By Autumn Miller

With plummeting COVID cases and the expansion and adoption of vaccines, the Study Abroad program has been brought back to York College after being gone for nearly two years. With COVID still out there in the world, there are some things that have since changed about studying abroad than there was before the pandemic began along with some new rules and regulations that students must follow.

Why Study Abroad?

Studying abroad is one of the most effective ways for students to gain global skills and expand their horizons. For many students, studying abroad is a life-changing experience that exposes them to new cultures. Studying abroad provides opportunities to learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, overcome the challenges of living in another environment, and gain a better understanding of the world. Studying abroad is a fantastic way for students to broaden their horizons and gain a better understanding of the world. Studying abroad is seen as a “high impact practice” that encourages active participation in learning.

How Has Study Abroad Changed Because of COVID?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Study Abroad programs had to change and adapt to deal with the pandemic that is ongoing until this day. That means some new rules and regulations when it comes to traveling overseas.

Professor and Study Abroad faculty liaison David Fyfe explains them this way: “In regards to study abroad, the only new regulations that York College has established is mandatory vaccinations for anyone participating in YCP-sponsored international travel. However, many other countries now have new rules and regulations for travel. Some countries require negative PCR tests prior to getting on the airplane and at this time the U.S. requires a negative test to return to the U.S. This has added some extra steps, as well as some uncertainty, in global travel at this time.”

But for the most part, he says, the rules and regulations are pretty much the same as they were before the pandemic.

Upcoming Trips

York College has a number of study abroad opportunities coming up. The first is G348 Cultures and Environments Field Series, a summer course that will fly to Morocco in June. The second course, G241/242 International Service Learning, will go to India during the January intersession. There will also be classes that go to Costa Rica, England, and Malta. York College also maintains affiliations with universities in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Austria. For further information, students can contact their academic adviser.

There are also full year and full semester opportunities. Here’s a link to the Study Abroad guide.

Tips for Students Who Want to Study Abroad

Fyfe recommends all students to study abroad if at all feasible, since it can truly be a life-changing experience. Wherever you’re going, prepare ahead of time by learning about the area and engaging as much as possible with the people you encounter. Former 2016 Study Abroad student Yazmin Fernaays says, “I was nervous. It was a completely new experience. But I am so glad I went. I grew tremendously as a person and in my confidence. I created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Studying Abroad was the best decision that I have ever made.”

Those who wish to apply for study abroad must:

● Complete and submit a Request for Off Campus Study Approval Form to the Registrar’s Office.

● Meet with adviser

● Meet with Registrar’s Office (With Off Campus Study Approval Form)

● Apply to chosen program

● Complete York College requirements

● Prepare for your trip abroad (passport, Visa, STEP, vaccinations)

● Request transcripts be sent to York College Registrar’s Office

Autumn Miller is a senior and a Mass Communication major.