Coronavirus Safety Guidelines Affect Study Abroad Program

 By Rachel Galatis 

Summit staff writer 

Since many countries have closed their borders to foreigners due to the pandemic, the school’s study abroad program has been forced to postpone plans for the upcoming spring semester and possibly fall semester of 2021.  

On the spring 2021 academic calendar, there is a “to be determined” date for study abroad applications to be due at some point in February. Where the students will be able to study depends on which areas in the world will be safe from the Coronavirus.  

Students typically have the option to study in numerous different European countries, some of which include Italy, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, and France. They can also study in many countries in South America, as well as Australia.  

There is a section for “Fall 2021 Stonehill in the City” applications. “Stonehill in the City” is a program where students can study in Boston, Washington DC, Los Angeles, & New York City.  

Aliki Karagiannis, the director of international programs, said the school would like to resume the study abroad program, but must remain vigilant to the COVID-19 protocols.  

“Stonehill is looking forward to resuming its study abroad programming once we are able to assess that our partners abroad are able to appropriately care for the health and well-being of our students,” Karagiannis said.  

When the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, Stonehill ordered students from European countries back to the United States, where they quarantined for 14 days in a hotel. Due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus, they were unable to return abroad.  

As of October 23, 2020, experts say that Europe had over 42.4 million cases. Russia has the highest amount, with 1,463,306 cases.  

Karagiannis said the school is taking into consideration that there could be a potential “second wave” of the virus. 

“Given the timeline of study abroad applications, often dictated by the visa obtainment process – which has become as complicated for US students as it has for our international students – and the necessity to financially commit quite far in advance, it will be important for us to take our time evaluating the advice of health experts before deciding on a course of action for Fall 2021 participation abroad,” she said.  

Although officials in the office of international programs have been unable to assist students in physical travel during the pandemic, they have been busy networking with their partners to expand the opportunities in the study abroad program. Their focus is on new learning experiences that would keep students marketable and competitive after graduation.  

“There may be some opportunity to refocus how we deliver study abroad so that it more greatly aligns with Stonehill’s institutional mission, values, and forthcoming curricular changes – such as those being discussed with the General Education program right now,” Karagiannis said. 

Before applying, students are encouraged to attend information sessions to learn more about the program. Student leaders sometimes go into classes to talk about what the program.  

Stephanie Webber, a sophomore, said she thinks studying abroad is a great opportunity and will consider it in the future.  

“I think for a student to study abroad it means that they not only learn more about their major, but also about the country, culture, and how to live independently/problem-solve away from home and their parents,” she said.  

Webber said she looks forward to having the option to study abroad once the pandemic is over. 

“I have heard nothing but great things about Stonehill's study abroad program,” she said.