My S is currently abroad. If safety is a concern, pick a safe country. In our case the cost is the same. One of the great things is he is making new friends and is no way feels he is missing out - he was very excited to get away from his college campus for this semester.
As far as rigor - everything depends on where you go. My kid has been nose to the grindstone for so long, he was beyond pleased with his lighter schedule. Won’t affect his graduating on time.