CLEMSON — More Clemson University students are studying abroad than ever before. In 2006, 751 students participated in Clemson’s overseas programs — up 23 percent from the year before.

This represents a reversal of trends half a decade ago. In the year following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Clemson (understandably) saw a major drop in study abroad applicants. But the program has rebounded, with an increase in participation every year since 2002,

“I think students are seeing the need to be global citizens and the importance of global competency in a rapidly changing world,” said James Cross, Clemson vice-provost of international programs and services.

However some countries remain off-limits to CU study abroad programs. To determine unsafe destinations, Clemson adheres to travel warnings on the South Carolina State Department Web site. Besides the obvious Middle East locales — Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, etc. — the list contains Africa’s Ivory Coast countries, Haiti and the Philippines. Nepal, Indonesia and Israel’s West Bank are also off-limits. State-sponsored terrorism, civil conflict and lack of government control typically land a country on the Department of State’s roster.

Clemson monitors the list daily. According to Cross, Clemson has never had to recall students and faculty home for security concerns. However, if an issue does arrive, as during the London subway attacks in July 2005, Clemson officials immediately evaluate the situation. Following the London incident, Cross instructed chaperone faculty members to keep students away from large public places, where other attacks might occur.

Clemson also maintains a 24-hour hotline to advise at-large faculty how to proceeded during turmoil. In addition, supervisors are advised to stay in contact with officials from their host university and Department of State. Generally there’s a 15 to 1 student to faculty ratio on the excursions.

“Acts of terrorism can happen in the world, including the U.S. There’s nothing we can do to control that,” Cross said.

Clemson offers study abroad opportunities in yearlong, semester and summer increments. Before leaving for such a session, both students and faculty members must undergo a debriefing. Participants are taught complications involved with being an American abroad. The debriefing emphasizes the importance of traveling in groups, dressing low-key and cultural sensitivity. The latter concerns everything from patterns of communication to volume of speech.

Although Cross reiterated terrorism could strike anywhere, he said popularity could help determine Clemson’s safest study abroad locations. Western European nations — including Italy, Belgium, Germany, France, England and Spain — are the tops. Asian countries, such as China and Japan, are second, followed by Latin American locales, like Argentina.

To participate in the expatriate programs, Clemson students must maintain a 2.75 grade point. However some exceptions are made if significant academic improvement has been made over the course of the student’s career.

To keep the international experience affordable, Clemson puts together study abroad packages that costs roughly the same amount as in-state tuition, around $5,000-per semester, at the school. Total expenses for a semester usually run $8,000 to $10,000. However, airfare can bring an additional charge of $500 to $1,200 depending on the destination.

According to Cross, the means justifies the price.

“Overall the impact is phenomenal. The students come back completely changed in their outlook,” Cross said. “Often times they show much more of an appreciation for living in the U.S. They also see the need to be able to be good global citizens.”