Study abroad program remains intact after recent terrorist attacks

The Sept. 11 attacks instilled a sense of anxiety in America, especially concerning domestic and international air travel. Nevertheless, the terrorism caused few complications with the University's study abroad programs.

"September 11 delayed some of the students' departures, essentially because of flight cancellations," University Director of International Internships and Assistant Director of Study Abroad Elena Uribe said. "Most of our students were already overseas."

All the programs and international offices of the universities affiliated with Princeton also strengthened the safety measures that they already had in place, Uribe said. The University's study abroad office has programs in several Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt, Israel and Turkey.

"We maintain very close contact with all the institutions where our students study, and we are confident of their competence," Uribe said. "In addition, all programs have reassured us that they are providing a supportive environment for our students — any necessary counseling — and are being especially vigilant."

These measures seem to have had positive effects on this year's study abroad program.

"None of the students already abroad returned early; one student who hadn't yet left decided to stay at Princeton, and one student transferred from a program in the Middle East to one in Western Europe," Uribe said.

Though Uribe said she thinks it is too early to assess the impact of terrorist attacks on enrollment in study abroad programs, she said, "We are not yet experiencing a reduction in the number of applicants."

There was a 48-percent increase in participation in the study abroad program last year. Though there was no increase this year, Uribe said she has not seen a drop in enrollment.

Regarding the safety of sites abroad, the study abroad office relies on a variety of sources of information, including campus experts, staff abroad and State Department guidelines. The study abroad office monitors State Department advisories daily, and no travel is permitted to countries where there is a State Department warning.

Referring to crime, violence and terrorism, the Office of the Dean of the College's website addresses such hostile situations.

The information on the site explains that "in the event of a terrorist threat, program directors, working with local police and U.S. consular personnel and local university officials, will institute all necessary security measures."

Students' interest in studying abroad at other Ivy League schools has not yet been affected by the attacks, Uribe said.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

"Our Ivy League colleagues report the same — that is, very few cancellations in the fall, and interest in studying abroad for the spring at the same level, if not higher, than last year," Uribe said.