“Omicron” threatens study abroad

The announcement of a new COVID-19 variant creates discourse around upcoming study abroad opportunities 

KARISA KAMPBELL / NEWS EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

The end of the semester is nearly in sight, as is the completion of a relatively normal semester; students start to become hopeful of a post COVID-19 world. However, the announcement of the new Covid-19 variant “Omicron,” smothers this normality with a  possible lockdown. Specifically, the students who were hopeful about studying abroad over Intercession or the Spring semester are becoming fearful that the Omicron variant will once again put their plans on pause. 

While not much is known about the new Omicron variant, it is hypothesized that the variant may be less dangerous than the Delta variant, according to “The Hill.” The Omicron variant has already caused travel restrictions in South Africa and the United States, however it is possible that this is only the beginning. 

Many USD students have plans to study abroad over Intersession and the Spring Semester, however, many are beginning to have legitimate concerns about whether or not a semester abroad will be possible. 

USD sophomore Evelyn Shetzline, who is supposed to go to Italy over Intersession as part of the Second Year Experience (SYE) program, shared her concerns about the new variant. 

“The new variant can be tricky with traveling, but I feel that since I’m vaccinated I feel less stressed. The university is closely monitoring it and allegedly will get back to us within two weeks about our travel plans,” Shetzline said. “I’m scared that the day before my flight they are going to say we can’t go, as USD has not given us a lot of notice in the past before on this type of stuff.”

As a requirement for some majors such as the international relations (IR) major, studying abroad is an outstanding component making it difficult for IR students to plan ahead. USD sophomore, Erin Miller, shared her IR major concerns. 

“Personally, the country that I am planning on studying in is in lockdown. I am hoping that by the fall it will be open since they are taking precautionary measures now. I think that for a semester in the fall abroad, it is too early to make the call, however for people to,” Miller said. 

Miller also has a roommate studying abroad in the SYE program and shared her thoughts on the way the university is currently handling the situation. 

“I think the university should be more realistic about the situation, especially with SYE, so I don’t know if upcoming trips abroad are going to happen,” Miller expressed. 

The new Omicron variant is causing everyone who plans on studying abroad to, yet again, have to re-evaluate major scholastic decisions. Luckily, students like Miller remain positive through the hardships. 

“I am still optimistic about the situation, so I am trying to be hopeful that at one point, regardless of the Omicron variant, I will go abroad,” Miller shared. 

While USD Study Abroad was approached for comment, they have yet to respond to any emails. 

Omicron may have impending fears surrounding the new solution, however it is important to remain optimistic through these ever changing times. While study abroad may be a large factor up to chance because of the developing situation, the only thing students can do is remain diligent against COVID-19 by following the CDC recommendations, whatever they may be.