By Kaitlyn Metz ’22, staff writer

The study abroad program has been affected by COVID-19 but is still being offered for students this year.

Studying abroad at LVC has always been an experience the students have looked forward to in the past, but because of COVID-19, plans changed. In the spring semester of 2020, students were sent home early from their abroad destinations, and LVC has not been able to send students away since then.

LVC has been working hard to get the study abroad program back up and running, and they have done so successfully. This fall students were able to travel to London, England and Washington, D.C.

“We hope to send students away in the spring 2022 semester to France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, as well as our domestic internship programs in Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.,” Jill Russell, director of global education, said.

While the study abroad program is opening up again, there are new restrictions that have to be followed. Students who would like to travel abroad must follow any entry requirements of the host country.

“Regulations change consistently, and the Center for Global Education monitors all health and safety protocols of countries where our students are or where they might be travelling to,” Russell said.

There have been some programs that have been cancelled, such as the programs in China and New Zealand, for this academic year due to travel restrictions. There have also been some modifications in the housing and vaccination requirements where some countries are requiring proof of the COVID-19 vaccination.

“Ethically, it is important that our students be vaccinated before arriving at a new country for the health of the host citizens as well,” Russell said.

Students have been excited to get back into the study abroad program and interest for the spring 2022 semester has been high with many applicants wanting to go away.

If students would like to get involved in this program, they can contact Jill Russell at russell@lvc.edu to schedule an advising appointment to find out which program would be the best fit.