Forty Salve Regina students study abroad during spring 2022 semester

International travel is rebounding despite the continuing pandemic, and Salve Regina students are traveling across the country for study abroad options. The upcoming deadline for applying to study abroad during the fall 2022 semester or the 2022-23 academic year is Tuesday, March 15.

Forty Salve Regina students representing over twenty different majors are spending the spring 2022 semester studying abroad. Spanning over two continents and fourteen countries — with England and Spain attracting the largest number of students — there is an abundance of opportunities for students to find a program that best suits them.

“This spring we have students studying in Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, the Netherlands, Spain and Tanzania,” stated Erin FitzGerald, director of the Center for Global Education and Fellowships.

Battling an ever-changing world due to COVID-19, many Salve Regina students faced difficulties in studying abroad over the past few years. In the recent year, as times transitioned from fall to spring, Salve Regina saw an increase in those ceasing the opportunity to study internationally.

“Although we had two students studying abroad in the fall semester in the United Kingdom, spring ’22 marks a real turning point in the number of countries and programs that are open again for study abroad,” stated FitzGerald. “We are particularly pleased that four of our graduating seniors were able to achieve their dream of studying abroad …. Their resilience, patience and determination has been admirable.”

For the spring 2022 semester, Gabriella Caputo ’22, a double major in Spanish and global studies, and Paige Schulz ’22, a double major in Spanish and healthcare administration, are attending an immersive program in Sevilla, Spain, for advanced speakers of Spanish.

“Studying abroad really pushes you out of your comfort zone,” explained Schulz. “I have been studying Spanish language and culture for many years, but nothing prepared me for when I actually got to Spain and began participating in the culture.”

Joining them in their international travels are Stephanie Szelest ’22, a marketing major, who is spending her spring term at the American University of Rome in Italy, while Thomas Manion ’22, a double major in french and sociology and anthropology, is pursuing French language studies at Institut Catholique in Paris, France.

Studying abroad is often an opportunity for students to expand their horizons in their field of choice. Though giving students the chance to explore different lifestyles and make new friends, acclimating to the ways of a new culture can sometimes be intimidating.

“It is a very strange feeling at first and can cause feelings of doubt and regret, but after the initial fear and anxiety dissipates, it’s a feeling like no other,” Schulz exclaimed. “Take advantage of studying abroad while in college. It shows you just how resilient and adventurous you can be.”

Attend a Study Abroad Information Session

Students are encouraged to start creating their roadmap to study abroad with a Study Abroad Information Session, which is the first step towards an experience abroad.

During these 20-30 minute sessions, student global ambassadors discuss and review significant details of study abroad opportunities. Through important insights and knowledge tailered towards prospective study abroad students, these alumni aid in making the dream of studying abroad a reality.

All sessions happen on Mondays through Thursday at 4 p.m., and they allow walk ins or the option to sign up for an informational session.

For the most up-to-date news, stories and pop up events, students are encouraged to follow the Instagram account for the Center for Global Education and Fellowships.

For more information about Salve Regina recognized semester options and short-term programs, please visit the Center For Global Education and Fellowships home page. The deadline for applying to study abroad during the fall 2022 semester or the 2022-23 academic year is Tuesday, March 15.