Despite setbacks to the University's study abroad program in Spain and security concerns in the Middle East, University faculty members involved in study abroad programs say the recent terrorist attacks only highlight the need for American students to travel and learn about other cultures.
Suzanne Louis, associate director of the international studies office, said she predicts that the recent tragedy ultimately will lead to more University students studying abroad.
"I think we'll probably see an increase in interest in all things international: foreign languages, international affairs and travelling overseas in substantive ways," Louis said.
This semester, the number of students studying abroad is up about 50 percent from last year, estimated William Quandt, vice provost of international affairs and professor of government and foreign affairs.
Currently about 16 percent of all students participate in international study programs. The University's 2020 initiative calls for 30 percent of University students to participate in study abroad by 2005 and 80 percent by 2020.
The tragedy has had at least one tangible negative effect on of the University's study abroad programs. Thirteen students, including three University students and 10 from other universities, have chosen to withdraw from the Hispanic Studies program in Valencia, Spain, following the attacks, said Liz Wellbe-Loved, assistant director of Hispanic studies.
Moreover, the departure date for this program - along with several others - had to be pushed back a week because of flight cancellations.
Students who canceled expressed a fear they would have difficulty in returning home, Wellbe-Loved said.
Despite sudden cancellations, the University is supporting students who make such decisions, said Rebecca Brown, director of the international studies office. For instance, the University has extended the add-drop deadlines for classes to accommodate students who now plan on taking classes this fall in Charlottesville.
University officials are hoping to continue the one study abroad program it runs in the Middle East, a summer program in Arabic language in Irbid, Jordan. Barring deterioration in the international situation, Arabic Prof. Mohammed Sawaie said he hopes to hold the program next summer. Jordan is not one of the countries against which the State Department has issued travel warnings.
"There were never any security concerns," said John Crocker, a fourth-year College student who attended the program this summer. Crocker said he felt welcome despite tension generated in the region by an outbreak of violence in Israel and Palestine.
"People may be upset about American policy," Crocker said, "but they're not hostile to American citizens."
Sawaie agreed. "When you're there there's no danger," he said. "People welcomed students into their homes and gave them hospitality and food."
Recent events highlight the importance of studying abroad, according to Brown. "You could argue it's more important than ever to study other parts of the globe," Brown said.
Study abroad yields understanding a student "just can't get in a classroom in America," she added.
Read More
PBS NewsHour correspondent speaks on bringing humanity to international conflict
By Grace Little | YesterdaySchifrin's work exploring Putin’s Russia, his coverage of COVID-19 and his reporting in Afghanistan and Ukraine have earned him various accolades.
Spring meal swipe drive aims to tackle food insecurity at the University
By Nicolas Biernacki | YesterdayU.Va. Dine facilitated the drive by converting each meal swipe donated by a student into one pound of food that is then donated to the CFP.
Winsome Earle-Sears talks higher education in first U.Va. event of the campaign
By Ford McCracken | 3 days agoA Jamaican immigrant and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Earle-Sears is the first female lieutenant governor of Virginia,
