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Hurricane Irene Approaches U.S. East Coast

As Hurricane Irene makes its way to the east coast, CIEE wants to provide some useful information on what to do if your community is affected. We will continue to post updates to the CIEE website and provide email updates and news that will be helpful to you. You can also call CIEE at 1-888-268-6245 at any time if you have questions about the storm. Please see below for helpful safety tips in preparation for the storm’s arrival:


  • Stay informed. Watch local news for storm updates. If Hurricane Irene is a serious threat to your community, evacuation instructions will be provided on the local news networks. You may also view updates on Hurricane Irene on the National Weather Service website.
  • The American Red Cross may arrive in your community if the hurricane does happen. They are an excellent emergency response organization and we ask you to look at their website to learn their latest news on the storm: http://www.redcross.org/.
  • Local authorities or the Red Cross may organize storm shelters for your safety. These shelters are excellent places to go, even if you only have questions. If there is a shelter available and the hurricane will be in your area, CIEE strongly advises you to go there for your safety.
  • Please know the police and fire departments are friendly and they will help you in an emergency situation.
  • Prepare yourself. CIEE encourages you to read more about hurricanes on the National Weather Service and the Red Cross websites. They offer excellent ideas for how to safely prepare for a hurricane storm.
  • Ask your employer if Hurricane Irene will affect your town if you’re not sure. Your employer may have experienced these storms in the past and will be able to tell you what to expect and what to do.

In the event that you must move to a temporary shelter, and if you have access to email or a telephone, please let us know where you are and that you are safe. If necessary, we will notify your CIEE agent in your home country so that they can notify your parents. You can email us at contact@ciee.org or call us, toll-free, at 1-888-268-6245.

Driving & Auto Safety

Each year, CIEE participants are involved in serious automobile accidents while in the U.S., some of which have resulted in participant fatalities. In many of these cases, serious injury or even death could have been avoided if participants had made the simple choice to wear seatbelts. Please review the information below before making the decision to drive.

CIEE recommends that you use public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes when possible. In the event that public transportation is not available and you choose to rent or purchase a vehicle, you MUST obtain the proper auto insurance that covers medical and liability requirements in your state. CIEE recommends purchasing above the minimum requirements for both medical and liability. Though it is more expensive, the coverage is necessary if you are involved in an accident.. Note that most car rental agencies in the U.S. will not rent an automobile to persons under 25 years of age.

If you choose to rent or purchase a vehicle, you should know the following:

  • Motorcycles/mopeds and recreational vehicles are NOT covered on your CIEE Insurance plan does this make it sound like cars are?
  • CIEE insurance is NOT Auto Insurance
  • Each state has unique minimum insurance requirements and it is your responsibility to learn what they are and ensure you meet them
  • You must have a valid license

Basic Safety Tips for Driving in the U.S.:

  • Always wear your seatbelt—it is the law
  • Be familiar with and follow the rules and speed limits posted on the road
  • Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when you are tired
  • Do not use your cell phone while driving–it is against the law in many states

CIEE Announces Winner of the 2011 Internship USA Contest! Click Here to Read More!

911 emergency

For more information about driving in the United States, visit www.usa.gov/.

Enter the WYSE Work Abroad Video Contest and you could win US$2,000!

As a member of WYSE Work Abroad, CIEE encourages you to showcase your creative talents by joining WYSE Work Abroad’s “Expand Your Horizons” Video Contest. Submit a 2-3 minute video about your work abroad, volunteer, work and travel, or internship experience, and you could win US $2,000!

Find out more about this exciting contest by visiting the contest microblog site: http://wyseworkabroad.tumblr.com

The 2011 contest is now closed. Check back in April 2012 for details of the 2012 contest!

Be sure to notify WYSE Work Abroad that you’ve entered the contest by emailing them your name and the title of your video. You must also indicate that you are a CIEE Work & Travel USA participant.

If you have questions, please visit the WYSE Work Abroad website or email them at mailbox@wyseworkabroad.org.