Global Learning is among the Lipscomb programs that took the hardest hit as a result of COVID closings and restrictions. When borders closed and airlines halted, many students were forced to postpone or altogether cancel their plans to live and study abroad.
Since the initial shutdown, all Lipscomb global programs, including study abroad and overseas missions, have ceased operation. As this spring season draws to a close, many students are left wondering whether their upcoming summer and fall plans of global experiences will come to fruition.
“I remember when I first got accepted into study abroad last fall of 2020. Traveling and exploring is a big passion of mine,” said study abroad hopeful Brooke Baise. “I want to experience this beautiful world and see God’s creation. I believe that he didn’t create all of this for us to just stay in the same spot for the rest of our lives and not go and see and explore.
“I was really disappointed when it was canceled not only once for me but twice due to COVID,” she said. “But I know and trust that God has a plan and reason for everything that he does.”
Baise now looks forward to participating in the abroad program in Florence, Italy, for the fall semester of 2021, if circumstances allow.
Along with the semester abroad program, Lipscomb offers short-term trips to places such as Israel, Germany, Italy and England during the summer.
“I am hopeful in view of the trip actually happening, but I also know COVID issues change rapidly,” said Emily Jones who plans to study in Italy on a short-term trip. “I have heard abroad trips are very impactful, so I am excited to experience a transformative week.”
Some students describe their time abroad as the most transformative experience of their lives.
“Meeting the people that I studied abroad with is part of the reason why I became a Christian,” said senior criminal justice major Cooper Blanchard. “My semester in Costa Rica has been my favorite college experience.”
The Global Learning office declined to comment at this time, as summer and fall plans are still in review.