College is the time when many seek to step out of their own culture and experience the lives of others, but following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, some students and parents are skeptical about traveling and studying abroad.

Penn State students can study abroad in 42 countries through International Education Programs and Studies (IEPS). Now that the United States is engulfed in war, however, extra measures are being taken to ensure student safety for those abroad.

"Student safety is of primary importance to us, and we have encouraged both students and their parents to call us if they have concerns," said Margo Groff, assistant director of IEPS. Since the attacks, Penn State administrators and faculty have been dealing with the questions of many students and their parents.

"In wake of the horrific events of September 11th, our office has received many telephone and e-mail messages from parents and students expressing concern about the security ramifications of Penn State's international programs," said John Keller, director of IEPS.

Keller said the first step to easing the fears of students and parents is raising the level of communication with students who are abroad.

"We sent e-mails to all of our IEPS students and overseas on-site coordinators within the first three days after the terrorist attacks," he said.

During orientation, students are told the international scene will be monitored and arrangements will be made to ensure their safety if the situation warrants.

"We cannot predict what will happen, but are trying to proceed with the running of our programs in a realistic and compassionate way," Groff said.

Policies have been developed to ease concern about academic ramifications of possible program cancellations or withdrawals.

"Monitoring the international situation is of primary concern, but so far our interpretation of the situation has not warranted closing programs or recalling students," Keller said. "This may change, however, and, if it does, we will move quickly and expeditiously to ensure the security of our students."

IEPS has been in frequent contact via e-mail with the 230 students involved in the program, Groff said. Only two of those 230 have chosen to come home. The students who have withdrawn from studying abroad cite their parents' concerns as the reason, Groff said.

"My parents are actually more worried about my flight, than my actual visit to Rome. My adviser assured me that the climate is like here so there's really not too much to worry about," said Joy Anderson (senior-finance and international business), who is spending Spring Semester in Rome.

Advisers said studying abroad at this time is as safe as it can be.

"The students are as safe in France as they would in comparable cities in the U.S.," Lisa Reed, faculty education abroad coordinator, said.

The IEPS mostly relies on the information from the U.S. Department of State public announcements and travel advisories. It remains committed to encouraging Penn State students to take advantage of the international academic opportunities and to continue to engage with the world, Keller said.

"If we withdraw within our borders as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorism, the terrorists will have won," he added.

Students need to be well informed and realistic about the situation overseas and take precautions by being cautious and maintain a low profile, Keller said.