Global Education Office

A worldwide caution announcement from the U.S. Department of State was issued in October 2023.  The announcement advises U.S. travelers overseas to exercise increased caution due to the potential for terrorist attacks, or other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests. We encourage you to read the Worldwide Caution message in full, in addition to your host country's travel advisory to be aware of potential risks in your location.

While abroad, we urge you to follow the advice of the U.S. Department of State to minimize your risk. VCU advises its students to stay in close contact with the U.S. embassy in your location and to be sure you are enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important communications from the embassy.  We also encourage you to keep a low profile and to limit outward signs of your American identity while traveling abroad (examples: American flags on your backpack, speaking loudly on public transportation, etc.).  Please avoid protests or other demonstrations and be conscious of the impact of making political statements, regardless of the medium or location (online, at a protest, in a public space, etc.).