RELEASED: Sept. 5, 2002

DANVILLE, KY—A year ago at this time many people thought twice about traveling—especially outside the United States.

In spite of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America, Centre College students remain determined to take advantage of the College's international educational opportunities. More Centre students will study abroad this academic year than last.

"My mother was initially concerned, but this is such an exciting opportunity for me that I won't be deterred," said Amy Sibley, a junior from Paducah who will study in London during the spring term. It will be the first time she has traveled outside the United States.

"I think studying abroad is an important part of a liberal arts education and I plan to travel throughout my life," Sibley said.

Kim Bauser, a sophomore from Kettering, Ohio, agreed.

"If we're just going to hole up in the United States, the terrorists have defeated us," she said.

Bauser will study this spring at Centre's program in Strasbourg, France.

"Becoming more aware of other countries and being more globally-minded is important," she said. "I'll be staying with a host family in order to learn more about French culture and lifestyle."

In light of last year's developments, Centre has put in place some new security measures for its students overseas.

Centre students will not be allowed to travel alone on weekends, but must be accompanied by at least one other person in case of emergency. The College also keeps contact information for Centre parents whose children are abroad.

"And we keep a closer tab on where students are at all times—though not so much that we stifle their independence," said Milton Reigelman, Centre's director of international programs and Cowan Professor of English.

Reigelman said that what makes Centre's programs different from some of those at other colleges and universities is that a Centre faculty member with significant knowledge of that region of the world lives at the site, teaching and coordinating special trips and other activities.

Centre is a national leader in international studies. A report released last year by the Institute of International Education recognized Centre as one of the top 10 schools in the percentage of its students studying abroad at some point in their college careers. Seventy-percent of students at Centre study abroad, the highest percentage of any Kentucky institution. The College offers semester-long programs in England, France, Japan and Latin America (with a new exchange program in Ireland) as well as a host of shorter programs in other locations throughout the world.

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