Security and Emergency Information

This page serves as a resource for students, parents, and advisors regarding emergency issues abroad. Updates will also be posted on our Facebook Page and Groups, and can be followed with the #APIbulletin hashtag on Twitter.

All API students who are abroad are instructed to call their on-site directors in the event of an emergency. Callers in the United States who need assistance in the event of an emergency outside of normal business hours should call 1-866-311-2261 or 1-702-380-9073 and your message will be relayed to an API representative.

CRIMINAL ACTS

05/02/12 – Buenos Aires Bombing

A small bomb went off near the European Union mission in Buenos Aires early this morning. The explosion shattered a few windows and caused minor damage to a neighboring garage, police said, and no one was injured.

04/30/12 – Dublin Bomb Threat

An explosive device was discovered near Phoenix Park in northwest Dublin last night. The garda and army were able to disable it and remove it safely. Phoenix Park is not located near API’s partner universities or housing, and all students are safe and accounted for.

NATURAL DISASTER

04/17/12 – Chile Earthquakes

Early this morning a strong earthquake occurred with an epicenter close to Valparaíso. API students are safe and have been accounted for. There have been no reports of damages or serious injuries, and officials are not concerned with the threat of tsunami.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

03/29/12 – Barcelona Protests

There was protesting in Barcelona associated with a general strike in Spain that turned violent in some instances. We have confirmed that all API students are safe and accounted for. The situation has returned to normal.

NATURAL DISASTER

03/25/12 – Chile Earthquakes

On Sunday, March 25 a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Chile. There have been no reports of major damage, and all API students are safe and have been accounted for. Our thoughts go out to those in the affected areas.

TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENT

02/22/12 – Buenos Aires Train Accident

Various media sources are reporting a tragic train crash in the western part of Buenos Aires, Argentina. API has confirmed that our students were in class at the time and not affected by the terrible incident.

CRIMINAL ACTS

01/27/12 – Dublin Bomb Threat

An explosive device was discovered near a private home outside of Dublin today. This area is not frequented by API students or staff, and is located far from API partner universities and housing. It is suspected that this is connected with local gang violence, and not targeted at Americans or tourists.

CRIMINAL ACTS

12/13/11 – Florence Violence

Italian media is reporting that a gunman shot and killed several persons of Senegalese origin before taking his own life in the Piazza Dalmazia in Florence, Italy. API Resident Directors have confirmed that all API students are safe and accounted for. Our partner institution in Florence has alerted students to avoid the downtown area between Via Nazionale and Via Cavour, as a protest march in response to the event has been organized by the immigrant community in that area.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

12/01/11 – European Iodine-131 Plume

The international media reported an incident in Hungary last month whereby a large (but by all accounts harmless) radiation plume spread through the atmosphere over Hungary and at least 8 other countries in Central/Western Europe. According to media sources, the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority linked the leak to the Budapest-based Institute of Isotopes. The contaminent in question was identified as iodine-131, which has a half-life of 8 days and is commonly used in low doses to help treat thyroid issues.. API’s contacts in Hungary have let us know that atmospheric levels of iodine-131 are back within normal, acceptable levels, and that the problem that caused the leak has been resolved. Our contacts also informed us (and Hungarian authorities agree) that the level of exposure was so short and so low that authorities did not believe any treatment measures were warranted. All API students in Budapest have been kept aware of the circumstances as they developed, and all are reported safe and healthy.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

11/28/11 – London Strikes

The U.S. Embassy in London informs U.S. citizens on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 a strike by the members of the four UK Home Office Unions is expected to cause major delays for arrivals into several UK ports of entry, with the most significant impact expected at London’s Heathrow airport. A spokesman for the UK Border Authority (UKBA) said they aim to minimize any disruption caused by the strike, but travelers can expect longer waiting times at some ports and airports. U.S. citizens planning to travel to or from the UK on November 30th should check with their carrier for updates, schedule changes, and options for rebooking. More up-to-date information can be found on the UK Border Agency website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ under the news tab.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

11/16/11 – Dublin Protests

The United States Embassy informs U.S. citizens of reports of a protest to be held in the City Center area of Dublin starting at 1230 hours on November 16, 2011. The protest is anticipated to start in the vicinity of O’Connell Street and march to other locations. United States citizens should avoid any large gatherings and use caution in the following areas: O’Connell Street/Bridge; College Green; Central Bank; Dame Street; Trinity College leading onto Kildare Street; and Merrion Square. The protest is against the increase of student fees in Ireland (for and by Irish students). API students have been made aware of the protest have been advised to avoid it and surrounding areas.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

11/08/11 – London Protests

The U.S. Embassy London advises U.S. citizens that on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 a number of demonstrations are likely to cause considerable congestion in central London and the City of London, most significantly a protest organized by the National Campaign against Fees and Cuts. For more information visit the U.S. Embassy London website.

NATURAL DISASTER

10/25/2011 – Dublin Floods

While there has been much coverage of the heavy rains and flooding plaguing much of the Dublin area, API has confirmed that all of our students at University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, and the National University of Ireland, Maynooth are safe and accounted for.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

10/20/2011 – Chilean Student Protests

API is closely monitoring the student protests in Santiago, Chile. Our programs in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are operating as scheduled.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

10/14/2011 – “Occupy” Protests

API is aware that over the weekend there have been protests in several of European cities including London, Madrid, and Rome. The majority of these protests are non-violent and are connected to a movement against financial institutions that has spread across the globe in recent weeks. As advised during their orientations, students are encouraged to avoid all areas where demonstrations are taking place, and to follow the safety guidelines and advice of their API resident directors and local authorities.

NATURAL DISASTER

8/26/2011 – Hurricane Irene

API is closely monitoring Hurricane Irene as the weather system makes its way up the coast of the eastern United States. Outbound fall and academic year students have been advised via email on what to expect and what instructions to follow should their travel be impacted by the storm.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

8/11/2011 – Chilean Student Protests

Striking among university students continues in Chile and no agreement has been reached between striking factions and the Chilean government. Classes at public universities in Santiago and Valparaíso continue to be affected and no estimate for the start of regular university classes can be provided. API fall students, however, began coursework with other visiting international students as scheduled. Students will be permitted to enroll in courses with Chileans as circumstances allow.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

8/9/11 – London Police Shooting and Subsequent Protests

In recent days, London and other English cities have experience occasional rioting in response to a incident involving a police shooting. API has been in close contact with all students currently participating in our summer programs, all of whom are safe. The rioting is not currently in the immediate vicinity of their housing or the host university. The students have been cautioned to avoid any areas where rioting is taking place, and advised to avoid any unnecessary travel within London until the program ends (on Saturday). We have also learned that the rioting has spread beyond London, so API has posted warnings on our Facebook Page and private London Facebook Groups to advise all summer students (even those whose programs may have ended) to exercise extreme caution when traveling in England. All students have been advised to keep apprised of any developments through local media outlets and the US Consulate website. API domestic and on-site staff will continue to monitor the situation closely, and we will certainly keep everyone updated as needed.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

7/29/11 – Chilean Student Protests

API was pleased to welcome its Fall 2011 semester students to Chile on Friday, July 22. API students completed the API orientation in Santiago and continue to attend ongoing orientation activities in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Despite an ongoing university strike at the host university, PUCV, courses designed for visiting international students will begin as scheduled on Monday, August 1. Courses will be held in an alternate location to avoid any confrontation with striking students. All students have been advised of the need to avoid the protests. API will continue to work with our Chilean university partner to assess the situation and will advise students on registration accordingly. The university hopes to see the strike end in time to minimize delays with the start of university courses for degree-seeking, Chilean students.