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.

CRIME

05/08/13 – Sharjah, UAE – Aggravated Assault

Please read the following announcement of an incident of aggravated assault on the AUS campus today. All API students have been notified and are safe, and the situation on campus has returned to normal.

In an unfortunate incident, the imam of American University of Sharjah (AUS) was slightly injured in an altercation that occurred outside his residence on campus today, May 8, 2013. The assailant was a visitor to the university campus and was in an agitated stated at the time of the incident.

Campus security and police responded at once and the perpetrator was apprehended. The campus was sealed for a brief period of time and none of the faculty, students and staff were in any danger at any time.

“It is of course most unfortunate whenever any member of our community is injured in an episode of this type, and I am gratified that the injuries suffered were superficial and that no serious damage was done,” said Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, Acting Chancellor and Provost.

“It is important to note that no students, no faculty, and no staff were at any time in any danger. I want further to congratulate and commend the security guards and police for their most timely and effective intervention. Our campus is an extremely safe environment for the students and families who live here, and this episode in no way can be considered as anything but an isolated event,” added Dr. Hochstettler.

CRIME

03/01/13 – Rome, Italy Armed Robbery and Shooting

Early this afternoon, three burglars stormed an armored car on the Via Carlo Alberto, a few steps from the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (near the Termini station), firing on the armed security guards and wounding one. The guards fired and killed one burglar, while the other two were soon captured by Carabinieri police. API students have been kept apprised of the situation and advised to avoid the area.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

02/12/13 – Budapest, Hungary Student Protests

API is aware of ongoing student unrest and isolated protests in Budapest. Students are protesting against the Hungarian government’s cuts to higher education and the introduction of new tuition fees. API students have been made aware of the situation, and have been advised to avoid such gatherings.

NATURAL DISASTER

10/24/12 – Costa Rica Earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude  6.6 on the Richter scale occurred near the town of Nicoya, in the northwest portion of Costa Rica. All API students in Costa Rica have been accounted for and there have been no reports of human injuries or infrastructure damages within our locations of San Joaquín de Flores and San José.

10/11/12 – Chile Earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on the Richter scale occurred roughly 11 miles from the central city of Los Andes, Chile. All API students in Chile have been accounted for and there have been no reports of human injuries or infrastructure damages within our locations of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

09/25/12 – Madrid, Spain Demonstrations

API is monitoring the situation in Spain, where locals have taken to protesting government austerity proposals. All students in Spain, have been advised to use caution, and avoid demonstrations areas. API staff in Spain have been vigilant and will continue to provide updates and advisories to students as needed.

09/19/12 – Paris, France Demonstrations

API is monitoring the situation in France after recent news that embassies and schools will be closed on Friday as a precautionary measure against potential violent reactions to anti-Islam publications.  All students in France have been advised to use caution, avoiding demonstrations or areas of the city with which they are unfamiliar. API staff in Paris will be vigilant and will continue to provide updates and advisories to students as needed.

09/14/12 – Unrest in the Arab World

API is aware of and is closely monitoring the political and security situations in all of our program locations, and more specifically in our programs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. At this time there have been no incidents reported or travel warnings issued for sites where our students are located. Our students in Sharjah are being encouraged to follow the safety precautions covered in their pre-departure and on-site orientations, and our Resident Director is reviewing protocols with them.

NATURAL DISASTER

08/5/12 – Costa Rica Earthquake

A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.6 on the Richter scale occurred roughly 88 miles from the capital of San José, Costa Rica. All API students in Costa Rica have been accounted for and there have been no reports of human injuries or infrastructure damages within the city. Telephone systems, however, have been affected and may not return to normal until later today. Parents are encouraged to email their students rather than call them.