Studying abroad centers around sampling beer and discotheques for many students, but even those less focused on traditional education learn an enormous amount about other countries and encounter wide spectrums of opinion. Although studying abroad now can be somewhat frightening, experiencing life in other countries is just as valuable now as it has always been. With letters and detailed websites for students and parents, Boston University programs are excelling at striking a balance between caution and reassurance.
Letters recently e-mailed to parents of study abroad students are just one additional effort to disseminate information. The information provided, including emergency contingency plans and ways to keep in contact, was quite detailed and shows that BU is doing everything possible to keep students safe and respond to current dangers now that the United States has gone to war.
Fortunately, BU has not overreacted by closing any programs, although it is appropriately discouraging students from attending its program in Israel. BU’s approach seems to be working quite well, especially considering the continued rise in applicants for upcoming programs. While anti-Americanism is prevalent in many countries, terrorist attacks could still happen anywhere, and students can remain about as safe as they are in Boston as long as they use common sense.
Students studying abroad should probably leave their ‘Go USA’ sweatshirts in their closets and avoid going out in large, rowdy groups of sauced Americans. Keeping informed about local and regional events is also even more important now, as is planning travel more carefully and letting program directors know their itineraries. Additionally, being sensitive to other people’s views and perspectives remains valuable, but that is an important skill for life regardless of location.
BU study abroad programs’ reaction to the continuing terrorist threat and recent start of a war has been quite competent and balanced. While students should take some extra precautions and remain aware of international developments, studying abroad is just as beneficial as ever and students can continue to appreciate varying political views circulating in all those pubs.
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