Resources for Crisis Response in International Education

As events continue to unfold in the Middle East, international educators may find the following resources useful in supporting students, managing institutional risk, and navigating this difficult moment. As ever, turn to NAFSA's professional networks on Network.NAFSA to connect with peers on these issues.

Also, join NAFSA on Wednesday, March 4, 2:00–3:00 p.m. (EST) for a Peer-to-Peer Perspective on "Leading in Uncertain Times." (Recording will be available soon.)

Government Resources

• As of March 4, the U.S. State Department is providing 24/7 consular assistance to Americans in the Middle East. The State Department recommends the following steps:
  • Americans seeking U.S. government-facilitated departure options from Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates should complete this form to receive information as options become available.
  • Americans who need to reach the State Department directly should call +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or +1-888-407-4747 (from the United States or Canada).
  • Americans seeking the latest security information should enroll in STEP, follow the U.S. Department of State and Travel.State.Gov accounts on X for updates, and visit travel.state.gov for destination-specific guidance.
• U.S. Department of State: "Resources and Support for U.S. Citizens Overseas"

International Educator Magazine

• International Educator April 2025 Issue: "Crisis Ready"
  • "Voices from the Field: Duty of Care During a Time of Uncertainty"
  • "Full-Spectrum Risk Management"
• "Responding to Crisis with Collaboration and Creativity"
• "A Playbook for Risk Management"

Trends & Insights

• "A Systems Approach to Risk Mitigation"
• "Pursuing Internationalization in Times of Persistent Crisis"

Other NAFSA Resources

• "Advanced Risk Assessment for Informed Travel: Going Beyond US Department of State Advisory Levels"
• IE Competencies 2.0: Compliance Management; Relationship Cultivation; Risk Assessment and Crisis Management
• "ISSS Crisis Management Planning: Lessons from the Field"
• "Resources for Monitoring Conditions Abroad"
• "Responsible Education Abroad: Best Practices for Health, Safety, and Security"