The following alerts are to the best of ISA’s knowledge gathered from direct observation, U.S. Department of State recommendations, Overseas Security Advisory Council reports, CDC and WHO guidance, and expert consultation. Information is subject to change.
For alerts related to ISA locations in Africa, Europe, and Latin America, click here.
Seoul
July 1st, 2024
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 1st, a fatal vehicular incident occurred when a car drove into a group of pedestrians waiting at an intersection near Seoul’s city hall. The driver of the vehicle was quickly detained by police. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the incident, but it does not immediately appear to be terror-related.
At this time, there is no indication that any TEAN students were present at the time of the incident. The TEAN Seoul resident staff have reached out to all students, asked them to check in, and to avoid the area. TEAN will continue to monitor the incident and will continue to advise students, as necessary.
Sydney
April 13th, 2024
On Saturday afternoon, April 13th, a fatal knife attack occurred at the Westfield Mall in the Sydney Bondi Junction area. Sydney police neutralized the suspect and secured the area around the scene. Local authorities did not immediately disclose a motive for the crime; however, initial reports indicate they do not suspect it to be terrorism related.
The TEAN Sydney resident staff has advised all students to avoid the area of the incident, follow directives of local authorities, and check in with their loved ones at home. All TEAN students who live in the Bondi Junction area are safe and accounted for. TEAN will continue to advise students and update this alert, as necessary.
Tokyo
January 1st, 2024
In the early evening of January 1st (local time), a series of earthquakes (ranging from 5.7 to 7.6 magnitude) occurred off the west coast of Japan in Ishiwaka prefecture. The tremors were centered approximately 250 miles from Tokyo. Damage to buildings, power outages, and disruption to public transportation have been reported throughout the country. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for the prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama, but authorities indicate the threat has largely passed.
TEAN resident staff in Tokyo confirmed the earthquakes caused no immediate damage in the city. Currently, there are no active TEAN programs in Japan and we do not anticipate any impact on our Spring 2024 programs in Tokyo. WorldStrides will continue to monitor the situation and update this Worldwide Alert accordingly.
Bangkok
October 3rd, 2023
In the late afternoon hours of October 3rd, a deadly shooting occurred at the popular Siam Paragon mall in central Bangkok. Local authorities quickly secured the scene and apprehended the suspect in the attack, whose motives remain unknown. A subway station attached to the mall was briefly closed but has since reopened.
All TEAN Bangkok students are safe and accounted for. The TEAN resident staff has advised students avoid the immediate area around the mall and to check in with their families at home. TEAN will monitor all developments and update this alert accordingly.
For further information, please refer to TEAN’s Health and Safety section, particularly the information regarding the monitoring of world-wide security levels.
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