So Your Study Abroad Program Is Cancelled: Now What? 

By Robyn W. Guillen (Program Coordinator, UNO-Rome and Glories of France)

For a few weeks now, I’ve dreaded writing this because it makes it all seem so...final!  But with the current trend of the coronavirus, and uncertainty still looming and causing universities across the world to cancel their programs, it’s time to just call it.  This entry is for any student impacted by their study abroad program being cancelled, with a special shoutout to students at The University of New Orleans, where I coordinate summer programs to Montpellier, France and Rome, Italy.  So many of us are wondering where to go from here, and while it’s easy to sit and wallow in all the destruction of hopes and dreams that coronavirus has left it its wake, I think the harder--and yet more necessary--thing to do is to focus on the positive.  So if you’re feeling hopeless or even just unsure of how to move on from here with your dreams of studying abroad now dashed, here’s the first in what I hope to make a series of posts on how we can all make the most of this time. 

First off, to my seniors and rising seniors, I want you to know how deeply regretful and sad we, as coordinators, are to see you have missed the chance to study abroad on our programs.  Some of you waited your entire college career, saving and scheming along the way for the past 4 years to figure out a way to make it work, and it just is unfair to have it taken from you so suddenly.  We see you, and we hear and feel for you; but your journey absolutely doesn’t end here--it’s merely just beginning. My biggest wish for you and for any impacted student is that this does not deter you from dreaming and planning an adventure in the near future.  In fact, what better time than now, when all we can seem to do is dream of better days post-coronavirus, to begin planning for when the occasion to travel does rise again?! 

The obligations of students right now are many, and often layered and more challenging than ever.  Some of you have ‘only’ Zoom classes to focus on, which can be challenging enough. While still many others of you have ailing or high-risk family members to now care for, as well as jobs to still report to, or arguably worse--waiting for unemployment checks to come in as bills mount.  But please remember this: this too shall pass. And after it does, and after you’ve recovered financially from this mess, you’ll be thankful to have a game plan so that when it becomes safe and feasible to travel again, you’ve already got a plan in place.  

So, were you signed up to spend a month in Montpellier on The Glories of France program?  Our summer program takes students on a three-day trip to Paris, included in the program price.  That also leaves students with three to four (depending on how the calendar falls) weekends to explore other French cities, or nearby European cities (and even northern African ones, too).  If you’re a student that can defer enrolling in the program to next summer, or if you’re a student who can’t enroll in the program next summer because you will have graduated, your objective remains the same: explore Montpellier and the surrounding area virtually.  Make your list of places you want to explore for when you do eventually make your way to Montpellier. Start dreaming of the french bakeries you’ll be able to visit via TripAdvisor or Yelp. Our program is located down the street from a wonderful neighborhood bakery--Boulangerie du Coin--and their curried chicken salad sandwiches on fresh baked baguettes and their flourless chocolate cakes are one of if not the greatest duo that I miss when we return back to the U.S. after the program ends.  I also salivate for the Louis XIV crepe at Les Caseroles en folie, which has goat cheese and fig jam with greens--the perfect sweet and savory combination. True, you’ll discover a lot of hidden gems by walking the streets once you’re there, but it’s always helpful to have at least a few ideas of where to start so you’re not wandering streets aimlessly.

In addition to places around Montpellier, you’ll also want to consider how to spend your free time in Paris.  As a group, your professors and I plan some group activities, such as a cruise along the Seine River, a trip to a museum like Musee D’Orsay, or a visit to Montmartre, my personal favorite part of Paris.  But what do you dream of seeing or experiencing when you think of Paris? Is it to taste your first authentic French macaron? To be adventurous and try escargot? To take in a view of the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower?  If you’re unsure, another fun place to start is with the Amazon series Alice in Paris. The two-season show has short episodes that range from 2-4 minutes and showcase authentic Parisian places that are worth a visit. My personal favorite was visiting Le Privé de dessert, which Alice takes her friend to as a trick since their savory food is meant to look like desserts and vice-versa, a true twist on your senses.  If you have access to Amazon Prime, the series is fun and entertaining, while perfect for even those with a short attention span--be sure to check it out. While there may not be time to see it all in three days, having a list of your must-sees will ensure that you make the most of your limited time there. Plus, there’s always the chance to go back on one of your free weekends, too.  

Now you’ve planned your agenda for Montpellier and you know what you want to see when you go to Paris.  It’s time to consider all of the places you’ll go on your free weekends, one of the most exciting parts of your planning.  So many of the students that go on this program decide to wait until they arrive to make weekend plans, which can be good and bad. While you will make friends and meet new people on the program itself and spontaneous plans to travel together will come as a result, it’s a great idea to make sure you’re not swept away doing what other people suggest and that you remember your own goals in coming abroad.  So where do YOU want to go? In the past, students have traveled all over France--visiting Marseilles, Bordeaux, the French Riviera, etc. They’ve gone to Barcelona, accessible via a short train ride in under three hours; they’ve also visited Morocco, checking off an entirely different continent on their summer abroad. There are so many places that you can visit in your three day weekends, so consider what your own objectives and goals are.  If this were your only time to get abroad, what would you feel are your non-negotiable/must see places? Last year, I had the weekend of a lifetime visiting Provence and seeing and smelling the lavender fields for the first time. I will never forget how freeing it felt to see the pictures from magazines brought to life, and to taste my first lavender ice cream. That may sound like a terribly boring weekend to someone else, though--so what are you after?  Start your research now to make the most of your time once you’re abroad.

The important thing to realize about all of these ‘tips’ is that they’re relevant to students of any age--whether you can go on the program next summer, or you’ve already graduated and will have to make your trip to Montpellier on your own time.  (And as a side note: we occasionally offer graduate level courses on our programs, so there’s a chance that could be an option for you in the future). Either way, taking the time to plan your trip will ensure you make the most of your time abroad.  It may seem like a long time before we can all be abroad again, but know this: it will happen! And you’ll be able to hit the ground running with your agenda and goals in hand, so...get started!