Earthquake in China, 12 May 2008

The 12 May 2008 earthquake in China did not cause any injuries to Purdue students. Their safety and security are our highest concerns, and we are fully confident in the leadership of the Purdue professors who have accompanied them to China to keep them safe.

The earthquake was centered in Sichuan province, 57 miles north-west of the city of Chengdu (population 11 million) in southern China, near the border with Myanmar/Burma. This is quite far from China's large eastern cities, where all of Purdue's study abroad programs are taking place. More specifically, Beijing, Nanjing, Harbin and Shanghai are about 1,000 miles away from where the earthquake was strongest. While there were reports that the tremors were felt in eastern China, there are no reports of damage in those cities.

There are five Purdue Study Abroad programs in China:

China Globalization - Energy and the Environment (plane arrived in Beijing after earthquake)
Introduction to Intercultural Teamwork (safe in Beijing)
Doing Business in China (safe in Beijing)
Global Entrepreneurship & Innovation (safe in Beijing)
Culture & Tourism of Greater China (safe in Beijing)

The earthquake hit on 12 May 2008 at 2:28 PM China time (or 2:28 a.m. EDT). We are mindful of the suffering of the Chinese people yet grateful that there is no indication that this tragedy will jeopardize Purdue students’ safety or program endeavors.

Dr. Brian D. Harley

Associate Dean of International Programs

Director of Programs for Study Abroad

Safety and Security Abroad

Purdue University is committed to developing a wide variety of international study, research and work opportunities for its students. At the same time we recognize that there are times and places where personal security issues may outweigh the advantages of exposure to international experiences; therefore, we have developed a very careful and considered approach to the safety of our students. This includes careful monitoring of U.S. Department of State travel warnings and public announcements. In addition, we have implemented an emergency preparedness and crisis response plan for our overseas programs by providing key individuals (on-site faculty and host institution administrators) with guidelines to follow under a variety of circumstances. The response plan calls for working with overseas contacts as well as Programs for Study Abroad, the Dean of International Programs, the Dean of Students' Office, and ultimately the Provost and President of Purdue University. Click here for more information on Purdue's Policy on Security.

Memo from the Director on avian flu preparedness

International Travel Resources for Students and Faculty

Links for Students

Links for Parents

Archived Safety and Security Articles


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Home Calendar Programs Outbound Students Parents Returning Students Incoming Exchange Students Faculty & Staff Helpful Travel Links Safety & Health Purdue Policy Emergency Contact Study Abroad Office Site Search Photo Contest	Safety and Security Earthquake in China, 12 May 2008 The 12 May 2008 earthquake in China did not cause any injuries to Purdue students. Their safety and security are our highest concerns, and we are fully confident in the leadership of the Purdue professors who have accompanied them to China to keep them safe. The earthquake was centered in Sichuan province, 57 miles north-west of the city of Chengdu (population 11 million) in southern China, near the border with Myanmar/Burma. This is quite far from China's large eastern cities, where all of Purdue's study abroad programs are taking place. More specifically, Beijing, Nanjing, Harbin and Shanghai are about 1,000 miles away from where the earthquake was strongest. While there were reports that the tremors were felt in eastern China, there are no reports of damage in those cities. There are five Purdue Study Abroad programs in China: China Globalization - Energy and the Environment (plane arrived in Beijing after earthquake) Introduction to Intercultural Teamwork (safe in Beijing) Doing Business in China (safe in Beijing) Global Entrepreneurship & Innovation (safe in Beijing) Culture & Tourism of Greater China (safe in Beijing) The earthquake hit on 12 May 2008 at 2:28 PM China time (or 2:28 a.m. EDT). We are mindful of the suffering of the Chinese people yet grateful that there is no indication that this tragedy will jeopardize Purdue students’ safety or program endeavors. Dr. Brian D. Harley Associate Dean of International Programs Director of Programs for Study Abroad Safety and Security Abroad Purdue University is committed to developing a wide variety of international study, research and work opportunities for its students. At the same time we recognize that there are times and places where personal security issues may outweigh the advantages of exposure to international experiences; therefore, we have developed a very careful and considered approach to the safety of our students. This includes careful monitoring of U.S. Department of State travel warnings and public announcements. In addition, we have implemented an emergency preparedness and crisis response plan for our overseas programs by providing key individuals (on-site faculty and host institution administrators) with guidelines to follow under a variety of circumstances. The response plan calls for working with overseas contacts as well as Programs for Study Abroad, the Dean of International Programs, the Dean of Students' Office, and ultimately the Provost and President of Purdue University. Click here for more information on Purdue's Policy on Security. Memo from the Director on avian flu preparedness International Travel Resources for Students and Faculty Responsible Study Abroad: Health and Safety Guidelines News for United States Citizens Who are Currently Abroad U.S. Embassies State Department Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets NAFSA Resources World Health Organization (WHO) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Links for Students Purdue Emergency Contact Information State Department Alerts Students to Risks of Overseas Travel Personal Emergency Action Plan Emergency Card What your insurance does NOT cover Links for Parents A Parent's Guide to Study Abroad: Safety and Security Advice for Parents of Overseas-bound College Students Archived Safety and Security Articles
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