SU’s Study Abroad program works hard to prioritize students needs

Columnist Charlotte Kho is right to be concerned about the uncertainty of international travel during the surge of the COVID-19 omicron variant in her column, “SU left students studying abroad in the dark regarding omicron.” The Syracuse Abroad office shares her concern. During the pandemic, we have seen shifting health guidelines and rapid changes to host country travel policies. Most recently, omicron brought about a dizzying array of booster and vaccine requirements.

In response, Syracuse University staff both here in Syracuse and abroad have been working tirelessly to deliver safe and engaging global programs for students. Each program cohort is assigned an International Program Advisor who provides pre-departure orientations and assists students with completing host country requirements.

Over the past few months, International Program Advisors and the Student Services team have sent customized messages to spring 2022 study abroad students with program-specific information such as travel advisories, border entry, COVID-19 vaccine and booster requirements and other program related updates and support.

Additionally, all spring 2022 study abroad students received a message on Dec. 1, 2021, addressing the new omicron variant and assuring students that study abroad programs were proceeding as planned. Syracuse Abroad also maintains a COVID-19 FAQ page where any new information is made available to students and their families. Each student’s situation is different, and individuals with inquiries or concerns are encouraged to reach out to Syracuse Abroad directly.

Syracuse Abroad offers over 100 different study abroad programs in over 60 countries. Happily, Syracuse students across these programs have responded robustly to frequent, often last-minute, changes. We applaud their resilience and their investment in international education, and we are thrilled that all spring study abroad programs are running as planned.

This letter was co-written by Director of Global Safety and Support for Syracuse Abroad Seth Tucker and Director of Admissions (Syracuse Abroad) Tara Blomvall.