Studying abroad comes into question following Paris attacks

November 16, 2015 5:22 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

Attacks in Paris over the weekend have left a Rhode Island mother on edge. Leslie Ann Chung, whose daughter is currently studying at a Paris University, first heard about the attacks from her brother.

"He sent me a text and left me a voicemail, saying, ‘hey, there are attacks going on in Paris. Is Emily okay?’" says Chung, who instantly reached for her phone and learned her daughter was safe.

Local colleges are also concerned. The University of Rhode Island currently has nine students in France this semester, with three in the city of Paris. URI and their partners overseas have followed proper protocols after the tragic event to ensure safety of their students.

"We have been in contact with all of the students, letting us know they are well. They are thanking us for their providers being attentive to them," says Danai Brandford Calvo, Director of International Education.

Brandford Calvo, says none of the students in Europe have expressed the desire to come home early.

As far as next year’s group planning to study abroad, Calvo says, "We are prepared to hear from our partners, letting us know how they feel about it. They are a stake-hold in this and if they cannot provide safety for the student, then they are the ones telling us–regardless of what the government says–we are closing the program."

Brandford Calvo says they will cross that bridge if and when they come to it. Chungs says this tragedy has not changed her daughters feelings about living in France.

"She remembers 911, she knows these kind of tragedies are not limited to France," adds Chung.