Due to the increased number of positive COVID-19 cases and uncertainties this year, all NCC education abroad programs taking place during the spring 2021 semester have been suspended.
The suspension affects all the following study abroad programs: exchange program, direct enrollment program, provider programs, faculty-led programs and even the students-in-residence-on-leave program (also known as SIROL).
NCC took this crucial decision to follow the current COVID-19 health warnings and travel restrictions. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recently issued these restrictions.
There will be no exceptions or waivers for the spring 2021 education abroad programs. Those still willing to study abroad in the spring will not receive funding from NCC (including insurance coverage) or credit for courses.
This announcement was made early this semester, so students and families may plan accordingly — both financially and academically. With that being said, NCC has not yet made its final decision about the May term study abroad courses; this decision will be made by Dec. 1.
Staff input on the changes
Kimberly Larsson is the executive director of the Center for Global Education and the assistant director of International Student Recruitment and Admissions. In the past, Larsson also oversaw the study abroad program and has studied abroad in Sweden as an undergraduate student.
Despite the unfortunate changes made to the education abroad programs, Larsson believes students should continue studying abroad in the future and making the most of their education.
“I think (the) global component of your degree is so essential…if you’re going to graduate as global citizens and leaders,” said Larsson. “I really do believe that education abroad is a grassroots solution to global peace and understanding.”
Rachel Birkley, ’18, is the coordinator of Education Abroad. She also studied abroad in Seville, Spain from NCC’s study abroad program as an undergraduate. Birkley currently works to promote the education abroad program to NCC students.
She has a deep, personal connection with studying abroad and hopes that many students continue to study abroad throughout their college careers.
“It changed my life, so I want that for other students too,” said Birkley. “Quite a few students who were planning to go (abroad) in the spring or even this fall semester are moving their applications and shifting their education abroad semesters to fall 2021.”
Student input on the changes
“I believe it was the responsible decision to cancel the programs due to our current situation and how it’s still affecting the world. Personally, I feel disappointed, yet I do understand that it’s the best for us as a whole right now,” said Camille Alanis, ‘24.
Alanis plans to study abroad as soon as possible; learning about the different cultures of the world is something that she finds very fascinating.
Similarly, Julia Casillas, ‘24, also expressed interest in studying abroad within the next few years in college. But she understands why the programs were suspended for the spring semester.
“I think they made a good decision considering everything that’s been going on in the world with COVID-19. We just don’t know what to expect with the rest of the world,” said Casillas.
Nilah Gonzalez, ‘24, also wants to study abroad and she believes it would be a great cultural experience. Still, she also recognizes the importance of suspending the programs temporarily.
“Although it might be sad and (even) hurtful … I think they played it safe because the virus isn’t gone. They’d rather protect others’ health (rather) than get anyone else sick,” said Gonzalez.
Resources for studying abroad
For NCC students looking to study abroad next fall 2021: submit your completed application by midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.
For more information on studying abroad in the future, check out these resources:
- Brochure – Education Abroad (virtual brochure for studying abroad Fall 2021 and beyond)
- Virtual Fair – Education Abroad (recorded webinars directly from partners abroad – programs, alumni experiences, etc.)
- Advising Appointment – Education Abroad (set up a time to meet with an advisor to discuss your study abroad plans)
