Binghamton University students planning to study abroad in Europe may have their plans disrupted by a travel alert issued by the United States Department of State.

The alert, issued Oct. 3, advises U.S. citizens in Europe of the potential for terrorist attacks.

‘Current information suggests that Al-Qaeda and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks,’ the alert stated. ‘U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure.’

Japan, the United Kingdom and France have each issued similar alerts.

According to Susan Lewis, senior assistant director for international programs at BU, the alert has not had an affect on the number of students planning to study abroad in Europe, and for good reason.

‘I think that there is a reason for concern, but there’s not any specific threat,’ Lewis said.

This non-specificity, combined with the information the BU study abroad office is armed with, leaves little cause for Lewis to worry.

‘We do take things like this very seriously, but we’re very well informed,’ Lewis said.

In an effort to keep students informed, the Office of International Programs e-mailed a copy of the travel alert to those studying in Europe as soon as it was issued.

Katie Rein, a BU student studying at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France, does not believe the alert will ruin her semester.

‘It is a concern for me because it means that my safety as an American is at risk. However, I know that there is a difference between a travel alert and a travel ban,’ Rein said. ‘If I had known there would be a travel alert for Americans, I would have still come to Paris.’

Even so, Rein, a senior double-majoring in French and Arabic, knows that her family is concerned for her.

‘They turn on the news and they hear that my safety is at risk,’ she said. ‘But because I am in communication with them, they know that I am taking precautionary measures.’

According to Lewis, these measures should include attending the multiple orientations set up by the University to receive safety tips, keeping in touch with family at home so that they know your whereabouts and registering with the Overseas Citizens Services Bureau at the U.S. Embassy in your host country. This bureau is set up to protect American citizens abroad by keeping a copy of their passports secure and sending them automated e-mail alerts regarding safety.

Lewis recommends that students register individual trips while abroad with the Embassy. This way, they have on record where individuals are in case of an emergency and will be able to contact them.

Lewis still recommends studying in Europe, as long as caution is exercised.

‘There’s no city in the world that is absolutely safe,’ she said. ‘You should always know about the place where you want to study, understand the culture and current issues and be aware of any safety issues there.’

Despite the potential for terrorist attacks, Lewis asserts that there is no reason to change travel plans or steer clear of all tourist attractions, but advises that when sightseeing students should pay attention and be alert.

‘Keep your eyes open,’ she said.

Rein is taking care to avoid possible hot spots to be on the safe side.

‘When I take the metro, I avoid the larger metro stations, and I am staying away from popular tourist spots,’ Rein said.

The travel alert is set to expire on Jan. 31, 2011.