ENTER WITH CAUTION - What Schools are Telling Students

Some recent news has suggested that study-abroad trips to Mexico may be too dangerous to permit. Colleges and Universities are canceling programs which allow students to pursue Mexico for their study-abroad experience. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire said that the perpetual violence in Mexico, especially along the U.S.-Mexico border has helped them make their decision to cancel two programs for the spring and summer. They also cancelled a school-organized spring break trip and are strongly advising students to refrain from traveling there independently, according to their local news channel Web site.

Western Carolina University also cancelled their spring break trip to Monterrey last week because of a warning issued by the U.S. Dept. of State., according to the Mountain Xpress Web site. Much like UW-Eau Claire, WCU is saying that the violence related to the drug wars and the recent death of three people associated with a U.S. consulate office made their decision to cancel the trip a no-brainer.

It's really unfortunate that these schools had to cancel the trips and programs, but the safety of their students comes first - and I can respect that. While the violence in Mexico persists, it is still a culturally rich country who we are lucky to share a border with. It's too bad that some students won't have the opportunity to study there - but like I said, their safety comes first.

I think it is important for schools to issue warnings to students planning to travel to Mexico for spring break, especially schools so close to the border, like the UofA. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of University of Arizona students visit Mexico for spring break because of the proximity, convenience and popularity. Luckily, most students are traveling to resorts or areas that cater to students, usually a bit south of the border, but American students are always a target because of their vulnerability, lack of awareness and most of all, the state of intoxication that most spring breakers are in for the week. Now that spring break is over, and hopefully most, or all, students who traveled to Mexico had a safe experience, it's still important for them to remember that traveling to any unfamiliar place can be risky, but it's especially important to take travel warnings seriously - not just for spring break.