Carrying a U.S. passport is no guarantee of safety or absolute security. In certain places and at certain times, it is possible to get caught in the midst of forms of political strife that may not be directed at foreigners but nevertheless may be very dangerous. Such risks, however, are usually known well in advance, so precautions can be taken. With regard to the threat of terrorism, in those few sites where even remote danger might occasionally exist, program directors work with local police, U.S. consular personnel, and local university officials to set practical security measures. In such places, students will be briefed during orientations and subsequently as needed about about security consciousness in their daily activities.
Terrorism is a twentieth-century reality.
To succumb to the threat by reacting in fear may well be the objective that terrorists seek to achieve. Simply being a foreigner makes any traveler a more likely victim of crime or accidents. There are certain rather obvious precautions that American students abroad can take to maximize their safety and minimize their risks. Avoid crowds, protest groups, or other potentially volatile situations, as well as restaurants and entertainment places where Americans are known to congregate. Keep abreast of local news.