In light of the two recent murders of American journalists and the Islamic State conflict in the Middle East, Ball State’s study abroad programs have not made any changes, but are monitoring situations overseas.
“The safety of our programs has always been our top priority,” said John Jensen, director of study abroad. “The Study Abroad Office is concerned about recent events and continues to monitor them on a daily basis.”
Jensen said the university receives daily briefings from the Overseas Security and Advisory Council, and liaises with the Ball State International Oversight Committee “on all issues related to student, staff and faculty safety and security.”
Although Ball State doesn’t have any programs or travel plans for the area impacted by the Islamic State conflict, the university would review policies if circumstances in the conflict change or get closer to Ball State programs.
Some students also have not been turned off to studying abroad, but have become selective about where they would want to go. Jensen said his office has not seen any drop in interest and participation in going overseas.
“The [Middle East] probably wouldn’t be a choice of mine because of the conflicts going on over there,” said T.J. Jackson, a junior. “I would still enjoy studying abroad in Japan or possibly Spain.”
The cost of studying in another country and the duration of the trips were larger factors in why Jackson has not gone to study for a semester in another country yet, he said.
Still, Jensen said even during conflicts, traveling is crucial for students to continue expanding their understanding of the world.
“Events like this reinforce the belief of our students and faculty of the need for each of us to have a better understanding of the diverse cultural, political and religious values that exist in an increasingly interconnected world,” he said.
