After making most of its study abroad options virtual due to the pandemic, the University of Oregon is reopening opportunities this summer for students to study outside the US.
Beginning last June, the Division of Global Engagement created #NoPassportNeeded to having students participate in online courses, virtual hangouts with host families and remote field trips.
As the pandemic progressed, they created a process to assess country specific pandemic data.
“Everything from rolling infection rate averages, most recent trends, testing availability, test positivity rate, ICU bed availability,” said Vice Provost Dennis Galvan.
They also looked at class sizes, transportation and the availability of single occupancy housing.
“Before COVID, we would look at natural disasters, political events, personal health and safety,” Galvan said. “So, we’re always kind of on top of what’s going to happen when a University of Oregon student is abroad in one of our programs.”
This winter three students went to South Korea and five are currently studying in London.
A vaccine is now required for all participants.
“Having the vaccine really makes a difference in terms of feeling like we can safely send students,” Galvan said.
Thirty programs in 12 countries have met the criteria for students to study abroad this summer.
