Solving the study abroad conundrum, WSU’s Global Learning department finds a way for students to access international education, now through the use of their computer screens.
Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting aspects of one’s college career. Traveling internationally to Spain, Italy or France provides a unique experience for students and leaves them enhanced with knowledge surrounding different cultures and perspectives. However, due to the health and safety restrictions put in place by the COVID-19 pandemic, WSU has managed to find an adaptable solution to quench students’ thirst for travel.
While in-person study abroad programs have been suspended through the end of Summer 2021, those working in the university’s Global Learning department have established a new form of global education through virtual programs that allow students to learn abroad from their own homes.
On March 10, WSU’s Office of International Programs sponsored the Spring Global Learning Fair. The event presented several opportunities for students to learn more information about global education and potential post-pandemic travel. While gathering over Airmeet online, Global Learning advisers, student peer mentors and many others were there to chat with students about their future aspirations for studying overseas.
Kelly Newlon is WSU’s director of Global Learning and primary supervisor of all study abroad affairs through the university. During the event, Newlon provided students with answers for general inquiries, and information about all the options available for education abroad through the Global Learning department. Although students can choose the program that best fits them, Newlon said as of now, virtual study abroad is the most beneficial for students, especially those in the Carson College of Business, who need an international credit requirement.
“We were having an especially hard time finding requirements for the international credit in time for graduation, especially if they were an international business major. So we created a specific virtual program for them where they are basically serving as international consultants,” Newlon said.
Additionally, when asked about the most popular places WSU students tend to visit through the programs, Newlon said many of them tend to travel to Spain and Italy.
“Students tend to love Spain and Italy. … Then it’s Australia and New Zealand. Although they won’t let us in for quite some time, it might be the middle of 2022 before they’re willing to have international students in their countries. … I would love to see more Cougs going to South America, Africa, Asia, but all of them are really great options. Going abroad really helps students stretch more in terms of understanding how the world works,” Newlon said.
Seville, Spain
Miwako Nakamoto is WSU Vancouver’s primary adviser for study abroad programs, and works as a student success coach in the Student Resource Center. While considering virtual programs is worthwhile, she said traveling abroad in person is extremely rewarding for students who want to immerse themselves in the atmospheres of different countries. Although virtual programs might be beneficial for certain students now, such as those in the Carson College of Business, she encouraged undergraduates to still consider the amazing opportunities that different study abroad programs can offer in person.
“The best part of [advising] is helping students realize that studying abroad is actually achievable. … It takes some time and effort, but it is highly achievable and I really like that part. Also, when I connect with students who return abroad, they have tons of amazing stories,” Nakamoto said. “I’m here to make them realize, this is a possibility for you, for anyone, anywhere, anytime, regardless of who you are or where you’re coming from, or what your financial background could be.”
Nakamoto also said WSU Vancouver as an institution should start working hard to promote study abroad and global learning as a whole to enrich their goals toward equity, diversity and inclusion. She explained, when visiting a country abroad, students will have a firsthand experience of what different countries are like outside the U.S. while prompting them to develop a sense of compassion and understanding for other peoples’ cultures or customs.
“I hope WSU Vancouver as an institution will really support and help students go abroad, because we often talk about diversity, and being inclusive. Studying abroad is one of the best ways to learn about current issues, and I often tell students that when you study abroad, you are a true ambassador to the country,” Nakamoto said.
Before students begin their study abroad journey, whether virtual or in person, Nakamoto recommended attending a mandatory Global Cougs 101 session to find out more information. Nakamoto also suggested that VanCougs should start thinking about studying abroad now, whether virtually or physically, and plan for in-person travel in Spring of 2022. There are also many opportunities for financial assistance and scholarships available for students to apply for on the WSU study abroad site, along with various funding options from several program providers.
It is unclear how long it will be before students are completely safe to travel, but if they can no longer study abroad normally, virtual programs might continue to be the next best alternative.
Olivia is a senior studying English at WSU Vancouver.