The Decision for Spring 2022 Study Abroad is to be taken by mid-December as concerns over the omicron variant Rise

Just as people from around the world were ready to come out of their shells and live a normal life, we again have a new concern over the omicron variant. As per the news report, by mid-December, the Washington University Overseas Programs will determine if the study abroad will go as planned or will halt again. Many cases related to the omicron variant are raising concerns.

Earlier in the year 2020, study abroad at universities was suspended, and international students were recommended to fly back home due to the ongoing pandemic. The omicron variant is a variant of concern and has been detected in 23 countries, including the United States so far.

As per an interview report, Global Travel Safety Manager Catherine Dalton is in touch with the University’s Division of Infectious Disease and figuring out if it is risky for international students to travel abroad in spring 2022. She stated, “The data is not enough to conclude or make a final statement. We are analyzing the scenario and willing to take a fully informed decision to update our students and prematurely jeopardize their experience for the spring.”

Her team is working on three main factors Transmission, Severity of illness, and the vaccine’s positive results against omicron.

We are also keeping in mind the entry and movement restrictions in host countries, and thus focusing on offering limited programs to ensure safety. Programs in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain were approved. However, certain programs in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea were rejected as they did not have enough experience to facilitate or support international students during COVID and followed strict entry norms.

International students have also been updated to get a booster shot in advance. Few countries are making changes to the entry norms and including booster shot in their fully vaccinated definition. It is best to keep in touch with overseas education consultants near you to keep you updated on more such information.

With the rising cases, universities are also preparing to recommend students to opt for remote learning after the program begins.

Dalton said, “We do not want students to suffer any more in academics and will do our best to make sure their education is not interrupted anymore. We’ll go hybrid if needed.”

On the other hand, students are getting frustrated with the communication regarding the status of spring study abroad programs. They know the condition, and it is not an easy decision, yet they don’t want to lose any more time.

The officials will conclude by mid-December on the current status of program reopening.