Study Abroad Update, Spring 2022
To the New Paltz Community,
Welcome to the Spring semester! I would like to congratulate all New Paltz students on their dedication to learning throughout this pandemic, acknowledging the challenges you have faced as well as your resourcefulness and support for each other. While we need to continue our commitment to protect our own health as well as that of each member of our community, it is time to make plans and move ahead.
As President Christian wrote in his welcome message “I am grateful for the dedication of students to learn about themselves and the world around them and to prepare for life, livelihood, and citizenship.”
International education helps students to discover the world and discover themselves. It advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is essential for developing globally competent citizens and leaders.
After almost two years, New Paltz students are studying abroad again! Others are actively making plans to participate in summer and fall programs, and even more are collaborating with academic advisors to assure that study abroad fits into their eight semester graduation plans.
I invite you to join our upcoming study abroad fairs and information sessions. Make an appointment to meet with our study abroad advisor. Apply for a passport. Start your application to study abroad. It’s not too early to take the steps to make your dreams come true! Your future awaits!
Have a great semester!
Beth Mugler Vargas
Executive Director
Center for International Programs
Study Abroad Update, November 2021
All SUNY Winter 2021-2022 programs are cancelled.
The Spring 2022 New Paltz application process is closed.
Select programs for Spring 2022 are currently under review.
_______________________________________________________
To the New Paltz Community,
The SUNY Office of Global Affairs has released guidance by which campuses can petition to offer study abroad opportunities in the spring 2022 semester. Following this guidance, New Paltz is moving forward with plans to safely open a select number of travel programs.
As we make requests for program approval, we continue to monitor and assess the risk of international travel by consulting the guidance from the US Department of State and the CDC in collaboration with our partner universities abroad.
All program admissions are conditional until the program has been fully approved for relaunch. Students are advised to make alternate arrangements for enrollment in New Paltz classes for the spring semester in the event that a program is cancelled and to make no financial investment in travel. Please contact us with any questions.
While we remain cautiously optimistic about a few programs opening in the spring semester, we encourage you to prepare for your future Study Abroad experience. What can you do now?
- Attend an information session with the Study Abroad Advisor or a former study abroad student. We will continue to offer these opportunities through the fall semester.
- Apply for a passport – this process may take 4 to 6 months.
- Review options for semester, summer and academic year program and find the best match for you!
- Talk to your academic advisor and EOP advisor and review your major’s 8 semester plan to determine the best time for you to study abroad.
- Look at these fabulous photos taken by New Paltz students who studied abroad and dream of waking up in Milan, Guadalajara, London, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Limerick, or Cairo amongst other amazing study abroad destinations!
- Start your application – it is not too early to apply!
We are here to support Global Learning for each New Paltz student and look forward to seeing you soon!
With hopeful anticipation,
Beth Mugler Vargas
Executive Director
Center for International Programs
Study Abroad Update, Fall 2021
To the New Paltz Community,
As the Fall 2021 semester begins and we welcome you back to campus, we are excited about Global Learning here on the New Paltz campus! New international students have arrived, the East West and Romance Languages Living and Learning Communities have exciting programs, and students in the Global Engagement Program have secured some amazing internships for an unique integrated learning experience!
Although study travel is suspended for the fall semester, plans are moving forward to safely open a select number of opportunities in the spring 2022 semester. You will hear about these programs through our social media platforms and this website, as well as in-person and virtual class visits, the campus events calendar, and, of course, the upcoming Study Abroad Fair!
What can you do now to prepare for your future Study Abroad experience?
- Look for our Study Abroad Advisors, international exchange students, faculty who lead programs abroad, and campus services offices at the Study Abroad Fair outside at the Student Union Building on the Concourse, Tuesday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Apply for a passport – or better yet, participate in the raffle to get a free passport! The Center for International Programs is sponsoring 5 free passport applications! The lucky winners will be announced at the Study Abroad Fair.
- Review options for semester, summer and academic year program and find the best match for you!
- Talk to your academic advisor and EOP advisor and review your major’s 8 semester plan to determine the best time for you to study abroad.
- Look at these fabulous photos taken by New Paltz students who studied abroad and dream of waking up in Milan, Guadalajara, London, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Limerick, or Cairo amongst other amazing study abroad destinations!
- Start your application – it is not too early to apply!
Over the summer the Center for International Programs staff returned to our office on campus and are preparing for your arrival. We are here to support Global Learning for each New Paltz student and look forward to seeing you soon!
With hopeful anticipation,
Beth Mugler Vargas
Executive Director
Center for International Programs
Study Abroad Update, June 2021
To the New Paltz Community,
As the Spring 2021 semester concludes it is time to reflect on the challenges of the past year, celebrate our accomplishments, and look to the future. You have more than survived a difficult semester, you have taken wing to soar, and you have my complete admiration!
To our graduates – Congratulations! As you walk across the stage, virtually or in person, know that your resume reflects your willingness to challenge yourself through a Study Abroad experience and the skills and confidence you have gained will attract future employers or graduate schools. Keep discovering the world as you continue to discover and celebrate yourself.
Driven by the ongoing priority to keep the SUNY community safe, the SUNY Provost has announced the suspension of all fall travel for study abroad. This decision was made after consultation with the Office of the Governor considering the US State Department and CDC travel advisories.
Despite the suspension of study abroad travel, New Paltz students and faculty took advantage of Global Learning Opportunities virtually. Here are some recent highlights:
- Guatemala Cultural Exchange with members of the Kaq’chikel community led to friendships and connections. It was made possible by the generosity of Foundation Donors Tamah and Warren Wiegand and the creativity of Professor Luz Porras.
- Continuing students responded to a survey of interest in and plans for in-person study abroad and joined a Virtual Study Abroad Fair with partners from Ireland, Turkey and the United States.
- An international Art Exhibit where students depicted their global perspectives through art and song.
- The many submissions in the Spring Photo Contest kept us longing for the time when we can travel again!
- Another generous donor, Professor Emeritus Giancarlo Traverso, is supporting students enrolled in the virtual Art History summer program, Italy before Rome.
- The SUNY database of virtual programs has options for every major with almost every country.
- Language exchange between New Paltz students in the East West Living Learning Community and Guangxi Normal University students in Guilin, China.
- SUNY’s Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Center, has extended the deadline to apply for the Global Commons project this summer, July 5 to August 13. Guided by Faculty Mentors, students actively engage with community-based organizations abroad to address global challenges like climate change, deforestation, gender equity, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. It’s more than an online course.
Study Abroad advisors continue to be available to answer questions about financial aid, international internships and service-learning opportunities. Catherine Collado and Bianca Sylvain can be reached through our Virtual Advising Office. Applications for Spring 2022 programs are now open and the application fee is waived.
This summer the Center for International Programs staff will return to campus and prepare for the fall semester. We are here to support Global Learning for each New Paltz student and look forward to seeing you soon!
With admiration and best regards,
Beth Mugler Vargas
Executive Director
Center for International Programs
Study Abroad Update
May 2021
To the New Paltz Community,
As the Spring 2021 semester concludes it is time to reflect on the challenges of the past year, celebrate our accomplishments, and look to the future. You have more than survived a difficult semester, you have taken wing to soar, and you have my complete admiration!
To our graduates – Congratulations! As you walk across the stage, virtual or in person, know that your resume reflects your willingness to challenge yourself through a Study Abroad experience and the skills you have developed attract your future employer or graduate school. Keep discovering the world as you continue to discover and celebrate yourself!
Despite the suspension of study abroad travel in the upcoming fall semester, New Paltz students and faculty took advantage of Global Learning Opportunities virtually. Here are some recent highlights:
- Guatemala Cultural Exchange with members of the Kaq’chikel community led to friendships and connections. It was made possible by the generosity of Foundation Donors Tamah and Warren Wiegand and the creativity of Professor Luz Porras.
- Continuing students responded to a survey of interest in and plans for in person study abroad and joined a Virtual Study Abroad Fair with partners from Ireland, Turkey and the United States.
- An international Art Exhibit where students depicted their global perspectives through art and song.
- The many submissions in the Spring Photo Contest kept us longing for the time when we can travel in person again!
- Another generous donor, Professor Emeritus Giancarlo Traverso, is supporting students enrolled in the virtual Art History summer program, Italy before Rome.
- Language exchange between New Paltz students in the East West Living Learning Community and Guangxi Normal University students in Guilin, China.
Driven by our ongoing priority to keep the SUNY community safe, the SUNY Provost has announced the suspension of all fall travel for study abroad. This decision was made after consultation with the Office of the Governor and taking into account the US State Department and CDC travel advisories.
Study Abroad advisors continue to be available to answer questions about financial aid, international internships and service-learning opportunities. Catherine Collado and Bianca Sylvain can be reached through our Virtual Advising Office. Applications for Spring 2022 programs are now open and the application fee is waived.
Students who are interested in learning more about online international opportunities can resource the SUNY database of virtual programs, with options suitable for every major and in almost every country.
SUNY’s Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Center, has extended the deadline to apply for the Global Commons project this summer. Guided by Faculty Mentors, students actively engage with community-based organizations abroad. These organizations are devoted to making a positive change by working on global challenges like deforestation, gender equity, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. It’s more than an online course and I encourage you to apply!
This summer the Center for International Programs staff will return to campus and prepare for the fall semester.
We are here to support Global Learning for each New Paltz student and look forward to seeing you soon.
With admiration and best regards,
Beth Mugler Vargas
Executive Director
Center for International Programs
Study Abroad Update
May 2021
To the New Paltz Community,
As the Spring 2021 semester concludes it is time to reflect on the challenges of the past year, celebrate our accomplishments, and look to the future. You have more than survived a difficult semester, you have taken wing to soar, and you have my complete admiration!
To our graduates – Congratulations! As you walk across the stage, virtual or in person, know that your resume reflects your willingness to challenge yourself through a Study Abroad experience and the skills you have developed attract your future employer or graduate school. Keep discovering the world as you continue to discover and celebrate yourself!
Despite the suspension of study abroad travel, New Paltz students and faculty took advantage of Global Learning Opportunities virtually. Here are some recent highlights:
- Guatemala Cultural Exchange with members of the Kaq’chikel community led to friendships and connections. It was made possible by the generosity of Foundation Donors Tamah and Warren Wiegand and the creativity of Professor Luz Porras.
- Continuing students responded to a survey of interest in and plans for in person study abroad and joined a Virtual Study Abroad Fair with partners from Ireland, Turkey and the United States.
- An international Art Exhibit where students depicted their global perspectives through art and song.
- The many submissions in the Spring Photo Contest kept us longing for the time when we can travel in person again!
- Another generous donor, Professor Emeritus Giancarlo Traverso, is supporting students enrolled in the virtual Art History summer program, Italy before Rome.
- Language exchange between New Paltz students in the East West Living and Learning Community and Guangxi Normal University students in Guilin, China.
Driven by our ongoing priority to keep the SUNY community safe, the study abroad advisors, in collaboration with our overseas partners, are assessing the Fall semester options one-by-one. We are following protocols developed by the SUNY Office of Global Affairs and considering the US State Department and CDC travel advisories and recommending a limited number of future in person options.
Study Abroad advisors continue to be available to answer questions about financial aid, international internships and service-learning opportunities. Catherine Collado and Bianca Sylvain can be reached through our Virtual Advising Office. Applications for Spring 2022 programs are now open and the application fee is waived.
Students who are interested in learning more about online international opportunities can resource the SUNY database of virtual programs, with options suitable for every major and in almost every country.
SUNY’s Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Center, has extended the deadline to apply for the Global Commons project this summer. Guided by Faculty Mentors, students actively engage with community-based organizations abroad. These organizations are devoted to making a positive change by working on global challenges like deforestation, gender equity, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. It’s more than an online course and I encourage you to apply!
This summer the Center for International Programs staff will return to campus and prepare for the fall semester.
We are here to support Global Learning for each New Paltz student and look forward to seeing you soon.
With admiration and best regards,
Beth Mugler Vargas
Executive Director
Center for International Programs
Study Abroad Update
February 1, 2021
To the New Paltz Community,
SUNY Central Administration in Albany has announced the cancellation of all university-sponsored international travel, including study abroad and other student activities, for the summer 2021 term.
This is a continuation of the current suspension enacted in March 2020, driven by our ongoing concern for the health and safety of students, faculty and staff and our commitment to keeping the SUNY community safe.
We know that Global Challenges require Global Leaders and, with the goal of promoting global learning for all, I invite you to participate in the Virtual Study Abroad Fair on Feb. 24. The Fair will highlight travel opportunities for the fall 2021 semester and 2021-22 academic year, as well as virtual options that will be available this summer.
Our staff will be available to help students explore resources that support their future travel plans including financial aid, international internships and service-learning opportunities. Study Abroad Advisors Collado and Bianca Sylvain can also be reached through our Virtual Advising Office. Study abroad application deadlines can be found on the Academic Calendar.
Students who are interested in learning more about current international opportunities can use this SUNY database of virtual programs across the system, with options suitable for every major and in almost every country.
Additionally, SUNY’s Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Center, which developed the highly successful Global Commons project last summer, is preparing an encore that New Paltz and other SUNY campuses will launch soon.
The Center for International Programs will continue to monitor and assess all future study abroad opportunities. We applaud the New Paltz faculty for their innovation in global learning and we look forward to international student mobility in the future.
Best regards,
Beth Mugler Vargas
Executive Director, Center for International Programs
Study Abroad Update
Fall 2020
To the New Paltz Community,
SUNY Provost & Senior Vice Chancellor Tod A. Laursen recently announced the cancellation of all university sponsored international travel, including study abroad and other student activities, for the winter and spring 2021 terms.
This is a continuation of the current suspension enacted in March 2020, and is driven by our ongoing concern for the health and safety of students, faculty and staff and our commitment to keeping the SUNY community safe.
The Study Abroad staff continues to encourage New Paltz students to explore virtual options for the spring 2021 semester. Options include internships, service learning and virtual coursework offered by many of our international partners.
Plans are currently being made for students to earn business credits for coursework and internships in Milan, Italy; contribute to a local community center in Guatemala through a Service Learning program; and begin a hybrid program in Seville, Spain, that will start online and hopefully conclude with a summer capstone study tour of Andalusia.
The SUNY Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program leads efforts within the system to integrate global learning into the curriculum and developed the highly successful Global Commons project last summer. Generous donors to New Paltz Study Abroad scholarships are contributing to the success of these efforts.
In addition to these opportunities, most students will also have the option to defer their study abroad applications to fall 2021.
The Center for International Programs will continue to monitor and assess all future study abroad opportunities and we look forward to innovation in global learning and an eventual return to international student mobility.
Best regards,
Beth
Beth Mugler Vargas
Executive Director, Center for International Programs
March 19, 2020
The following message has been sent to all SUNY New Paltz students studying abroad:
Dear Students,
I’m writing to you with an update about study abroad which is very serious. Please read this very carefully.
The US Department of State will soon be announcing a Level 4 Travel Advisory applying to international travel for US citizens. A Level 4 Travel Advisory is “do not travel”, the highest and most severe level.
Essentially, US citizens abroad are being advised to return to the US as soon as possible or face the prospect of being stuck abroad for an indefinite period of time under local shelter in place orders.
We are still waiting the official announcement from the Dept of State, but it is imminent. Hence, this email to you.
Please pay attention to further emails from us and information coming forth from the Dept of State and Embassy in your study abroad country.
This is very serious, so let us know if you have a change in plans ASAP. Be sure to update both forms. Thanks.
- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1I1y4oQVDcXPpt4sZTCW0ppSGTzZ6bZom0K1_nb0gb38/edit
- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1I4h5X0sTgLOJBwz6iN_1Uvgx52PKPHMpRaRkiTnkONg/edit
Take care,
Christian Wilwohl
Director, Center for International Programs
March 11, 2020
The following message has been sent to all SUNY New Paltz students studying abroad.
Click here to view the message.
March 4, 2020
The Center for International Programs at SUNY New Paltz takes study abroad student health and safety very seriously.
We have been monitoring the coronavirus very carefully in conjunction with SUNY New Paltz Administration, our overseas partners, and SUNY System Administration. When advising students on educational travel, SUNY New Paltz is informed by the recommendations of the U.S. Department of State, the NYS Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Effective immediately, the College has cancelled all campus-sponsored and official campus international travel for faculty, staff and students to CDC Level 2 or higher level countries or areas (as of today, Italy, South Korea, Iran, Japan and China). We will be working closely with affected individuals to mitigate financial impacts. Anyone, employee or student, anticipating travel to CDC Level 2 or 3 countries (see above list) over spring break or during the spring 2020 semester, is strongly discouraged from doing so. As new countries or areas of the United States are added to CDC level 2 and 3 classifications, the same College-mandated travel restrictions will apply. Anyone who does travel to such areas will be required to notify their local health department, self-quarantine for 14 days and will not be permitted to come to campus for two weeks upon their return.
Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 programs
-
For those considering summer and fall study abroad programs, the Center for International Programs will continue to monitor this dynamic and evolving situation through the Centers for Disease Control guidance, and we will post updates here as we know more. In the meantime, we will continue to accept applications. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Christian Wilwohl, Study Abroad Director (845-257-3125) / wilwohlc@newpaltz.edu
