Students abroad witness sympathy, gain perspective

Before Sept. 11, studying overseas for many American students was filled with unbridled enthusiam and unchecked anticipation.\nThe terrorist attacks in the United States and the retaliatory bombings in Afghanistan have altered the experience for more than 75,000 American college students who are studying abroad this Fall, causing many to change their daily routines and reconsider their future plans. \nAs Elizabeth Kinnel, a junior, walks through the campus of the University of Compultense in Madrid, Spain, anti-war posters cover the walls. Large speakers blaring anti-war rhetoric dominate the airwaves. \n"Everything happening around me seems so surreal," Kinnel said. "I have yet to feel threatened, but I am definitely more aware of my American-ness." She tries to keep a low profile, and is careful not to speak English loudly on the metro.\nWhile the majority of the students abroad have elected to remain where they are, most have been instructed to change their daily routines, limiting their travel both within the country in which they are studying, and to other countries.\n"Our school has planned a few emergency procedures and inquire about our plans if we leave the country" said Molly Amoroso, a senior studying music in Vienna, Austria at the Institute for European Study.\nMany students have voiced concerns about feeling distanced from what their family and friends are experiencing in the United States. Contrary to the concerns, students studying overseas have received a broader perspective of the Sept. 11 bombing and the U.S. military action that followed. \nKate Lindsey, a junior studying music in Vienna, Austria said it will be weird to return to America after gaining a different perspective in Vienna. \n"Many of us feel like we may have missed the experience of one of the biggest things our generation has ever experienced -- real fear," she said. "I'm not sure if I should feel thankful or not. Needless to say, I think I'll be in total shock when I return." \nFor the most part, things have generally returned to normal in Europe. But students have sensed that the return to normalcy does not go without caution. \n"Being American in a foreign land, you are very noticeable," Amoroso said. She said she never travels in large groups, and she tries to speak as much German as possible, considering her limited German vocabulary. She chose not to join a large group trip sponsored by her university, fearful of the possibility that the group may be a target for terrorist actions.\nSince most European nations have not sent troops in the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan, some students feel as though this neutrality could lead to further problems in the future. \n"I think this is a world problem which can't be solved by just the U.S., so I hope that sentiment for America is positive," Amoroso said. "If not, people over here might lose a certain security they think they have at the moment."\nWhile traveling through Germany with friends, Amoroso felt an incredible sense of support coming from the German citizens. Magnificent churches were lined with candles and large groups gathered in the streets for vigils memorializing the Sept. 11 bombing. To be an American witnessing such a display of sympathy and mourning for the United States, "gave me an incredible feeling that the world truly feels for the hardships we have had to undergo," Amoroso said. \nThe week after the attack, Lindsey went on a school-sponsored trip to Prague, Cracow and Budapest.\n"Upon seeing the American embassies in these cities, we were truly moved by the piles of flowers, cards and signs lined up outside," Lindsey said. "For the 60 of us on the trip, it made the reality more keen, but it was a comfort to know that people cared that much"