University spokesman Kent Cassella said the university doesn’t have an official stance on the safety of different spring break destinations, but said safety is important.

“The safety of our students is always a primary concern,” he said. “For nonsanctioned trips, we recommend that students check in with the U.S. Department of State for appropriate warnings and travel warnings.”

There are locations in Mexico that are safer than others, said Carlos Fuentes, assistant director of the Internationalizing Student Life program at MSU.

“Most of the problems are along the border with the U.S. and in the city of Acapulco,” he said.

Fuentes leads a study abroad program to Mexico during spring break during which students volunteer at various nonprofit agencies.

Students visit Cuernavaca, Puebla, Mérida and Oaxaca — Mexican cities the university has deemed safe for travel, he said.

“(The university) is looking at the safety of every study abroad program and they’ve given us a thumbs up,” he said. “If we were in those (dangerous) areas, MSU would not let us go.”

The majority of students heading to Mexico for a traditional spring break are focusing on Cancún instead of Acapulco, Fuentes said.

“(Cancún’s) a popular place for students,” he said. “Acapulco was popular 20 or 30 years ago, but a lot of students don’t go there anymore.”

Social relations and policy senior Bailey Krestakos traveled to Amealco, Mexico for a spring break program last year. She said the experience was positive.

Krestakos said she never felt as if her safety was compromised, but she and her fellow students still took precautions.

“I think that you have to be aware of where you’re going and pay attention,” she said.

“I do think it’s a mistake to have perceptions about an entire country based on what you see in the news.”

Fuentes said the focus on the drug wars and the violence has hurt recruiting for his study abroad program.

“(The danger) is on the minds of a lot of parents and students and it’s been a challenge for us,” he said.