s way.

4. The ASU Study Abroad Office is encouraging students to remain in regular communication with friends and family back home, to keep them apprised of the situation and its impact on daily life in Seoul.

5. Students have been advised to consider foregoing any travel outside of Seoul.  While we believe it should be quite safe to travel to/from/within South Korea, there is a chance that the situation will worsen while traveling that may make it more difficult to leave the country, if necessary.

6. Resources to stay informed on the U.S. government’s position on the emerging situation include:

   • U.S. Department of State Country Specific Information is updated regularly at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1018.html.

   • U.S. Citizens Cervices, together with the U.S. Embassy in South Korea, provide updated information for U.S. Citizens in South Korea.  A link from http://seoul.usembassy.gov/acs_american_citizen_services.html direct visitors to a security message for U.S. Citizens, dated April 4, 2013. 

   • The U.S. Embassy in South Korea provides information on emergency preparedness, including helpful hints on how to stay informed during an emergency situation.  That information is online at http://seoul.usembassy.gov/acs_emergency_preparedness.html.

   • International news sites (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk, www.nytimes.com, www.cnn.com/WORLD, www.guardian.co.uk/world) may be helpful to monitor for information on the emerging situation.

Although we do not currently plan to cancel ASU study abroad programs in South Korea, our position is subject to change, depending on the situation.  Should North Korea engage in a military conflict, or should the U.S. Department of State recommend the evacuation of U.S. citizens from South Korea, the Study Abroad Office is prepared to immediately transport our students out of harm’s way.  Although we do not recommend that ASU students leave the program at this time, the ASU Study Abroad Office is prepared to assist students who choose to do so.