Rising tensions have left some University of Denver (DU) students uncertain about choosing universities in South American countries for their study abroad experience.
On Jan. 3, the President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured in Caracas during a United States military operation. Titled Operation Absolute Resolve, the act was carried out after months of preparation.
Maduro was indicted on charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking and the possession of machine guns and destructive devices against the U.S.
His capture has left Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the interim president in Venezuela. However, President Trump has made claims about becoming the president of Venezuela instead and has made similar threats towards Cuba, Colombia and Mexico.
“I was starting to think deeper about my options for studying abroad in South America. However, as I considered America’s political position in South America, it made me reconsider,” said second-year student Annabel Carithers.
In an email statement to the Clarion, the Office of International Education (OIE) stated, “The safety of all students, faculty and staff who are traveling abroad is of utmost importance to the University. DU’s International Travel Risk Analyst examines situations around the world by collaborating and monitoring information from our 24/7 travel assistance and intelligence provider, Crisis24.”
DU’s study abroad program is a main reason why many students chose to attend the university. With more than 100 DU Partner Programs offered, students have the opportunity to go almost anywhere. Currently, DU offers six South American study abroad programs in Argentina, Chile and Peru.
“South America is underappreciated with its beauty and especially with the culture aspect. There is so much history in nature itself, in places like Machu Picchu and the languages,” said second-year International Relations student Erin House.
Preparing for her third year, House was intending to study abroad in Chile or Argentina for the fall quarter.
“Ultimately, my parents decided it was not the safest option for me, which is a valuable concern. I see how Americans might not be gladly received staying in a South American country,” said House.
Instead of Chile or Argentina, House will be studying abroad next academic year in Seville, Spain. She is not the only student seeking alternative destinations. With the rising political tensions, Carithers will be looking at Spain for her study abroad experience.
Despite uncertainty about U.S. relations in the region, some students are still planning to study abroad in South America.
“I was planning on studying abroad in Peru for many reasons. I want to immerse myself in Spanish, and felt South America would provide the best opportunities to do so,” said second-year International Studies student Noam Halpern.
Though Halpern is aware of the conflict, he has not let it deter him from his study abroad experience.
“I do still plan to go, despite my very real concerns. I am an international studies major and have a special interest in development and foreign policy. While it’s scary, I think if I can get some real-life experience in this field and maybe do some good, I’d be thrilled,” said Halpern.
While Halpern is continuing to study abroad in South America, he believes that the conflict will cause people to stray away from the continent.
“I don’t think there’s a huge contingency of DU students that go to South America on a year-to-year basis anyway, but I could see how some would be more apprehensive about those possibilities now,” said Halpern.
However, he is not the only student with the intention of studying abroad in South America. Second-year student Eileen Fisher has committed to her program in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“I have looked at safety ratings from the State Department, and it looks safe to go. I also thought that Argentina was far enough from the conflict that it wouldn’t be a problem,” said Fisher.
Currently, according to the State Departments Travel Advisories, Argentina is safe to travel to, but contains areas with higher security risk. In contrast, the department advises travelers to Peru and Chile to exercise increased caution.
Despite the rising tensions and uncertainty, DU’s study abroad program will still offer opportunities for students to immerse themselves in South America.
“The University maintains a comprehensive list of countries where travel is either not allowed or requires additional safety considerations and provides a comprehensive travel insurance package at no cost to travelers which includes benefits such as full medical coverage for accidents or illnesses and security evacuation,” wrote the OIE.
“Obviously the conflict is a bit of a concern but in the grand scheme of things, no matter where you go there will always be conflict,” said second year student Annie Nelson, considering Argentina for her study abroad experience.
