New Student Study Abroad Campaign

Overview of Campaign

In March 2008, the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs launched a public affairs campaign that targets American citizen college students and young people studying and traveling internationally. The campaign is designed to promote safe, smart travel to college students and spring-breakers.

The Students Abroad campaign includes a website, flyers called “go! guides,” and posters for on-campus and individual use. The campaign will advertise on social networking sites, such as Facebook and Myspace, and will offer comedic PSAs promoting valuable travel information. The campaign’s slogan “go from here” signals that Students Abroad should be the first stop on a student’s trip.

Web Site Serves as Central Resource

Through a new comprehensive website created for the campaign,www.studentsabroad.state.gov, the State Department offers college students a one-stop reference for international travel. The website offers country specific information, tips for safe travel, and other important information, such as:

* Who to contact if the student is victim of a crime;

* What to do in case of a natural disaster or emergency;

* Where the nearest U.S. embassy is located;

* When to apply for a passport and visa; and

* How to vote in U.S. election from abroad.

The Need for Information is Significant

The number of college students and young people studying and traveling abroad is growing rapidly. Over 200,000 college students now study abroad annually, and hundreds of thousands more travel internationally for spring break and other vacations. Since many are traveling unsupervised for the first time, college students are at particular risk when overseas.

For more information about the campaign to encourage college students to travel safely abroad, log onto http://www.studentsabroad.state.gov/, or send an email to studentsabroad@state.gov.