Study Abroad Stays Strong Despite Impending War

Author: Caroline Stauffer

While issuing a statement committing Middlebury College to ensuring the safety of students studying in C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad, Director of Off-Campus Study David Macey maintained that study abroad is more popular and important than ever.
The events of Sept. 11 and a looming war in the Middle East only heighten the relevance of such experiences.
"We've had students studying in Russia every year since 1977 through civil wars, the collapse of the Soviet Union, inflation rates, the shelling of parliament, tanks in the streets and widespread assassinations," Macey said. "Long-term results of war with Iraq could be an increase in terrorism toward Americans, especially if we win, but this isn't going to stop study abroad."
Macey added, "We've never had to evacuate a program, and most program officers in Europe would not evacuate in the event of a Middle Eastern conflict."
According to the Institute of International Education, a nonprofit organization, more than twice as many students are studying abroad nationwide than 10 years ago.
The C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools have seen a steady rise in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment, Macey said.
Almost 250 Middlebury College students are currently studying abroad in 31 countries.
"It is encouraging to see students more determined than ever to study abroad during this post-9/11 era. We have full confidence in the staff of our own schools abroad to handle any situation that may arise," the Study Abroad web site states.
Macey also noted that enrollment in Chinese, Japanese and Russian programs doubled this year.
"I believe students are more aware that we are part of a larger world," Macey said. "I would hope that we have also learned that we have to get to know other people and learn to live with them and not to throw bombs at each other. You can only live together with respect and this can only be achieved through direct contact."
Although study abroad programs will continue as usual, the College, like other schools across the nation, has recently implemented a plan of action to ensure the safety of students. The statement can be found on the Middlebury Study Abroad Web site in the form of a letter to parents of students studying abroad.
The statement was originally composed following the events of Sept. 11 and was revised in December 2002. The Office of Off-Campus Study is currently developing a post-declaration of war statement should a war break out in the Middle East, but the principles of the statement will remain the same, according to Macey.
The statement reads: "Our C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad have well-developed contingency plans in place. These are communicated to all students upon arrival. Our staff in each country monitors local and world events continuously, subscribe to the U.S. State Department's Travel Warnings and Advisory service and maintain close contact with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate."
"We have instantaneous ability to talk to agents in all of our program locations. They are ready to respond immediately," Macey continued. The statement also emphasized the agents' ability to remain in touch with the Middlebury College home office by e-mail and phone. All agents are also equipped with cellular phones so students can contact them with concerns. "We're ready for political problems, local terrorist problems, etc.," Macey said.
An article in The Washington Post on Jan. 21, 2003, reported that prior to the events Sept. 11 only about 10 percent of 140 U.S. universities affiliated with the Institute for the International Education of Students had crisis plans for their students overseas.
Even with increased safety measures being implemented, a standard to measure the safety of study abroad programs has yet to be established. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich, who chaired Congressional hearings on the subject in 2000 and plans a follow-up inquiry this year, found wide variance in the quality of safety measures.
The College's advice to students studying abroad continues to be to maintain a low profile: "Do not speak English in public, don't hang out with Americans or in places where Americans hang out and do not wear clothing with easily identifiable American labels. Disappear into society the best you can." This advice aims not only to increase personal safety, according to Macey, but also to maximize immersion into the new culture. The Washington Post article also pointed to the increasing number of U.S. students selecting non-traditional destinations to study. Last year, 1,200 American students studied in Israel while others went to places such as Indonesia, Pakistan and Yemen, according to the Institute of International Education.
"It used to be all students went to Western Europe. Now they're scattered literally around the globe. And over the course of the past five years, the world has become a more dangerous place for Americans," said David Larson, head of the Center for Education Abroad at Arcadia University, located outside of Philadelphia.
Macey, however, believes that Middlebury students studying in "exotic" locations seem to be better informed than other students. Either they have gained sufficient background at Middlebury or have some kind of family connection.
Middlebury students are studying in Cuba, Japan, Mongolia and several countries in Africa and Latin America.
"With the Arabic program starting, I do see students wanting to pursue a Middle Eastern studies track of International Studies, and we may be looking for a study abroad site in the Arabic-speaking world," Macey said.
There are one or two students applying to the American University of Cairo for next September, but they have also applied to backup programs in Europe.
Macey said they would not discourage a student wishing to study in the Middle East. Ayala Wineman '04 is currently studying at Arava Institute for International Studies in Israel.
"Some schools take a position on allowing students to study in Israel, but we don't push students in either direction. We leave it up to students and parents to decide, making ample information readily available," Macey said.