Six Georgia Tech students who planned to spend spring semester in Japan as part of the Institute's work and study abroad programs have left the country as directed by a U.S. State Department Travel Warning issued following the earthquake and tsunami. Contact has been made with two other students who have voluntarily decided to remain in Japan.

When the earthquake and tsunami initially impacted Japan, contact was made with Georgia Tech students who were planning to or already participating in study and work abroad programs in that country.  Georgia Tech was able to determine that all of those students were safe.

The Institute continues to closely monitor conditions for the approximately 69 students participating in programs located in the Pacific Rim outside of Japan, however no action is necessary at this time.

To keep the Georgia Tech community informed about opportunities to assist Japan and our expertise in areas spanning from engineering to logistics, a new “Focus on Japan” website has been launched. The site, www.gatech.edu/japan/, will be continually updated as Georgia Tech’s response to the crisis evolves.

The site also features “How You Can Help,” providing links to relief organizations and information on student outreach activities. For example, students are in the process of initiating fundraising as well as blood drives and other efforts that will begin after spring break. Resources including information on travel advisories, nuclear energy and other topics will also be included on the site.