Against a backdrop of uncertainty regarding COVID-19 related travel restrictions for the fall, the Office of Global Learning opened applications today for more than 20 centrally managed undergraduate study abroad programs, including options for fall 2021 in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Programs in Latin America are expected to open soon. Several college-sponsored study abroad programs are also opening applications for the fall semester.

Study abroad programs are accepting applications on a preliminary basis because of the ongoing pandemic. Cornell will offer a limited selection of approved study abroad programs in locations vetted for health, safety and academic viability.

Credit: Provided

Global Cornell’s international travel health and safety experts will continue to monitor developments affecting travel in particular locations and worldwide. The university is expected to make a final decision about fall programming after an additional health and safety review in June.

“We know opportunities for education abroad are very important for students’ academic and personal growth,” said Gustavo A. Flores-Macías, associate vice provost for international affairs and associate professor of government in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Over the past year, I’ve talked with many students forced to delay their study abroad plans and think flexibly about when to schedule an international experience. They’re eager to apply,” he said, “and we are excited to provide options in parts of the world where health and safety considerations permit.”                                                    

One popular study abroad opportunity now open for applications is DIS: Semester in Copenhagen, managed by the Office of Global Learning. Students can select among 26 core programs across a range of disciplines – including computer science, finance, graphic design and public health – with instruction in English.

Quinn Theobald ’22, an information science major, hopes to fit in study abroad during the fall of his senior year. “I've had my eye on the DIS program in Copenhagen, where I would be able to take classes on neural networks to further my major, while also exploring some of my other passions like film,” he said.

Also open today are two college-sponsored exchanges with the National University of Singapore: CALS Exchange: NUS and Human Ecology Exchange: NUS. These programs at Singapore’s leading university offer internships, laboratory opportunities and academic strengths in natural sciences, engineering and social sciences. Students live in NUS residence halls.

Credit: Provided

Biometry and statistics major Madelaine Rangel ’21 studied at National University of Singapore as a CALS Global Fellow in summer 2019. “My favorite aspect of NUS – besides the diverse food options – was practicing with the faculty volleyball team,” she said. “Because of their connections with the medical school, I was able to conduct research with Dr. Chakraborty’s lab at Duke–NUS Medical Center.”

For Spanish speakers, CASA Sevilla provides the opportunity to take university courses with local students and join Cornell students and faculty for community projects. Managed by the Office of Global Learning, the program reinforces spoken and written language skills with a Spanish-only language commitment and intensive work with an individual mentor.

To find out more about these and other available opportunities, explore study abroad programs on Experience Cornell (filter by term). More options will be added in coming days.

Due to time required for program review, the deadline to apply is tight: applications for most programs managed by the Office of Global Learning close on April 1. College-sponsored programs’ closing dates vary. Contact the adviser listed in Experience with questions about the application process and schedule.

Beginning in the fall, all undergraduate semester-long programs will follow the same financial model. Students will pay tuition costs associated with their enrollment at Cornell for all study abroad taken for credit, including the Office of Global Learning’s approved programs and college-sponsored programs and exchanges. For eligible students, financial aid is portable for a semester or academic year abroad.

A video about Cornell study abroad featuring 2019 and 2020 students can be viewed here. Visit Education Abroad’s fall 2021 FAQ for more information about applying, or talk with an Education Abroad adviser by live chat or appointment.

Sheri Englund is associate director of communication for Global Cornell.