<p>I'm worried about my daughter who is studying abroad in Athens. I emailed the study abroad program director at her school yesterday to see what preparations were being made in case the situation deteriorated. I got back an email basically telling me that the reports they were receiving from the program director on site indicated that Athens was calm and quiet and that news sources in the US frequently sensationalize the news. I was also told that if the need would arise they did have "plans" in place. She also said that the program was in touch with the US embassy and was monitoring the situation closely and that they would immeidatley share any warnings from the embassy with students. What I didn't get was any information regarding the details of the "plan" that is supposedly in place. Is this too much to expect? If the government falls and violence erupts, I have absolutely no idea how she would get out of the country. </p>
<p>I skyped with DD yesterday. She didn't seem to be worried at all. In fact, all she wanted to talk about was registering for classes next semester. </p>
<p>I'm not really sure what, if anything, I should be doing. Thoughts?</p>
<p>If the program is talking to the embassy and says they have a plan then they have a plan. Let them do their job. If your daughter ain’t worried then even better. Mommy hormones are in full swing. Relax. The Italian situation is a problem but quite frankly there is nothing you can do about it. Except pray of course</p>
<p>Let your daughter enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity</p>
<p>We ran through the same concerns when D1 decided on a semester in Athens. What no one can predict is the extent of any protests or violence that could occur- would it reach all parts of the city, focus in particular neighborhoods or just in some main squares? How long would it last? (In Italy, eg, they tend to just have bursts of protests.) I’d consider contacting the US govt- your D could speak with the embassy there and ask for their assessment and plans for students, should they need care. Or, you can call in the US. (Or start with the office of one of your local reps in DC, to learn whom to call.) CYA’s program seems to be in a great residential area. D1 decided not to go, based on already being abroad and not wanting to be away an entire year. Good luck. Chances are, she will be fine.</p>
<p>I think the general advice to your D would just to be don’t attend any protests. Advice that would apply on any trip abroad. It is extremely unlikely the entire country will descend into anarchy requiring evacuation. More than likely that there will be protests and strikes (neither of which are unusual for Greece in the best of times). Probably will lead to inconvenience, but personal physical danger is very unlikely.</p>
<p>Friend just got back from visiting Greece–had a great time.
It’s very hard when the media is playing videos of violence on a constant basis. And very hard to tell when to worry.
See if you can get that “plan” to make you feel better. And tell your D to avoid protest sites like above poster said.</p>
<p>Like others have said already don’t worry the media tends to over do many things especially when it comes to protest and violence in other countries. If D is not worried or does not have any concern about the situation then I am sure everything will be okay. </p>
<p>Studying abroad is one of the safest ways to travel overseas and everything will be okay. I am sure the situation is not different then what is happening at home. To be honost violence in the USA is dramaticly high then in most parts of the world so don’t worry.</p>