NMSU student in France not harmed in attacks, former study-abroad student wants to go back to France

With the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, the concern over safety has risen for study abroad students.

Only one New Mexico State University student was studying in Lyon, France during the time of the attacks.

The university has confirmed that student is OK.

Monday, ABC-7 spoke with the director of the study abroad program who says while many are shaken, they will continue business as usual.

Director Kristian Chervenock tells ABC-7 about 400 students sign up for study abroad trips through the univeristy each year.

He says for NMSU students, the experience of visiting another country is transformational. When the news struck Friday, Chervenock says their office immediately reached out to the student in France and their French students on campus.

But could the violence stop the university from sending students and faculty to visit France in the future? Chervenock says students still have trips planned for this summer.

“I’ve been in contact with university officials and our legal council and until the state department travel warning is issued for france or any other European country that might fall into violence we’re going to continue to carry on as we have,” Chervenock said.

Caitlin Scott, an NMSU student who has studied abroad multiple times and has family in France, says she won’t let fear stop her from traveling.

“Its scary,” Scott said. “What’s happening there is scary of course but it doesn’t affect any of my plans. I still plan to visit Paris, to live there if I can.”