Kathy Loveland has been warned to be careful.

She’s not jumping out of a plane or refusing to wear her seat belt — she’s going to Russia.

Loveland, junior in Russian and international studies, will be making her second trek to St. Petersburg to immerse herself in the culture, but this time she is a little more worried.

Due to NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia, the U.S. Department of State has released a worldwide caution to Americans planning to travel abroad. Two separate public announcements were released March 17 and March 26.

U.S. embassies around the world have been the target of many protests against NATO involvement. The Department of State said the potential exists for more violent acts to be directed at Americans, which is why it is important for travelers to “review their security practices, to remain alert to the changing situations and to exercise caution.”

Loveland said she is not too worried because most of the people she will encounter will be other students.

“I suppose it depends on how nationalistic the students are,” she said. “They may be for or against [NATO involvement], but I don’t think they are going to be anti-American.”

Josh Krakos, sophomore in mechanical engineering, will be traveling to Germany this summer to study, but he does not expect to run into any problems.

“I don’t think anyone will hold me personally responsible for actions taken by my government,” he said.

Trevor Nelson, coordinator for Iowa State’s Study Abroad Center, advised all students traveling abroad to avoid being too outspoken.

“I think there are things [the students] can do to minimize what is, in statistical terms, a minuscule risk,” he said. “The chances of someone being involved is less than getting struck by lightening.”

Krakos said he is taking the warning seriously, but he is not going to let it affect his trip.

“It’s a consideration, but it’s not going to stop me from doing anything that I would have done anyway,” he said.

Molly Sill, senior in international business and marketing, will be studying in France and traveling around Europe. She also said she’s not anticipating any problems.

“From what I do know, I’m not expecting it to affect my school, my family or where I’m going to be staying,” she said.

Nelson said students should dress more like locals by leaving their ISU sweatshirts and baseball caps at home.

“If I walk around in blue jeans, people will automatically know I’m American,” Loveland said.

Loveland said she also was advised “don’t speak English a lot, don’t travel in big groups, but don’t travel alone either.”

Students should avoid places that are typically American hangouts such as Planet Hollywood, Nelson said.

Nelson said students need to become aware of what is happening in the country they are traveling to.

“The more informed you are about the country you are visiting,” he said, “the less likely you are to run into problems because you will be more prepared.”

The travel advisories warn American travelers to exercise extreme caution, but Nelson said one does not have to go outside of America to encounter dangerous situations.

“I wouldn’t let this stop students from what would be the most educating and enriching experience that they are likely to have,” he said.