USM's British Studies Program increases safety measures

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Manchester bombing that happened Monday at an Ariana Grande concert claimed the lives of 22 people and injured many.

ISIS said they are responsible for this attack, which raises the question of safety when it comes to study abroad programs.

David R. Davies, director of University of Southern Miss’ British Studies Program said, “We’ve re-doubled our efforts to make certain that all of our students know all of our safety protocols and know exactly what to do in case of any national emergency while we’re in country. We do our best to make certain students are prepared for any eventuality once they get abroad.”

120 students will be studying in London this summer for a month.

The students will meet with campus professionals as well as FBI agents when they arrive to help ensure their safety.

“It’s really an educational experience that really exceeds almost anything an undergraduate is going to do in their time at the university. I can’t say enough about the benefits students get from studying abroad in terms of broadening their perspectives, giving them an understanding of another culture, and really broadening their goals about where they can go and what they can do in this life,” said Davies.

Students will be studying abroad in London from June 2-July 2.