Study Abroad post COVID-19

A sailboat along the coast in Venice, Italy.

Source: Sasha Tuddenham '24

Marist takes great pride in being the #2 school in the country for study abroad programs. With over 75 options for students to choose from, Marist abroad offers a large array of programs for students studying in all different fields. 

Many Marist College students faced similar challenges in their plans to go abroad while studying for their undergraduate degree, but Covid restrictions are becoming less common.

Former psychology major Madison Ahouse’s ‘22 study abroad excursion to Cuba was canceled due to a spike in COVID-19 cases right before her departure. 

“I was definitely disheartened when the program got canceled, especially knowing that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to go abroad at any other time during my undergraduate career,” Ahouse said. “I wouldn’t say that I was angry, especially because I had known all along that there was a chance of the program being canceled, but definitely disheartened.” 

Ahouse came to Marist as a transfer student during the year 2020 aftering obtaining most of her credits from a local community college, so she was really looking forward to studying abroad with Marist. She had been planning out the logistics of her trip for over a year, researching the best program for her. 

As Marist Abroad is such a strong part of Marist's culture, Ahouse expressed how the trip getting canceled made her feel out of touch with the college experience that Marist tries so hard to give to their students. 

“I definitely feel like I’m missing out on a part of my college experience that I was really excited for,” Ahouse said. “I had wanted to go abroad since my senior year of high school, and not being able to do so was really disappointing to me”.

Unfortunately for Ahouse, her experience was different to many other students who chose to study abroad in the 2022 school year. Carly Andrew ‘24 and Emalia Mae LeClerc ‘25, both studying studio art, participated in the Venice Biennale Program in summer 2022.

Although the city of Venice, Italy was back to normal and accepting tourists, the students found that COVID-19 related precautions were still in place. 

“At the time of the program, Italy was still requiring masks in every museum as well as public transportation such as trains, vaporetto and taxis,” LeClerc said. “Our housing situation also had a standing thermometer gun, as well as hand sanitizer stations on every floor.” 

Andrew stayed in Italy for the fall 2022 semester, and was allowed to travel to surrounding countries. Although travel laws were more lenient, she still faced COVID-19 protocols. 

“Masks were mandatory on the public transportation boat. It was super strict. They would kick you off the boat if you didn't have a mask or you would have to pay a fine,” Andrew said. “They had assigned seats on trains and public transportation, and a lot of time taxi drivers required a mask, especially in Budapest.”

Even with the COVID-19 related challenges, both students were able to absorb the culture and studies that their program had to offer. 

“My favorite part was being immersed in such a different and beautiful culture than my own,” LeClerc said. “I enjoyed being able to see original pieces of art that I have studied throughout numerous art history classes I have taken here at Marist.”