By Sarah Eisenmenger

UK’s study abroad program is currently in talks to change its policies on countries that are at war, with those changes expected to be decided next week, said the program’s director.

Students are able to study abroad in countries currently experiencing conflicts, such as Israel, although they are discouraged, said Janet Roccanova, director of the Office of International Affairs. Students who choose to study abroad in countries perceived as dangerous are shown the travel warnings and sign a form saying they have been warned.

Studying abroad in a country during a dangerous time does not affect the price of the program unless the student chooses to purchase evacuation insurance.

“While we would prefer that our students select countries that are believed to be safe, at present we are willing to consider foreign travel for academic credit to countries on the State Department warning list if the student can articulate important reasons to do so,” Roccanova said.

The Office of International Affairs judges whether or not an area is dangerous for students by the State Departments travel warnings and alerts, which can be viewed at www.state.gov.

Travel alerts are a way to give the public information about terrorist threats and short-term conditions that could pose risks to the security of American travelers, according to the State Department’s Web site. In the past, travel alerts have been issued to deal with short-term coups, terroristic violence and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.