A California student studying abroad is the first American identified among those killed in the deadly terrorist attacks on Friday. Thousands of students from Universities across the U.S. choose to study abroad. In fact, a study released today shows Grand Valley State University has more than 700 studying abroad in Masters Programs. Will terrorist threats decrease the numbers?
When asked if Friday’s terrorist attack on Paris and others around the world would decrease interest in study abroad programs… Grand Valley State University Chief International Officer at the Padnos International Center, Mark Schaub, had this to say:
“No, I don’t think this will have an impact on study abroad generally, or even perhaps in France in particular. There’s always a fear, there always has been a fear there always will be a fear.”
But that fear, he says, is not such that would likely keep them from learning in another country. He spoke with prospective parents and students right after the bombing, noting that the fear that exists came long before the Paris attack. Schaub adds that it’s not just Americans that have concerns.
“The fact that visitors from Asia, partners around the world have concerns sending their children to this country, given the concerns over school shootings. It goes two ways.
Schaub says he doesn’t anticipate seeing the numbers decline for study abroad programs including at GVSU, noting the educational value the opportunities present.
“Students and their families see that and certainly faculty and staff here at GVSU are going to continue to encourage students to make use of this opportunity, because of the tremendous upside, personal benefit, certainly career benefit.”
Six students from GVSU are studying in France. Schaub says all are reported safe.
