My daughter has her heart set on studying abroad, but we are worried about her safety. I feel like we don’t know enough about the location she has chosen in terms of risks and culture. We don’t want to tell her no, but we are not sure how best to prepare her and give ourselves peace of mind while she’s gone. Any recommendations on preparedness are much appreciated!
Where does she want to study abroad?
Of course it depends on where she wants to go, but overall Europe is much safer than the US - there is less crime, fewer guns, and a a roving youth culture in youth hostels all over.
I have brought my kids up in Europe, where they have traveled extensively, and we have never felt in danger like I used to in NYC. My d has traveled as an undergrad and worked on her own in Naples, Sicily, and Jerusalem and yes, we are concerned, but she knows how to be careful. It helps that she speaks several languages and is cosmopolitan.
My advice: don’t worry too much, particularly if she is at a uni or in a program. Get informed about the country, then trust her unless you have reason not to. Believe me, it will be a phenomenally rewarding experience that may completely change her life.
I sometimes wonder how many Americans base their attitudes to study abroad on films such as Taken (the most idiotic I have ever seen) or on Amanda Knox’s rather non-typical experience.
Pretty much every place in East Asia is much safer than the US as well. Where does she want to study abroad?
The risks we are familiar with seem ‘less’ than the ones we don’t know- even if objectively they are higher. You might be surprised at how many parents are afraid to let their kids do study abroad in the US, esp with the US gun culture. If you tell us the location there are likely to be parents & students here with direct experience that might be helpful.
Thanks all! She is interested in Morocco.
I understand your concerns. My daughter will be going to India this year. I know people say not to worry so much, but with all that is going on in the world, we want to go into this eyes wide open. Its not that we don’t want her to go, we just want her to be prepared. Another parent at our school recommended Vantage Intelligence to us for getting smart on what she/we need to know prior to the trip, and then receiving security updates sent direct to her and us for the duration of her trip. We are checking it out. As I learn more, I can let you know.
Is it with a program (ie, through her college/another college) or independently?
Morocco seems pretty safe. It’s pretty secular and they get 10M tourists a year.
Why don’t you check on blogs of parents who’re in the same situations as you? It might even out the nervousness you’re feeling. while you’re at it check on the place where your daughter wants to go. Or better yet, why don’t you choose the place yourself? 
Why don’t you check on blogs of parents who’re in the same situations as you? It might even out the nervousness you’re feeling. while you’re at it check on the place where your daughter wants to go. Or better yet, why don’t you choose the place yourself?
are we free to share links here? I’d like to share one to you. a simple article from diversity abroad I hope it helps if I could post it