Studying abroad in Florence, Italy has always brought about new changes for Fairfield students, like adapting to a new language, new culture, and a new environment in which to live. Now they face a new, more grave change: terrorist threats.
According to a State Department press release, “a possible threat from extremist groups exists to U.S. citizens in the cities of Venice, Florence, Milan and Verona.” The announcement did not identify the groups or elaborate on the nature of the threats, but it warned that, “These groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.”
Susan Fitzgerald, director of study abroad, has been in frequent contact with the administration and students studying in Italy. No signs of violence or threats have been shown to any of the students in Florence so far, according to Fitzgerald. Furthermore, no students have come home early from Florence in fear of their own safety.
“Students who are there now or are planning to go there have to use common sense and keep a low profile,” Fitzgerald said. “We also urge the students to stay away from American restaurants and from any kind of demonstrations, where there could be a threat.”
Megan Maine, a junior who studied in Florence this past fall semester, felt threatened of terrorist attacks right after September 11. “When America was first attacked, our advisors warned us to blend in and be very careful,” Maine said. “At first I was nervous, but after awhile everything seemed to return to normal and it felt like the threat decreased.”
In the State Department’s report, it was said that Americans should “increase their security awareness and avoid large crowds.” A U.S. official said the warning was based on information developed in cooperation with Italian authorities.
Another U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described in a press release the threats as uncorroborated and unspecific, but from a credible source.
The official said the threat came from Islamic extremists. It’s unclear whether they have ties to Al Qaeda.
There is a mixed reaction among students who are planning to go abroad in Florence. Some students do not feel threatened by the warning or extremist groups who target American civilians.
“I do not feel that threatened by going over there,” Marissa Lanteri ’04 said. “I figure we have just as good of a chance of getting attacked here as over there, so I am not going to let a threat stand in the way of an unforgettable semester abroad in Florence.”
Colin Torrance ’04 agrees, but does have some concerns related to travelling. “I am worried about traveling to a foreign country just because it is a different country that I am not familiar with and not because of terrorism,” said Torrance. “So I don’t feel threatened of the extremist groups.”
Some students have chosen not to go abroad because of the threats against Americans. They feel that there is too much of a risk and it is just not the right time to go abroad.
“With all that is happening around the world with terrorism, I feel that it is too much of a risk to travel and study in Florence,” Andrea DiMugno ’04 said. She had planned to go abroad before the warnings and threats against Americans. “I just hope everyone that does travel there for the summer or semester is safe.”
Nicole Schwarz ’03, who plans on going abroad to Florence during the fall semester, has not changed her mind about traveling abroad.
“I don’t care that much, but my parents are very worried about me traveling to Florence,” she said. “I am going to go there and be cautious of my surroundings and have a great time.”
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