Study abroad participants not deterred by terrorists, but are advised to be careful
The number of participants in international education exchange programs has increased despite the Sept. 11 attacks. Students are showing more interest in learning about other countries.
By Antoinette Vega
Staff Reporter

Chris Mattingly said he did not let fear from the Sept. 11 attacks interfere with his plans to experience a new lifestyle while studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain this summer.

“I have faith in U.S. security so I was not too concerned about my safety,” said Mattingly, a senior international finance and accounting major.

The number of participants in the international education programs this summer is the highest it has been in eight to 10 years — increasing about 13 percent, said Tracy Williams, education abroad coordinator.

Students are beginning to see international education as a tool to defeat the different stereotypes, she said.

“Since 9-11, students feel that learning to communicate with other countries is more important,” Williams said.

According to an online survey conducted by the Institute of International Education, 98 percent of international education professionals said that international education exchange — including study abroad — is regarded as more important or equally important on their campuses since Sept. 11. The survey ended Aug. 30 and represents 530 professionals from universities, two-year colleges, non-governmental organizations and other institutions.

Robin Cromwell said she intended to study in Spain this summer but decided to travel to Mexico because it was further from the Middle East and closer to home.

“I took a few precautions because of 9-11, such as staying close to the United States and not traveling on July 4,” said Cromwell, a senior Spanish major.

Williams said she had expected the number of students interested in traveling abroad to go down because of security issues and the strain on the economy.

“I thought students would want to tighten their belts and that it would be unsafe for Americans to travel,” Williams said.

Susan Layne, TCU London Centre coordinator, said the number of participants for the TCU in London program have remained stable and extra safety precautions have been initiated.

“Distinguishing TCU logos have been removed from buildings and students are now cautioned to avoid hangouts for Americans,” she said.

Williams said the Office of International Education has also made changes since Sept. 11 to better prepare students for all situations.

In addition to distributing print-outs on foreign travel by the U.S. Embassy, the office has updated its emergency plans to include terrorist attacks, she said. Students are also encouraged to think about the possible dangers in safety and security abroad.

“We have talked to students about traveling abroad and have recommended they keep a low profile,” Williams said.

Luis Canales, director of international education, said the department closely watches the Department of State Web site (www.state.gov) which gives specific announcements about current events in specific countries.

“We as a department cannot decide what makes a country unsafe to travel to, but the Web site warns individuals about threats by terrorists and violence in different areas of a country,” Canales said.

Mattingly said he is glad he did not miss the opportunity to learn more about a different culture by being concerned about something bad happening.

“Studying abroad is definitely a risk right now but without risk, nothing can be gained,” he said.