On Oct. 15, the Executive Director of Sacred Heart University’s study abroad program, Dr. Wojciech Wloch, sent an email to students alerting them that all study abroad programs are cancelled for the foreseeable future. This cancellation will continue until the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.
Dr. Wloch said, “Given the current CDC advisory on international travel and continued uncertainties, we will not be offering any short-term/semester-long study abroad options during the winter and spring semesters.”
The study abroad board at Sacred Heart believes they should stop all non-essential forms of travel.
2020 Sacred Heart graduate Kyle Carmona studied abroad in Ireland in 2017. Carmona said, “Studying abroad changed my life. I made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. It was one of my favorite parts of college.”
Sacred Heart offers a variety of options for students who would like to go abroad. The school offers two-week abroad programs over the winter and summer breaks every year. A full semester program is also offered, which takes place during either the fall or spring semesters.
In total, there are more than 60 programs and 30 different countries that students can participate in and visit through Sacred Heart’s study abroad program. Two of the most popular study abroad destinations are Dingle, Ireland and Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
If a student still wishes to go abroad, they must wait until the CDC travel guidelines change.
Dr. Wloch said, “In the meantime, we are available virtually to support your study abroad planning.”
Renee Pang, Associate Director for Global Campus Programs said, “The cancellation was a difficult decision to make, considering the immense benefits of study abroad, but was ultimately decided upon with our students’ safety and security in mind.”
Carmona also said, “On Nov. 9, Sacred Heart will begin celebrating International Education week. This week is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education as part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.”
To participate in this occasion, despite the cancellation of traveling, Sacred Heart will be holding a program of virtual events.
“In addition to globally-minded programming such as a Fulbright returnee panel, virtual cooking class focused on international cuisine, and highlights of internationally-focused courses and efforts at SHU, we will also be holding a virtual study abroad fair featuring overseas staff, partners, and our global ambassadors,” said Pang.
Sacred Heart will continue to promote these events and push students to attend them.
Freshman Kiera Farley said, “I was excited to go abroad because I have only heard positive things. I hope that before my four years are over, I will get the opportunity to go abroad.”
The Office of Global Affairs will continue to monitor the situation, and hopes to reinstate study abroad programs when it is safe to do so.
Dr. Wolch said, “We will continue monitoring the situation around the world and are eager to restart all study abroad activities just as soon as it is possible.”
