STUDENTS ABROAD CONFLICTED ON WAR.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

The war with Iraq has put College of the Canyons student Stephanie Angeli and some other Americans studying overseas on the defensive.

``I think being an American here means always having to defend yourself and your position right now,'' Angeli, 21, of Canyon Country said during a trans-Atlantic Internet chat from Spain on Thursday. ``We are under such scrutiny for things we don't have anything to do with.''

Since the first shots were fired more than a week ago, bombing raids over Baghdad have been met with fierce anti-war protests around the world.

Caught in the middle are Southern California college students like Angeli and seven others, who were halfway through a four-month culture and language program in Salamanca, Spain.

Whether for or against military action, these students have found life away from the home front has allotted them a different view of the war. This trip abroad has also become an inward journey, as they examine their feelings on the conflict and what it means to be an American in the greater world.

``They are more critical,'' said Claudia Acosta, a College of the Canyons Spanish professor accompanying the group.

The deserts of Iraq were far from their minds when they departed for the Don Quijote College of Language in February.

``Many things made me want to go abroad for school - to have a more worldly mindset can really help your life and goals,'' said Dustin Kerr, 19, a student from San Diego. ``I didn't think this country would be affected. It seemed kind of like a silent spectator in the war, yet only the government is silent.''

``I wanted to study the language,'' said Alexis Matus, 28, a student from Citrus College in Claremont. ``I did not think that the war would affect my time here. Unfortunately, the tension is more than I expected. Almost everywhere I have gone, there has been a protest, and they are getting more violent.''

While the Spanish government has been a staunch U.S. supporter, many in the nation opposed the conflict - a sentiment often expressed on street banners proclaiming ``Guerra No'' (No War) and weekly peace marches. Every student has seen at least one protest, Acosta said.

``I have seen some hostility on the part of bartenders and neighbors - just looks and the occasional comment,'' said David Pasquini, 19, from Oceanside, Calif. ``Once I was standing outside my balcony speaking in English to my mother on the phone and a neighbor overheard it. She gave me the dirtiest look and said, 'No a la guerra,' as if I was responsible for it.''

``If you actually stop and talk to any of the protesters, they're very positive people,'' Kerr said. ``They may just be caught up in the mob ideals.''

Aside from the occasional taunt, conversations with locals often turned to the subject of war.

``I don't fear nor am I ashamed of what Americans are doing,'' said Lennon Slatter, a College of the Canyons student. ``During the 'interrogations,' I listen to their opinions with an open mind, but never lose the fact that freedom takes sacrifice.''

Meanwhile, the Spanish news media - with cameras set on the war's human costs - have led some students to question the conflict while strengthening support from others.

``Before coming here, I was very for the war,'' Kerr said. ``I was very confident in our government and I personally like George W. Bush. But after being here ... I'm mixed.

``I think Americans don't realize the death and carnage that is associated with this war. On TV here, they show all the death. It's strange to see all the videos of Americans dying alongside the Iraqis and not be able to find a sympathetic tone for either. But being here, we're forced to choose sides.''

Mark Samora Jr., a student from West Covina, remains unswayed from his pro-war position amid what he noted as an anti-war bias in the local news.

``I am for the war, since I feel it is necessary to rid (the) world of a tyrant,'' he said. ``You have to respect other people's opinions. But then again, a line has to be drawn as to what is and is not appropriate.''

Asked how his time abroad has affected his views, how it feels to be an American overseas right now, Pasquini quipped: ``It's to be a part of the greatest and most disliked nation in the world.''

For Karissa Tonoli, 18, of Palmdale, the journey has broadened her world view.

``I've learned that there are more perspectives than just the American one,'' the Antelope Valley College student said. ``I think we are sheltered from the rest of the world, and have a kind of superficial perspective on things.''

Amid local protests and impromptu public debates, Kerr believes the United States should tread gently on the international stage. ``We see ourselves as this great power that should protect the rest of the free world,'' he said. ``But other than the things that directly affect us - such as Iraq - the world is fine with as little influence from us as possible.''

Still, others like Matus have gained a deeper insight into their homeland and learned to derive strength from it.

``I think (being an American) means to be different than the rest of the world - to stand for your beliefs and have the freedom to do that,'' she said. ``We are lucky to have the life we do in America and that is not something I am ashamed of, but very proud.''