Study Abroad in a Time of Terror; U.S. Student Experiences in Brussels

Abstract

When terrorists bombed the Brussels airport and metro in March 2016, seventeen U.S. university students were in Brussels, halfway through a faculty-led semester abroad program.  Although the students were unharmed, they encountered deep concern for their safety, and the future of study abroad programs in Brussels was immediately put into question.  Two days after the attacks they recorded their reactions to the bombings, to the aftermath they experienced in Brussels, and to a question as to whether the study abroad program should be terminated.  This essay records, in the students’ own words, their responses to the horrific and unimaginable events, and it records the students’ views on the future of study abroad programs in a time of uncertainty.  The students unanimously expressed resolve that despite the trauma they had no regrets about participating in the study abroad program and that such tragic events should not lead to a withdrawal of study abroad opportunities in the future.  The essay concludes with recommendations for preparing students for uncertainty and providing support in times of need.