By Candice Brooks
Connie Perdreau has directed international study programs for nearly 14 years. She's seen the program through phenomenal growth and its share of crises - including Sept. 11, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
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| Connie Perdreau |
The winter following Sept. 11 Perdreau expected a decline in interest to study abroad. To her amazement, enrollment in education abroad programs jumped by more than 140 students versus the previous year. Perdreau credits the upswing to increased airport security and to the way Sept. 11 challenged students' thinking about their country and its place in global affairs. This challenge certainly came to the forefront during the war in Iraq with the U.S. actions under the scrutiny of the world. The war had little effect on enrollment in the study abroad programs. This spring, approximately 150 Ohio University students went to France, Spain, Austria, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and Ecuador. No student returned home due to the war and only a handful decided not to participate because of the political situation, Perdreau said.
All students involved in international programs must attend orientation sessions. Those now include advice on dealing with anti-American sentiment, as well as the importance of conducting themselves well - and not only because they're subject to the student code of conduct.
"We talk about the stereotypes of Americans ‹ loud, rude, boastful ‹ and tell them, 'It's up to you to show that you're not that stereotype.' I want them to know that they can make a difference, that they represent America and Ohio University. Most of them feel a responsibility to do a good job," she said.
While abroad, safety is first. The study abroad program has a crisis management plan, including instructions for evacuation in case of emergency. Safety became a major issue to consider during the SARS outbreak.
"All University summer programs in SARS-affected countries have been cancelled. This includes three programs in China and one in Hong Kong, affecting over 80 students," Perdreau said. "But, we expect to resume our programs in Japan and Hong Kong in the fall."
Today's students realize that it's a big planet‹a realization that may be intensified by recent global events. It's not about tourism anymore, according to Perdreau.
"They realize there's a whole big world out there, and they know this is an opportunity that can be an integral part of their education," she said. "They're looking to see more of the world while applying that knowledge to their education."
Out of the many benefits of studying abroad, most important, though, is how study abroad programs affect international understanding‹perhaps even helping to avoid another tragedy like September 11 and the war that eventually followed.
"I fervently believe that the only way we will ever achieve peace and harmony among peoples, nations and races in this world," Perdreau said, "is by getting to know those who are different from us."
Candice Brooks is a student writer with University Communications and Marketing.
