studying abroad in 2021 & beyond: what to expect in the months ahead
What will study abroad look like in 2021 and beyond? If you’re curious about the state of traveling or what to expect if you want to go abroad, read on.
We sat down (virtually) with Dr. Wilcox, the director of International and Domestic Study Away Programs at Thomas Jefferson University for a closer look at how Covid impacted travel, the current state of study abroad as we know it, as well as what the future looks like for traveling and study abroad programs.
The Covid Reality and the Shift in Study Abroad
It’s no doubt that the effects of Covid-19 have hit hard across the globe, with study abroad being one of the first and swiftest disruptions that occurred with the onset of the pandemic. As described by Wilcox as “the first real global pause since World War II,” it has ushered in a period of reflection on what can be improved in study abroad in general, allowing programs and universities to “take the pause to reimagine” what is possible in global education.
While globally we wait for a return to normal life, study abroad programs have started adapting to the current state of the world, and are working on ways to keep students able to explore global educational opportunities.
While we will likely see a greater return to semester study abroad in Fall 2021, there are some important considerations that will affect the possibility and overall experience of studying and living abroad.
These 5 factors will have the greatest impact on study abroad:
Vaccine Access
How each nation is managing public health - and how this management would affect the experience of studying abroad - for example some countries enforce strict lockdowns in which residents must stay inside
Access to Covd-19 Testing
Rates of Transmission
Healthcare system overall
With some uncertainty and level of risk in studying abroad this year in particular, Wilcox recommended that students thinking of studying abroad do some self reflection, looking particularly at the following topics:
5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Deciding if you Should Study Abroad:
How comfortable are you with risk and uncertainty? (Understand the different realities that may occur based on where you decide to travel to)
How you would handle stressful situations? (including the possibility of lockdowns or illness)
What are your goals in going abroad? (Think about how these goals may be affected if you don’t have the opportunity to travel to different cities or countries)
What are your hobbies and interests?
How will you stay mentally and physically healthy? (Understand that it’s ok if this looks different than your friends and peers)
Most importantly, students should look holistically at the various external factors, as well as their internal comfort when making the decision to travel abroad. Wilcox recommends conferring with your support system like family and friends, as well as imagining yourself in your potential environment.
What if I’m not comfortable studying in another country?
Also worth noting is that, for students who aren’t comfortable with studying in a different country, there are domestic alternatives to traditional foreign study abroad programs. Such programs like the National Student Exchange offer the opportunity for students to live in a new place and experience a different way of life, without the stress of moving abroad.
While studying abroad in 2021 will likely look different than in past years, it will offer students the opportunity to embrace their host cities, focusing holistically on understanding the culture of one place, learning the language, meeting locals, and exploring different neighborhoods.
Though the pandemic took a toll on normal life and has impacted the opportunity to travel like we may have in the past, it has opened up new possibilities and ushered in a period of embracing intentionality in travel and daily life. New opportunities have arisen to participate virtually in global events, or to travel abroad with a significant focus on embracing one locale. Whether or not you decide to study abroad this year, it will likely come with its own unique challenges, however it’s possible that it can still be one of the best experiences of your life.
Want to connect with past study abroad students and likeminded travelers? Join our exclusive facebook group below.
