Study Abroad Cancelled for Spring 2021
The Office of International Programs cancelled all Marist Abroad Programs for the Spring 2021 semester on Oct. 28. The office remains hopeful that short attachments and summer programs will be able to continue as planned.
The majority of study abroad programs for the Spring 2021 semester have been cancelled, but the Freshman Florence Experience program will still be running. Source: Makena Gera 21’
With the state of the COVID-19 pandemic constantly evolving, there has been no definitive decision on programs following the Spring 2021 semester. Assistant Director of International Programs James Morrow-Polio said, “The COVID-19 situation is still unfolding and our decisions about how to proceed are guided by health officials with the safety of our students as the top priority.”
Currently, the only program still continuing next semester is the Freshmen in Florence Experience (FFE). The Freshmen in Dublin Experience was cancelled.
The FFE program’s start date at the end of February and “Marist’s on ground presence in Florence” gave the college more confidence in the ability for the program to go on as planned, Morrow-Polio said.
Americans are banned from crossing most international borders, including many countries in the European Union. Consequently, student visas are being limited as passport applications are piling up.
Still, Marist students are remaining optimistic. Laratee VanNieuwenhuyze ‘24 still plans on participating in the FFE program this spring. “Students in Italy right now are doing what they can to stay safe, and we know the school we’re partnered with is doing what they can to make sure everything is running as smoothly as possible,” she said. “The Lorenzo de 'Medici Institute, Marist’s sister campus, is taking the necessary precautions needed to ensure the possibility of us being able to go abroad.”
Health and safety precautions are being taken as all travelers are forced to quarantine for two weeks when arriving in Italy. Other precautions include implementing mask requirements and increasing how often surfaces are disinfected.
Next year’s study abroad programs for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 are under careful deliberation as Marist continues a “careful analysis of the global health crisis and ongoing discussions with our study abroad partners,” Morrow-Polio said.