While American students sorted through their reactions and feelings about the apparent terrorist acts toward the World Trade Center and Pentagon, international students had a different concern: their safety here on Eastern’s campus.

International Programs held an impromptu meeting Tuesday to assure the international students of their safety at Eastern and to offer them some tips of how to interact with Americans after these recent events.

Several guest speakers offered advice to the roughly 40 students who attended the meeting, including Officer Bobby Wilke of the University Police Department; Sue Songer, international student advisor; Mahmood Butt, secondary education professor and Bud Edwards from the counseling center.

International students expressed several reactions to the tragedy, including sadness, anxiety and shock.

One international student said, “I just got so angry because of all the innocent people that were killed.”

Another student said it didn’t seem like something like this could happen in a country like the United States.

Edwards said it was important for international students to express those feelings and find someone they could talk about them with.

He also warned the students about the reactions they might get from Americans. He said because of frustration, some Americans may not discriminate between innocent people like the international students and those who are guilty.

“That’s why it’s important to keep a low profile,” he said.

“(Some Americans) may say comments of a hurtful nature,” he said. “It’s important for you not to internalize that.”

Butt said fear could often lead to unpredictable responses, and he encouraged the students not to get involved in unnecessary arguments, but rather try to enlighten others.

“Generate light, not heat,” he said. He also urged students to keep their opinions among people they could count on.

Wilke advised students to stay in places that are less confrontational than a bar scene and to not walk anywhere alone.

She also said it is very difficult and worrisome for the families of the international students as the students are far away from home during a time like this.

When one international student called her mother, her mother answered in tears, Songer said.

Songer strongly encouraged the students to call their families and let them know they are safe. She said Dean Robert Augustine provided lines in the international office for students to call home and also to call any friends and relatives in New York.

Songer also urged international students to stay in Charleston this weekend.