I appreciated the well-written article on study abroad policies for Israel ("Big Ten opens up travel to Israel; PSU continues ban," Oct. 18).

I think the university's policy toward study in Israel does not reflect the current security status in Israel and is detrimental to the quality of education that Penn State can offer. Beyond the sensational headlines, Israel is incredibly safe to travel, study and live in, and recent changes have significantly reduced the risk of terror attacks. The State Department even said this in its updated travel warning.

After recent attacks, one cannot argue that it is safer to study in Jordan or Egypt (which are allowed) and not in Israel. I also object to the double standard that is being used to evaluate countries. Kenya has a travel warning that is very similar to the one for Israel, yet our programs in Kenya are still running.

If the university were serious about its travel warning policy, it would shut down the Kenya programs. Rather, the university should amend its policy so that students can have the opportunity to study in both countries, with a full understanding of the risks involved in any overseas program.