Some University students who attended the first Education Abroad Day at the HUB Fishbowl yesterday gave several reasons why international terrorism does not affect their decisions to study abroad.

"The benefits with studying abroad outweigh any possible dangers," said Denny Marsh (sophomore-astronomy). "You can't remain isolated your entire life because you are afraid of traveling abroad."

The Office of Education Abroad Programs checks U.S. State Department advisories every day and informs the students of government warnings, said Gretchen Peterec, graduate assistant for the education abroad office. The study abroad office then decides whether to cancel a program based on these advisories.

However, the final decision to study abroad rests on students and their families, Peterec said.

Mihir Modi (junior-pre-medicine) said he would avoid areas with a high threat of terrorism. But he said taking risks is part of everyday life and students should not be deterred from going to areas where they can experience different cultures.

Kit Gray (freshman-liberal arts) also said the study abroad programs give students a different cultural perspective.

"Of course I'd be worried, but people must make their own decisions whether to take the risk," Gray said.

University students with fears related to the gulf war can still drop out of a program even after their applications are approved, Peterec said. And the office will help the students re-enroll at the University and obtain housing.

Peterec said students are still quite interested in the study abroad programs. She said it complements the education they receive at the Univeristy.

Education Abroad Day was open to all students professors and advisers. Students who participated in the programs and exchange students from Japan, Germany, Australia, England, Kenya and Egypt were also invited to speak about their experiences.