Our History

In June of 2013, Elizabeth Brenner and Ros Thackurdeen met. It had been a little more than a year since the deaths of Thomas and Ravi. These two moms shared the stories of their sons, plus stories of other study abroad student fatalities, and also information gained through various experts.

Both women were gradually understanding this: The study abroad industry has grown into a complex maze of interests, including colleges and universities, independent study abroad programs, schools of record, accrediting agencies, professional membership organizations, federal and state governments, insurance companies, and American business.

Given the backdrop of history, especially post 9/11, and also the fiscal vagaries of an emerging global world, these entities have varied and distinct reasons for encouraging the growth of study abroad, though none of them has advocated for industry wide comprehensive and transparent student safety data.