William Wise
wwise2@uwyo.edu
A mandatory meeting for UW students signed up for a study abroad program advised students of safety on Saturday.
Sara Robinson and Ruth Sheppard from the UW Travel Abroad office hosted the meeting.
“UW students have many great opportunities to experience other countries while continuing their education,” Sheppard said.
There are a lot of resources online and in the office that can help students figure out what is best for them, Sheppard said.
Sarah Hardeman, UW junior majoring in international studies, said she is looking forward to leaving Laramie, being in a warmer climate, a change of scenery and experiencing more diversity on her study abroad trip.
Concerns from students involved navigation, language barriers and culture shock.
The staff at the travel abroad office are supportive and interested in helping student have the best experience they can, Robinson said.
“There are some obvious concerns, but also those that students may not be aware of,” Robinson said.
She added some struggles include returning from a transformative semester abroad or how to not become a target for people looking to kidnap or hurt a tourist.
Amy Beuschlein, special agent for the FBI, spoke about the growing international threat of terrorism, adding that no matter how safe a place can feel there is always a chance of something bad happening.
Beuschlein covered what to do during tough situations involving anything from an active shooter situation to pickpockets, robbery and identity theft. Beuschlein stressed travel might be intimidating, but is always rewarding.
“Everyone is a potential target, but there are things that one can do to minimize threats,” Beuschlein said. She added one should never be alone, and to “try not to look like an American.
