Studying abroad during COVID-19

Liam Schmidt ’22, Staff Writer

Decisions regarding the safety and feasibility of resuming study abroad programs are frequently changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unprecedented nature of the situation has made it difficult for decision-makers to conclude with certainty which programs will run in the spring semester, and which will not. Presently, many of the decisions regarding the continuation of programs occur on a case-by-case basis.

To complicate matters further, some of LVC’s partner schools have already canceled their programs for the spring semester of 2021, like the University of Waikato in New Zealand.

“I am so disappointed for our many students who planned to study in New Zealand this spring,” Jill Russell, director of global education, said. “However, this pandemic is real, [and] I understand their desire to decrease risk by limiting exposure from students arriving from abroad.”

For Russell, the uncertainty of the situation has made it difficult to promote programs that typically run in the spring semester.

“I think it’s a little insensitive for me to go into a Zoom class and be like, ‘hey, everyone, think about study abroad’ when we’re in the middle of a global pandemic, and we’re being told not to travel,” she said.

These programs are essential to the success of many students at LVC. Even though semesters abroad are not required to graduate, foreign language majors often need to study in these immersive environments in order to meet their credit requirements.

As such, Russell has been working closely with students who have already expressed interest in study abroad to help determine their options. Decisions regarding their ability to travel depend on several factors.

“Most important are country-level risk and program-level risk,” Russell said. “It’s divided out where we look at travel bans, the availability of US consulates and embassies in country in an emergency situation, the availability of a student to obtain required immigration documents, and [other] restrictions.”

The process of reevaluating the situation in each country of interest to LVC occurs on a daily basis, with Russell reviewing new information as it becomes available.

All decisions regarding these programs are prioritizing students’ well-being, and Russell is working to provide safe alternatives as long as students feel comfortable leaving the country.

“We want to make sure you’re making the right choice for your health and safety because that’s the most important,” she said.

In addition to semester programs, LVC also offers several short-term summer excursions, which Russell has been promoting more regularly. Students interested in these programs can find more information on LVC’s study abroad webpage or by contacting Jill Russell at russell@lvc.edu.

Photo provided by Jennifer Lopez