By: Antoinette Grajeda
Meaghan Pulliam is one of about 95 University of Arkansas students studying abroad this semester. Studying abroad has always been a priority for her.
“I always loved meeting kids from other countries and talking to them about all the little differences that we had in between our cultures,” Pulliam said.
The senior marketing major is studying in Denmark but has explored other parts of Europe. She was in Paris about a month before the city was attacked by terrorists.
“Knowing that I was just there and this terrible, terrible thing just happened was kind of surreal,” she said.
Pulliam was in Spain at the time. Returning to Denmark, she found herself being more vigilant while using public transportation.
“I was super alert the whole time,” she said.
Dede Long, director of study abroad and international exchange at the U of A, said being alert is one piece of advice given to students.
“And trust your instincts,” Long said. “Something doesn’t feel safe, listen to yourself and put yourself in a place that does feel safe.”
Long’s office stresses the importance of communicating and letting people know where you are.
“Because it’s the first thing that everybody wants to know—who’s where and are they safe,” she said.
Around 900 students studied in more than 50 countries last year. Though no students are in Paris this semester, one student studying in Italy was visiting Paris during the attacks and is safe. Following the Paris attacks, senior Meaghan Pullman said daily life hasn’t changed much in Denmark.
“You can’t live in fear of something happening or let it affect your life,” she said.
As of now, the university has no plans to suspend Spring study abroad programs.