A U.S.-led war in Iraq has resulted in displays of anti-American sentiment abroad, exhibited through protests and even violence. The U.S. government has sent a flurry of warnings to citizens traveling overseas, including UB students studying abroad.
"The advice that we would give is to not draw attention to yourself," said Stuart Patt, spokesman for the U.S. Consular Affairs Bureau. "Don't congregate in types of places where only Americans would go."
"(Travelers) should always be aware of their surroundings. Don't carry cameras, jewelry, and things that attract attention," Patt added.
The UB Study Abroad Program is designed to expose students to diversity and a different perspective of the world, according to the program's web site.
However, the Study Abroad staff said the general attitude of some countries is not always favorable toward Americans.
To combat potential dangers overseas, UB's Study Abroad staff attempts to educate students on safe travel.
"We'll give them, specifically, the consular information sheets that are available for the country that they are intending to go to study," said Sandra Flash, director of study abroad programs.
"We talk to them about staying away from protests and rallies and things like that," Flash said. "These are things that normally study abroad participants tend to flock toward, because they're interested. They get to see a different view of the culture that they're in."
According to Flash, the U.S. Department of State is a good source of information for any American citizen who is planning travel to a foreign country.
The state department frequently sends out official updates, which include travel warnings and advice on how to avoid harmful anti-American sentiment.
However, some students studying abroad feel tight restrictions detract from the freedom that comes with travel.
"I've received various warnings that the study abroad office has passed on from the government asking Americans to maintain a high level of vigilance and avoid residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. What's left?" stated Lars Brasz, a junior mechanical engineering major studying in Gothenburg, Sweden in, an e-mail.
Brasz stated that he believes interaction with different cultures serves as an opportunity to dispel myths about Americans.
"Most people who are anti-American don't know any true Americans, just what the media tells them about our government," Brasz stated. "I show the kids in my hall that I'm no different than them, and hopefully spread some understanding and tolerance."
Flash said the study abroad office has yet to be contacted by any students who have experienced the effects of anti-American sentiment.
"Even though Korea has been one of the major countries in the news today, I haven't received that many precautions I really needed to follow," stated Benjamin Stearns, a sophomore undecided major studying in South Korea in an e-mail.
Some students might not look like obvious Americans, but they still practice caution in their interactions with locals.
"This question is a little different for me, because I am a Korean-American," stated Stearns. "So as long as I don't open my mouth, no one really looks at me different. But one thing I do is avoid protests in Korea, even if they are peaceful ones."
Should any students studying abroad run into trouble overseas, the Study Abroad office has certain guidelines in place.
"All SUNY students studying abroad are required to hold medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, which is coverage if, God forbid, something traumatic or fatal should happen," Flash said.
Flash said students are also given detailed information on how to reach safety in case of an emergency.
"We recently sent out in our electronic newsletter a reminder and a suggestion that they register with the U.S. consulate or embassy closest to their study abroad location," said Flash. "In that way the consulate would be able to contact them in the event of an emergency."
Keith Smith, a junior political science major studying in Sheffield, England, stated in an e-mail that he believes disasters can be avoided if students recognize they are guests in a foreign nation.
"Using common sense is the biggest precaution anyone can take when abroad, stated Smith. "I generally try not to discuss events related to (the) Iraq situation in mixed audiences without being prepared for the responses that can be made."
Smith stated that in many cases, foreigners are interested in learning from American culture.
"My views are often welcomed, as people understand my motivations to study abroad and learn more about cultures beyond my national borders," stated Smith.
