Everything happened so fast. One minute, she was singing karaoke in celebration of classes going online, and the next minute she was going home, Alexandra Stutzman, a recent University of Idaho study abroad student, said.
“International students were getting really frightened,” Stutzman said.
Stutzman and Emily Dienger, both juniors, and International Studies majors, were willing to share their stories. They represent just two of the countless students around the world whose study abroad experience was cut short due to COVID-19.
Ayrn Baxter, the executive director of the UI International Program Office, said approximately 60 UI students were asked to return home from their spring semesters abroad in March. This does not include the students impacted by canceled faculty-led spring break trips.
“All students have been advised to return,” Baxter said. “Our institutional position is that we are not in support of any international travel that is not mission critical for the university at this time. If students go or remain abroad, they may get stuck, be forced to stay outside of the U.S. for an indefinite time frame and encumber financial repercussions. The University recognizes, however, that students make their own decisions as adults.”
UI sent out an additional risk waiver to all students studying abroad before spring break. By signing, students legally released the university from liability regarding personal health and safety, financial refunds or guaranteed credit. In addition, the waiver stipulated students may be required to stay in quarantine for 14 days after returning to the U.S.
“UI has no liability,” Stutzman said.
Eventually, both Stutzman and Dienger decided to return to the U.S.
Stutzman began her semester at the University College Cork in Ireland through the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), enjoying her time and making new memories. Until COVID-19 forced her to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
“My world completely changed,” Stutzman said. “They said we shouldn’t travel anywhere in Europe or out of the country. My host university closed, classes went online, the travel ban was announced and my international insurance was going to be canceled at the end of March.”
Due to fears over being stuck in Ireland as a result of canceled flights out of Europe, Stutzman made the decision to fly home as soon as she could.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye to my Ireland friends,” Stutzman said.
Dienger had a similar experience in the Netherlands, where she studied at Leiden University through the International Student Exchange Programs (IESP).
“I made a ton of new friends, both fellow study abroad students and Dutch students,” Dienger said. “My classes were great; the environment was positive, and I really was just enjoying myself, until my university became worried about the coronavirus.”
At first, Dienger’s host university just posted notices on coffee machines and computers on campus. It wasn’t until the Netherlands decided to close all universities that she was affected, Dienger said.
“Within the next three days, all of my friends studying abroad had left. I was alone in my apartment,” Dienger said. “The country effectively shut down everything but the main groceries. One week into the shutdown I still had not had my program or the University of Idaho call me home. So, I moved in with family friends for the next 10 days. This was the best decision I could have made because having people around you and someone to worry about you is priceless.”
Dienger eventually decided to fly back home, but she said it was the hardest decision she’s ever made.
The COVID-19 forced study abroad students and the university to adjust as questions were raised about how to deal with refunds, course credit and online courses.
Neither Dienger or Stutzman expects the university or its programs to provide refunds.
“I have heard nothing about a refund,” Stutzman said.
Credit for the courses Dienger and Stutzman were taking can still be completed online. However, time differences do present challenges. While Stutzman’s classes are recorded on Zoom, Dienger has live lectures.
“Many of my classes require a live Skype, which results in me taking classes at 2 a.m.,” Dienger said.
Baxter said the university is currently working to resolve funding and credit issues on an individual basis due to varied program details. However, UI plans to recover as many funds as they can for students.
“Most of the partner organizations and institutions we work with are offering online options for course completion and issuing refunds where possible, depending on how much of the program was completed,” Baxter said. “For the students who are unable to complete needed credits remotely, we are in the process of working on options that will allow them to continue with their academic progress.”
UI works to “always place students’ health and safety as the top priority…(they) hope that programs will be open and travel advisories lifted” by the fall semester programs, Baxter said.
COVID-19 continues to affect student’s daily lives, especially those whose education and experiences were cut short.
“Was it the study abroad I expected? Not at all. But was it a few months I’ll never forget? Most definitely,” Dienger said.
Mariah Wood can be reached on [email protected] or on Twitter @MariahW65365314.