The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unpredictable time for Muskingum University’s Study Abroad program. International education has impacted Muskingum students in numerous ways, as the pandemic hit locations around the world at different times.
With students outside of the U.S. during the rise of the coronavirus in the 2020 spring semester, Dr. Valerie Smith, Director of International Programs, began working through its effects very early on because of its direct ties to the field of international education.
“Borders were announced to be closing quickly, and the university had to respond rapidly to communicate with our Muskies abroad, to discuss travel plans and remote learning plans to complete their study abroad experiences,” said Smith.
Photo courtesy of Muskingum University Study Abroad Program.
At the time, there were already five students studying internationally in France, Argentina, and Australia. All of them were able to complete their programs in a virtual format.
The pandemic also altered plans for studying abroad during the summer 2020 and fall 2020 semesters.
Almost all of the programs were canceled, however, two students had already accepted positions as teaching assistants in Spain.
The two students had planned to return to the U.S. for the winter break, but with concerns about travel challenges, they stayed in Spain between semesters. They arrived on Oct. 1, 2020 and will stay through June.
The current spring semester also impacted students planning to study abroad. All of these programs and plans were canceled given the state of the pandemic.
“We have students that complete applications in hopes of being able to go, but a complete evaluation of the risks must be undertaken before the students are released to participate,” said Smith.
Plans for summer and fall began with working on student applications to study abroad. However, while vaccination rollouts occurred in various locations globally, it impacted the ability to determine whether or not the programs would continue.
For many students this impacted their ability to experience studying abroad. However, Muskingum continued to examine options for students to make sure that they had the protection they needed.
“We have one student that had her program canceled twice that is applying one last time, for fall 2021 in hopes of being able to participate,” said Smith.
Looking ahead, planning for future trips continues to happen, and there remains a lot of opportunities for students who want to study abroad.
Students could choose to participate for one or two semesters on an exchange program or directed study. Smith anticipates faculty-led programs to return to campus by spring of 2022.
“It is never too early to meet with me to talk about what you are looking for in a study abroad program. It doesn’t even have to be study abroad, it could be an internship abroad or a service-learning opportunity,” said Smith.
With the planning for future study abroad experiences continuing despite the impacts of COVID-19, there are numerous opportunities for students to explore.
For information on study abroad experiences, contact Smith, or visit Muskingum’s Study Abroad webpage.
