After days of controversy leading up to their visit, a dozen African journalists arrived at the Poynter Institute Friday morning to take part in a conference.
Problems arose leading up to the event because of the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
The conference is part of the U.S. Department of State's Edward R. Murrow program, which brings 100 international journalists to the U.S. every year.
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg hosts the journalists every year, but faculty and students raised so many concerns about Ebola, the school canceled the event.
Poynter agreed to host the journalist after USFSP backed out.
The African journalists said they understood the move but were somewhat disappointed with the school's initial reaction.
"I’m happy that Poynter has welcomed us to it’s center," said Ethiopian journalist Amanyehun Sisay. "But it’s really a pity the university canceled it’s program because of Ebola."
None of the 12 African journalists are from countries where the Ebola virus is spreading.
USF officials did offer an apology to the visiting journalists.