The recent bombings in Istanbul will not affect Boston University’s study abroad program, though the one BU student currently studying there was only a 15-minute walk away from one of the attacks.
Nicole Gamble, a College of Arts and Sciences student currently studying in Istanbul, said the Nov. 15 attacks on two synagogues did not worry her, but attacks on the British Consulate and London-based HSBC bank five days later were close enough to feel.
‘That day I was very apprehensive, and three Swedish exchange students went home that Friday,’ she said in an email.
Although Turkish life has become more cautious, Gamble said people are continuing their daily routines.
‘The atmosphere is one of caution, but of continuance,’ she said. ‘People are doing what they normally do because there isn’t really much else to be done.’
Gamble also said she would continue her life in Turkey despite the bombings.
‘I have never really felt unsafe in Istanbul, and I don’t feel much different now,’ she said. ‘I will avoid certain areas for a while, but I won’t let the bombings hurt my experience in Turkey. It is an amazing country, and I don’t feel that I should return to the U.S. because of these bombings.’
The Turkish government is doing its best to ensure people’s safety by taking more precautionary measures, such as checking cars for bombs at central areas, she said.
As far as her personal safety, Gamble said both BU and Bogazici University in Turkey, where she is studying, have been keeping her up to date with warnings.
Roberta Turri, the assistant director for operations and exchange at the Division of International Programs, said in an email that the program is constantly following up on State Department travel warnings and worldwide cautions. The study abroad program in Turkey will continue next semester, he added.
College of Arts and Sciences junior Jenni Henecke said she still plans to study in Turkey next semester, and the bombings will not affect her decision.
‘Even though I recognize there is a risk and I am certainly concerned, I refuse to let that influence my decision to go,’ Henecke said in an email. ‘Horrible things happen all over the world, and even if I stayed here in the U.S., I am not completely safe.’
However, Henecke said she will remain aware of Turkish people’s views of Americans when she travels there.
‘I haven’t put much thought into precautions yet, although I think the best thing I can do is try not to be the stereotypically loud, obnoxious American,’ she said.
Despite fear of future attacks, Henecke said Americans should not overlook what is happening around the world and she hopes she will send this message by not letting the bombings change her plans.
‘I think my actions will send the message that we, whether America or young people in general, are not going to ignore what is happening,’ she said. ‘Until BU officially cancels the program, I plan on going.’
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