(via kenyon.studioabroad.com)

In light of the recent attacks in Paris and Beirut, we’ve heard from many juniors and sophomores who are concerned about their study abroad trips. We contacted Marne Ausec, director of the Center for Global Engagement, who would like to release this statement to the Kenyon student body:

Whenever a tragic event happens in the world, we know that students and their families reevaluate plans for off-campus study. The world, which at times seems so large, becomes immediately smaller, especially for parents. Our students who are abroad should follow their program directives. And we welcome conversations with students who are preparing to study abroad in the spring but might have second thoughts now. We are happy to discuss with them and their families any concerns they may have and to help them remain at Kenyon next spring if they wish. I encourage sophomores interested in off-campus study to continue the application process — keeping in mind that there is ample time before making a final decision. Off-campus study, we know, can be very rewarding and life-changing, but the safety of our students is always foremost in my mind.