Safety Issues For International Students

Beirut is a student-friendly city, where street crime is practically nil in comparison with major Western cities. Even with sporadic political tensions that take place, our International students have not been deterred or intimidated, in carrying out their normal every day lives. Many international students go on weekend trips to neighboring countries, and even after they have graduated, some have come back to Beirut for a holiday.

Whatever happens the international student should still be aware of potential risks to personal safety and adhere to the necessary security precautions. During uncertain times, AUB works together with embassies and the Lebanese government to be prepared. As a precaution, however, it is recommended that you avoid volatile areas. While there is no way to predict what could happen, or what your personal circumstances could be, it is most important to use your common sense or 'street smarts' as he or she would in any city in the world. Once they enroll at AUB students are requested to fill out the necessary emergency forms at ISS.

On campus, AUB is prepared in the case of an emergency where an Emergency Response plan has been set up, with a supporting protocol. This AUB Student Emergency and Safety Protocol is a very important document that needs to be read by everyone, especially international students. It explains how different crisis
such as fires, strikes, demonstration, wars, etc., are dealt with and gives
guidelines and hints to help avoiding these unusual situations. It also
gives important telephone numbers to be used in emergencies and assigns
assembly areas for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to use in cases of
emergency needing evacuation. Please read this protocol very carefully and
familiarize yourselves with it. ( click here).
Thankfully it has never been used and our Campus protection on campus ensures that the AUB campus environment is safe, secure and sound.

The following is a list of suggestions to consider during unrest:

â?¢ Keep in touch with the current situation by checking the media. In the event of an emergency, advisories may be made to the general public through the media. It is advisable to remain in contact with the Student Affairs Office and the coordinator of International Student Services.

â?¢ Register with your local embassy or consulate. Registration forms for some embassies can be obtained at the ISS office and the coordinator can fax them to your embassy or consulate. All international students should complete the â??Emergency Contact Formâ? available in the ISS office.

â?¢ It is recommended to consult with ISS prior to undertaking travel to the South of Lebanon or neighboring countries.

â?¢ Be as inconspicuous in dress and demeanor as possible. Try to blend with your surroundings. Make sure to carry your AUB ID and your residence permit on you, in case you are asked for identification. If you see a volatile situation developing, resist the temptation to satisfy your curiosity and investigate what is happening. In the case of a demonstration, carefully evaluate the situation and the surroundings before deciding to join it.

â?¢ Being interviewed by the media may reflect your personal opinion, and therefore it is advisable to be aware of the consequences of your statement.

â?¢ Rumors tend to fly around campus in uncertain times. Do not rely solely on what your classmate says or the information overheard in the cafeteria. Contact ISS or your embassy immediately for clarification, or confirmation of information.