Central Oregon foreign exchange students safe in Europe
Just hours after ISIS claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday, Becky Felix is still trying to cope with the news.
“It hits close to home,” Felix said.
It’s a tragedy that is affecting many thousands of people around the world, even here in Central Oregon.
Several students from International Cultural Exchange Services were on their way to Germany as news of the bombings emerged.
“Of course, we’re always concerned and make sure they’re safe,” local coordinator Felix said.
Felix got a text message from one of the students saying they were okay, and she expects the group to go through tight security, as Belgium is currently on lockdown.
The students, who attend Central Christian School in Redmond, are scheduled to visit Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Felix has been in contact with a Belgian exchange student who participated in the program last year.
“The first thing when I looked this morning on my Facebook page was to watch and make sure that this girl was okay,” Felix said.
A Belgian student wrote on her page, saying she was in a hotel when the bombs went off and that she hopes her city can be safe again.
Others have posted on social media to not blame all Muslims for ISIS attacks.
Felix said she hopes people don’t live in fear and keep traveling.
“I don’t think we should stop traveling, I don’t think that solves the situation. I think fear is what the terrorist is looking for. I’m going to keep on traveling,” Felix said.
