In previous years, we at the Study Abroad Office have been excited to offer numerous options for students to gain global experience through study abroad. This year, however, we face the task of weighing the abundant advantages against the risk of traveling and living abroad during the time of COVID-19. While nobody is particularly adept at predicting the future of this virus, we are working hard and keeping our fingers crossed that students might still be able to go abroad in the next semester and into the summer.

As we continue to evaluate our short-term study abroad programs, we also are working to maximize the possibility of travel by extending application due dates, including more comprehensive trip and travel insurance policies, and working closely with trusted third-party travel providers.

We are accepting applications for two of the five short-term study abroad programs originally planned for 2021.

First, we have opened applications for our annual Belize program for our senior nursing students to gain their capstone clinical hours. This program lasts just over two weeks and is planned to take place in mid-April.

We also are accepting applications for a nutrition and dietetics program in Sevilla, Spain, where students will learn about the Mediterranean diet and sports nutrition. This program is also just over two weeks, and travel is planned to take place in mid-May, after finals.

Applications for these two programs are due in early November, when we hope to have a better picture of the travel possibilities for spring.

In addition to our short-term programs, we are working with our third-party organizations to provide options for those students looking to study abroad for the full spring semester. Through the professional relationships we have cultivated with our providers, we have confidence that they will show the utmost care for our students’ health and safety while abroad.

Should your student be interested in studying abroad this spring, they should contact the Study Abroad Office as soon as possible to discuss the right option for their study. Students looking to study abroad later in their college years are also welcome to come by the Study Abroad Office and learn more about all the possibilities for personal and academic growth through study abroad. For more information, students can contact Brianna Rice, coordinator of study abroad, at bkrice@viterbo.edu.