5 questions students who plan to study overseas should ask

By David L. Di Maria University of Maryland, Baltimore County

BEFORE the pandemic struck in 2020, the number of Us students studying abroad had been pretty much rising steadily each year. Whereas more than 154,000 students from the Us participated in study abroad programs during the 2000-2001 academic year, that number more than doubled— to over 347,000—during the 2018-2019 academic year. that’s according to the Institute of International Education. the global spread of Covid-19, however, brought the steady growth in study abroad to a screeching halt in early 2020. students were evacuated from host countries and study abroad programs got canceled. Lockdowns and travel restrictions led the number of Us students studying abroad during the 2020-2021 academic year to plummet by 91 percent to just 14,549.

While official study abroad numbers for 2021-2022 are not yet published, there is reason to expect a rebound. A national survey conducted in April 2022 revealed that roughly 90 percent of colleges and universities were planning to offer some form of study abroad by the summer of that year.

As a university administrator who specializes in international education, I believe the number of students studying abroad will continue to rise. I see that as a positive development given the research that shows studying abroad supports academic success, promotes career readiness, and prepares students to interact with people from other cultures. Moreover, increasing the number of Us students studying abroad supports Us foreign policy goals that rely on peopleto-people exchanges and public diplomacy.

Below are five questions to ask when planning to study abroad in a post-pandemic world.

1. What is the Plan B in case my Program gets disruPted? In 2020, as students were recalled to the Us by their home institutions, a key concern was how students could remain on track for their degrees without losing both time and money due to the cancellations—which stemmed from reasons beyond their own control.

An important question for students to ask is how study abroad programs would ensure that they can continue their studies in case of a disruption, whether it’s caused by rare events, such as a pandemic or international conflict, but also more routine matters, such as a national strike.

2. do i need extra insurance? students should not assume that their regular Us health insurance will provide the level of coverage needed while abroad. In fact, the cost of a medical evacuation can run as high as $250,000.

Most study abroad programs offer, and many require, participants to enroll in an affordable international travel insurance policy. In addition to paying for medical expenses, benefits may include coverage for costs associated with trip cancellation, required periods of quarantine, and emergency evacuations. Additionally, the policy may provide noninsurance travel assistance services, such as helping to replace lost or stolen documents. students should ask about the availability of these policies and know what is covered.

3. What are the host country restrictions? At the height of the pandemic, countries’ Covid-19 policies ranged from status quo to complete lockdown. In some instances, travelers could be fined or jailed for failing to follow local restrictions. seek reliable information on the Covid-19 restrictions of the host country. While most countries have dialed back restrictions, it is still very important to review this information because these policies can affect a student’s ability to travel and participate in certain activities once they are abroad.

4. What are the latest travel risks? While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides data on traveling in the era of Covid-19, including risk ratings and vaccination recommendations by country, it is also important to understand how the pandemic may have influenced other risks, such as by contributing to political tensions and applying pressure to already fragile health care systems. students should review the country-specific information, as well as register for real-time updates from their local embassy. Additionally, students should inquire about other resources, such as in-country staff available to assist with emergencies, who may be available to support program participants once they are abroad.

5. What scholarshiPs can helP cover the cost?

Because study abroad programs were mostly paused for the past few years, the scholarship funds that colleges have dedicated to these programs may have been left largely untouched. Fund balances could be higher now and there may be a possibility to obtain a larger award than in years past. students should inquire with their college’s study abroad and financial aid offices about scholarship opportunities. such funding can vary greatly by program duration, location and other factors, so students should be flexible with their plans to receive the maximum award.

Whether or not their college offers generous scholarships for study abroad, students should also consider applying for external funding. the conversation games or activities each. Below are some of the activities we do in the weekends: n GAME NIGHTS—Our main staple was Bingo and Logic games when my children were toddlers and in preschool. When they got older, it became speed games. Now they love challenging us with chess during their free time. n MOVIE NIGHTS—It is fun to know what they are interested in right now and hear them explain the characters or the plot. My kids always get excited when a new Marvel movie comes out and we still go with them even today. n TRIP TO THE BOOKSTORE—My daughter has always loved reading. My son liked books about what he was collecting at the time. We wanted to encourage believe it contributed to how my two children excel in their respective sports today. n COOKING FEST—We love to make simple pasta and burgers whenever we can. Santi’s has these fresh local burger patties that Marcus loves with a slice of mozzarella on top. We just mix fresh ground beef, onions, garlic with store-bought San Remo or Barilla sauce, and that makes a fast baked macaroni or lasagna. Making pizza takes a little more preparation but is quite fun. n WEEKEND ROAD TRIP—One of our usual destinations is Pangasinan, where we visit my nanny’s burial grounds as well as her family there. One time, my kids were lucky enough to visit my nanny’s niece, Teacher Ching’s classroom at the local public school. When Pokemon Go was popular, we

FROM left: Marcus doing his meditation pose after we did this puzzle together; Marcus pretending to doze off in a wacky shot in Italy; Meagan happy after we cooked this macaroni and mushroom dish together.

KIDs ALL gEt ‘HAPPY tOgEtHER’

THE love story of Disney’s well-loved characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse takes centerstage for the mall’s month-long Valentine celebration with Happy Together Disney Valentines at SM City North Edsa until February 28.

For the event, The Block Atrium has Disney-themed vignettes to celebrate all kinds of love for all ages featuring Instagram- and TikTok-perfect showcases at the Love, Disney setup, and fall in love at the Disney Gazebo with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Friendship, family love, selflove, pet love as well as romantic love are showcased at the Love Snaps self-shoot studio, then tell them how you feel with Disney themed Valentine quotes and puns.

For the perfect Valentine gift, explore the Sweet Finds corner and shop collectibles, toys, clothing and more featuring your well-loved Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse & Friends.

The Happy Together Disney Valentines at SM City North Edsa also coincides with the year-long sURPRIsE your loved one with heart windows that open up with special valentine messages at the Disney’s Happy together vignette. celebration of the centennial anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.

❶ It’s a fun celebration at the Disney 100 Years of Wonder at the Block Atrium of sM City North Edsa.

❷ HAvE your photos taken at the Mickey and Minnie gazebo.

From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent status in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family.

The Happy Together Disney Valentines event at SM City North Edsa kicks off the Disney 100 Years of Wonder or “Disney100” celebration in the Philippines.