Forty students spending spring term away on five continents

Photo: Erin Chiocchio ’16 in Barcelona during fall 2014 study abroad in Rome

Forty Salve Regina students representing nearly every major and minor at the University will spend the spring 2016 semester studying abroad at program locations spanning five continents, 13 countries and 25 partner institutions.

While locations such as the University’s exchange partner institution in Australia might attract multiple students from different majors, some are heading out as the only Salve Regina student going to their chosen program. “This spring we have students studying in Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, England, France, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Spain and Thailand,” said Katie McCormack, assistant director of study abroad. “Historically, this is one of our larger groups heading out.”

To date, the global security environment has not led Salve Regina students to change their educational objectives and goals, which is consistent with universities across the nation. “Certainly students, parents and administrators are concerned about recent events and concerned about safety and security,” said Erin FitzGerald, director of international programs. “All of our fall term students completed their programs abroad as planned and the majority of the students accepted to spring term programs are proceeding with their plans as well.”

This is not to say that study abroad planning and administration has not been impacted by the recent terrorist attacks in and outside the United States. “In light of recent events, all of our partners abroad are carefully reviewing their security protocols and emergency communication plans,” FitzGerald said. “Certainly parents, students and staff alike have a heightened sense of importance and awareness around the safety and security planning and information connected to study abroad.”

Participation in study abroad has been increasing steadily over the last decade, and a national effort to increase participation rates, which Salve Regina has joined, continues unabated despite world events. “In some ways, recent events only highlight the need for cultural and educational exchange,” McCormack said.

Students interested in studying abroad during the fall 2016 semester or the 2016-2017 academic year must apply by Feb. 15, 2016. To learn more about recognized semester options and short-term programs, visit the study abroad website or attend a student-run study abroad information session any weekday at 4 p.m. in the Office of International Programs, which is located in Drexel Hall.