Walsh University students studying abroad for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak
NORTH CANTON – It has been nearly two years since Walsh University students studied abroad because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, with restrictions lifted, Walsh students are headed back overseas.
Six students left Thursday for Gaming, Austria, to attend the Franciscan University of Steubenville campus in the foothills of the Austrian Alps. The campus occupies Kartause, a restored 14th century monastery.
"I'm really excited," said Claire Campbell, 20, of Chandler, Arizona, who is majoring in exercise science. "I always wanted to study abroad. I was worried I wouldn't be able to because of COVID."
Campbell will be joined by Allie Hunter, Jessica Pregizer, Lindsay Eisenhour, Eva Klockner and Michael Sproull. They will spend 16 weeks, or a semester, overseas.
All six students met COVID protocols — including vaccination — to be eligible for the program.
"Studying abroad may be one of the most beneficial experiences for a college student," Michael Cinson, the university's director of global learning and service learning, said in a statement. "Walsh is committed to offering students a rich academic experience with a global perspective that prepares them for success in their future careers."
COVID ended last trip
The last time the university sent students overseas, in 2020, the program abruptly ended due to COVID-19. The students were in Rome, Italy, for a week when they were brought home.
Prior to COVID, students routinely studied abroad in Rome, Haiti and Uganda, all destinations connected with Walsh University's founders.
Kim Graves, director of media relations, confirmed the Alpine program marks the university's return to providing students with international study opportunities.
And it also marked a new destination for them.
"As the world becomes increasingly connected, experience with other cultures is a valuable academic, personal and professional asset," Cinson said.
According to a media release, Walsh is also pursuing partnerships in Rome and Carlow, Ireland. South Korea, Vietnam and Singapore also could be destinations in the future.
Seeking personal and spiritual growth
For the six going to Austria, much of their studies will focus on theology and philosophy.
"I'm looking forward to a lot of the spiritual aspects of it," said 20-year-old Klockner of Green, a theology major. "Like we are going to be living in a monastery."
The six students will be joined by other students from other universities. They hope this experience with different cultures and languages expands their horizons.
Klockner said she has some international experience having spent 10 days in Guatemala on a church mission to build homes in 2019.
"We have our world and we think that's all there is. We kind of live in this bubble," said Klockner, who wants to be a hospital chaplain. "There's so much more out there that I think is hard for us to imagine."
Sproull, 21, of Loveland, Ohio, expressed similar views.
"I love being American," the accounting major said, "but there's other countries out there. And what are their contributions? And what are their views?"
He also said he is looking forward to their journey to Poland and a chance to walk in the footsteps of the late Pope John Paul II, who grew up there.
"It'll be a huge religious experience," he said.
The 16-week semester abroad ends May 12.
"I think being in a new place where there is different languages and different cultures will help me be more confident in myself to experience new social opportunities," Campbell said.
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Six Walsh University students will study 16 weeks in Austria
