USD plans to move forward with Fall 2021 study abroad

After a year without study abroad programs, USD is now moving forward with plans for Fall 2021, with hopes of an increase in vaccinations and a decrease of COVID-19 cases

Mary Cravens / Contributor / The USD Vista

After canceling all Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 study abroad programs, USD says it is moving forward with study abroad for Fall 2021 with applications closing March 17. The hope of studying abroad brings a lot of excitement, concerns, and questions. With approximately 150 students having now applied for study abroad programs, an important question is whether or not their program will be canceled, and if it is, what that will mean for the students.

Kira Espirtu, the director of international study abroad, explained the efforts the International Center will make to accomodate students if their program is canceled. 

“We will work with students individually should they need to return home while abroad on a program,” Espiritu said. “While we really hope that nothing happens after a program begins, we cannot control that as we found out in Spring 2020 when we had students abroad as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. We will work with students individually should they need to return home while abroad on a program.” 

According to the International Center, students need to be ready for their program to be deemed unsafe and canceled. However, if a program is canceled before it starts, the International Center will work with students to “determine if other program options are still available,” according to Espiritu. The center suggests that students register for on-campus classes in San Diego, and prepare two plans for the fall semester, one if their study abroad happens and one if it does not.

When programs were canceled last year, students were left on their own when coming home. Lexi Crea, a senior who was on Semester at Sea in Spring 2020, explained her experience. 

“There were ten students from USD on Semester at Sea and I don’t remember them reaching out at all with anything helpful,” Crea said. “Nobody really helped us get home safely, USD didn’t, Colorado State didn’t, neither did SAS. They just kinda said, ‘Get home.’”

Despite the struggle of getting home, Crea added, “When they finally canceled the voyage it was kind of a relief. There had been eight itinerary changes so it was sort of a relief to know, okay this is the last stop. It’s over.” 

My Ly Anna Nguyen, a senior who also attended Semester at Sea, had suggestions to avoid a repetition of her experience.

 “They need to develop a contingency plan if anything goes wrong. I felt lost trying to book a flight home, people were scrambling, kids were crying,” Nguyen said. “Having a plan in case things go wrong would have been so much help, because at one point I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I am going to be stuck in South Africa. Is this it for us?’ If possible, USD should have emergency funds to help students get home because it just sucked. It felt like we were alone.”

The students who have already applied for the fall do not have any guarantees that their program will happen. Students who had planned to study abroad this year experienced cancelations and their plans changing last minute. Junior Gabrielle Houston expressed her disappointment. 

“I am devastated that I am not going to have the opportunity to study in another country, especially since one reason I came to USD was because of their study abroad program, and it’s a reason this school attracts a lot of other people too.” Houston said. “From freshman year I had been sure to save my core for study abroad because there weren’t many psychology classes offered, but I had to take all of my core this year, which is upsetting because I’m ending my college career taking mainly core instead of my major classes.”

As for COVID-19 precautions, it is highly suggested to get vaccinated before going abroad; however, a requirement for vaccinations may be necessary depending on the country. Currently, the only program that requires a student to get vaccinated is Semester at Sea. 

“Semester at Sea is planning to sail in Fall 2021, and we have not heard anything different to date,” Espiritu said. “They are requiring all participants, and staff/crew, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.” 

If a student gets COVID-19 abroad, USD has international medical insurance that will provide coverage. Students will be required to follow the public health rules of the country in which they are studying, according to the International Center’s Study Abroad COVID FAQs, available on their website. The International Center is “hopeful that restrictions will begin to ease as the availability of vaccines increases,” according to Espiritu. 

For juniors who were unable to go abroad this year, attending an affiliate university allows for the possibility of studying abroad senior year, circumventing the graduation requirement of completing a student’s last 30 units on USD’s campus. Overall, there does not seem to be a drastic amount of changes made to studying abroad, but there are fewer places open for student travel. 

Tuition for each program is due 10 days before the start date, and is equivalent to USD’s current on-campus tuition. There are scholarships available and can be found on the USD International Center website. If a program is canceled, students will be refunded the program fee. According to the International Center’s policies, refunds will not be issued starting 10 days after arrival if a student decides to withdraw. Students are hopeful that the Fall 2021 study abroad programs will not be canceled. Kat Pereira, a sophomore who applied to the Madrid program for the fall, has mixed feelings about the possibility. 

“I really hope it’s not canceled,” Pereira said. “I miss traveling. I’m excited about meeting new people, seeing new places, and also just embracing a new culture since it’s been so long since I’ve been able to do that.” 

While excited, she also has concerns. 

“I’m sort of nervous about whether or not I’m even going to have housing if it gets canceled, and how soon they are going to let us know if it is canceled,” Pereira said. 

While there are no guarantees, hopes of increased access to vaccinations and lower global cases are motivating Fall 2021 study abroad plans.