The U.S. government web site travel.state.gov issues warnings and advisories for U.S. citizens for countries all over the world. Information about riots, terrorism, natural disasters, coups, and generally nasty conditions in foreign countries that might impact American citizens are sent out for all to read.

What about travel advisories from other countries for their citizens who plan temporary stays in the United States?

What announcements from foreign governments might the recent Boston Marathon bombings cause, for example? I found this official advice from the United Kingdom for British citizens traveling in the U.S.:

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. You should monitor media reports and remain vigilant at all times.

On 15 April 2013 two explosions took place close to the finishing line of the Boston marathon, killing 3 people and injuring over 200.”

I continued to mull over the way other countries might see the U.S. How would Japanese parents, for example, feel about sending their children to study in an American university following mass shootings on a college campus?

How about images of U.S. citizens toting guns at a city council meeting or walking down the street so armed (with proper gun permit, of course)? Might that affect foreign tourists’ desire to visit here?

We sometimes are unaware of how much money foreign tourists and students spend in this country. International visitors to the U.S. spent 14.4 billion dollars in March, 2013, according to numbers issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The student tuition from international students alone is a boon to colleges and universities facing domestic cutbacks.

After all, foreigners do have choices. They can vacation and study in, say, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom. These countries are democracies with attractions, upscale tourist facilities, and good schools, plus less of a reputation for violence.