Meredith Summer Study Abroad Program Sees Record Numbers

More than 110 Meredith College students will be studying abroad this summer, with enrollment numbers matching record highs not seen since 2009. 

There will be 113 total students participating in study abroad this summer, with 109 of them in a program led by Meredith faculty. This ties with the 2009 record for Meredith faculty-led programs. 

“Faculty-led summer programs have been the cornerstone of Meredith College study abroad for over 30 years,” said Director of International Programs Brooke Shurer. “The Office of International Programs (OIP) and study abroad faculty are thrilled to be resuming our summer programs after a two-year hiatus. We have all waited a long time for the opportunity to travel with students again.”

Another record is being broken in the Meredith in Italy programs based in Sansepolcro. Collectively, this summer’s programs will host 56 students, the highest ever.

Meredith awarded more than $100,000 in summer study abroad scholarships this year after a record number of applications were received.

Meredith’s Office of International Programs is dedicated to helping students participate in international education opportunities that support their academic and professional goals.

“Students often share with us that Meredith’s study abroad opportunities were a key reason they chose to attend the College. Some of the students participating this summer were set to study abroad in 2020 when their travel goals were halted, and their programs were canceled,” said Shurer. “While I’m excited for all study abroad students this summer, I’m especially glad we could help rekindle some dreams that were dashed in 2020. I’m also looking forward to having a vibrant and diverse new generation of study abroad peer ambassadors, who will return to campus after studying abroad this summer and share reflections about their experiences with new classes of Meredith students.”

Meredith reached these enrollment milestones even while program enrollment caps remain as part of COVID-19 safety guidance. 

“I am especially grateful for everyone’s shared commitment to health and safety measures this summer. Faculty have worked diligently to develop sound COVID-19 protocols with our partners abroad, and students have taken seriously their responsibilities to prepare for safe, smart, pandemic-resilient travel abroad,” said Shurer. “In addition to our existing pre-departure orientation meetings, everyone has attended a country-specific COVID-19 orientation, hosted by the OIP. I feel confident that we’re going to have a great summer of Meredith Abroad programs.”

Return of Study Abroad
After a hiatus caused by COVID-19 restrictions, Meredith College’s study abroad programs returned in a limited capacity during the Fall 2021 semester. The OIP consistently monitored pandemic conditions. After extensive review, Meredith approved a semester program at the College’s site in Sansepolcro, Italy, and additional options through vetted and approved affiliate programs. Read more about the return of study abroad.

Given the success of fall 2021, a more robust range of offerings was in place for 2022. This summer, options include multiple Meredith faculty-led program options in Italy, Costa Rica, France, and the United Kingdom. Visit meredith.edu/oip for more information.