"Study Abroad Safety."

By, Laura Gurevitz


EASTON, Mass.

Stonehill College students who were studying in Italy at the time of a murder say it is important to always take steps to stay safe, no matter where you are.


“We were extremely scared when we first heard about the murder. We saw cops all the time investigating, the murder was so close to our apartment that we were living in,” said Stephanie Feldman Stonehill student who was studying in Italy at the time of the murder.

From her apartment window, Lisa Curro could see the police car and investigation on the street search for clues to a killer. One of her neighbors, a British abroad student studying abroad was slain in her apartment.

“We were so frightened. We lived so close to this girl, what if her killer was still around? What if he comes to our apartment? I did not know if I could feel safe being in a different country anymore,” said Curro.

In recent reports, it was announced that a woman who had been killed had prior relations to the suspects arrested her in killing. One of the suspects was a young American woman.

“Once we heard it was a random act (a guy didn’t just find a girl and follow her home) I felt a little bit better, but I don’t know if that should have made me feel better. It was definitely a situation that I did not want my parents to know about so they would get upset and worry about me,” said Feldman.

According to the college website, over the past decade, the number of U.S. students studying abroad has more than doubled. At Stonehill, 40 percent of the Class of 2009 spent at least one semester abroad.

“I think making students feel safe abroad begins during the advising process. Students must be advised about the countries/regions/program thoroughly and be provided with information on the support services that exist at Stonehill and in their programs,” said Director of International Programs Susan Atkins.

Stonehill students receive a pamphlet providing them with a multitude of information from Stonehill. It shares information about their new homes abroad, and the procedure for a smooth transition.

“We require students attend a predeparture orientation program which discusses the health and safety on a study abroad program and ways to best prepare for the experience, before, during, and after their time abroad,” said Atkins.

There are emergency crisis response plans in place and offer students a 24/7 emergency number that students can reach.

“Last spring I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. I was a bit skeptical at first after hearing about the murder so close to my chosen city. Stonehill and the college I studied with in Italy made me feel extremely safe. They provided me with a huge booklet filled with what if’s and where too’s if I ever needed help immediately,” said Jennifer Thompson.

Study abroad students are advised to reach out to staff member’s in-country to assist them, nearest health facilities, family members, or the Office of International Affairs.

“The murder in Perugia was such a big deal over there because violent things like that don’t happen in Italy very often. I really don’t think it holds a candle to a lot of stuff that goes on every week in the U.S. though. I don’t think it had anything to do with study abroad or Italy as a country. I think that girl just got in with the wrong crowd, which can happen anywhere,” said Curro.