Pre-trip precautions to minimize confusion, maximize communication

Embracing the manifold educational opportunities of travel, Mike and Trish Rockett have taught their children how to explore the world. This fall, with the sunny sensibilities of many seasoned young people, 19-year-old Margaret Rockett was ready to gallivant throughout Europe with nine other co-eds.

Under the auspices of Pepperdine University's International Study program, academic responsibilities of the 10 sophomores shifted from the University's Malibu, Calif., campus to a satellite center in Lausanne, Switzerland. Situated between the Swiss and French Alps on Lake Geneva, idyllic Lausanne is known to be one of Europe's safest cities, offering a wide variety of recreational activities as well as easy access by rail and air to other European cities.