STUDYING ABROAD: AFTER
A
s COVID-19 vaccinations become readily available and travel bans lift, CSU continues study abroad this fall semester. CSU’s Education Abroad program, which includes study abroad, overseas student research, international internships, and service-learning abroad, has been carefully monitoring COVID-19 restrictions in areas such as South Korea, England, Ireland, and Japan. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the wait for students interested in studying abroad has been long. During the 2020-2021 school term, all study abroad programs were canceled as travel was banned globally. Students, as well as the Center for Global Engagement staff, were unsure of the status of the program for the Fall 2021 semester as they
Depending on the country, students participating in semester-long programs may be required to quarantine upon arriving. observed the progression of the pandemic. “All of us in the CGE anxiously await the re-opening of study abroad in the 2021-2022 academic year,” said Christine Shaw, the Coordinator of Global Engagement, when asked about safely continuing the program this semester. “The CGE staff and others in the CSU administration are cautiously monitoring COVID-19 in these countries through a combined set of resources from the University System of Georgia, the Center for Disease Control, the World Health
How studying abroad has changed and th
Organization, and via a contracted security analysis firm, On Call,” she continued. For those participating in the program this semester, there are several regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and individuals living in these locations. Depending on the country, students participating in
“The CGE will not send students overseas if it deems travel too risky..." semester-long programs may be required to quarantine upon arriving. While the vaccine is not required, the CGE is strongly encouraging students to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and the likelihood of having to quarantine when exiting and entering a country. Masks are also strongly encouraged. According to Eric Spears, the program’s executive director, students are also required to purchase ISIC study abroad insurance, which covers access to health care and medical repatriation in overseas locations. “We strive to make global learning fit into your academic program and comfort zone. CSU is a nationally recognized study abroad program that takes the safety of its students, faculty, and staff seriously,” said Spears when asked if he
10 | The Uproar | SPRING 2021 DESTINEE WILLIAMS
