While America was holding candle vigils and proudly displaying the stars and stripes, American students studying abroad were told by U.S. Embassies to keep a low profile and try to maintain normalcy.
“I am very proud of the way students here in Madrid handled the situation,” said Vice Provost Rick Chaney, Ph.D. “It’s been harder for the students here to cope with the tragedy than those in the U.S.”
Madrid campus administration contacted the U.S. Embassy immediately to decide the next course of action. Chaney also contacted Saint Louis University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. who supported the actions taken by Madrid administration.
In the days following the attack, counseling services were made available to students, and CNN was broadcast in the student dorms. Special mass and prayer services were also offered.
“The following two days, we had to deal with the Spanish media trying to come on campus and talk to students,” Chaney said. “We didn’t cancel classes because we realized that the students needed to be around each other.”
Chaney devoted time in the courses he teaches to discuss the events.
“Americans are in the minority here,” Chaney added. “It was extraordinary to see the level of discussion in a class that was only half American. I was impressed by the willingness to listen and understand by both sides.”
Not all students believe the situation was handled in the best possible manner. Some students feel they didn’t have enough opportunities to express their feelings, considering warnings by the U.S. Embassy.
“My uncle was in the World Trade Center when it all happened,” said SLU Madrid student Sean Carney of Pennsylvania. “My parents called that night and said he was alive. It seems like there was a lot of insensitivity by the administration.”
“I’ve never been as drawn to international politics as I am now,” said SLU student Payal Parikh. “I didn’t feel like I had an outlet here to express my feelings.”
Many Spanish associates of the University and friends of Dr. and Mrs. Chaney have expressed their sympathy and condolences.
“I have been impressed with the outpouring of concern by Spaniards, especially since they have to deal with terrorism every month in some form or another,” Chaney said.
Chaney added that many students have difficulty in the second or third week of their stay in Madrid. This tragedy adds to the emotions and difficulty of studying abroad.
“Being an American abroad does mean having a different response to this tragedy,” Chaney said. “I’m very grateful for their maturity.”
