by Camryn Given | Dec 18, 2020 | News, News Slider
Earlier this semester, an email went out to all students planning to study abroad next semester as part of Lipscomb’s Global Learning program. Although disappointing, the announcement it contained may not have come as a surprise to all. The email stated that global learning will be canceled for next spring, given a couple of different reasons. In the statement Provost, W. Craig Bledsoe said, “all of our semester-long study abroad host countries are limiting or restricting entrance from residents of other nations and have Level 3 US Department of State travel advisory status.” Costa Rica, London, Vienna, and Florence are the locations available for semester-long study abroad, which are the locations referred to. The next ground for calling off Global Learning was the other risk factors that have arisen out of the global pandemic and the numbers not yet dropping. “I know this is disappointing to you as it is to all of us at Lipscomb,” said Bledsoe. This may have been the second time that some students have gotten this news, considering that Global Learning was already canceled for the fall of this year. For the students who are worried about what the next semester will look like now, Bledsoe states, “we have a dedicated team to work with you to help you register for spring classes and to reserve appropriate dorm space, if needed.” As for the students who were the recipients of this news, they will be able to remain in their current housing location and keep their meal plan, as well as priority for the next group of global learners. Bledsoe added, “We have some...
by Gunnar Eng | Jun 29, 2020 | COVID-19, News, News Slider
With the European Union banning American tourists beginning this summer and other factors as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, study abroad programs have been postponed indefinitely. “This tough decision was a collaborative agreement between our Office of Global Learning, Risk Management, and upper administration,” said Rebecca Zanolini, director of Global Learning, citing information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department as source material in this decision. “Given the current information we have and due to a number of factors out of our control, such as many countries either limiting entrance or imposing a 14-day quarantine on those entering, it is the decision of the university to cancel our fall 2020 study abroad programs,” said Provost W. Craig Bledsoe. The EU has said that American tourists will be banned from entering the continent because the virus is raging uncontrolled here. It is similar to the winter’s ban on most European visitors to the U.S., issued when COVID-19 was reaching its peak in several countries. The university is now making accommodations for all students who planned to study abroad this semester to help them transition into a semester on-campus, including classes and housing registration assistance. “Even with this temporary situation regarding fall 2020 programs, we are moving ahead with our investment in Lipscomb’s global learning program and on-campus activities for students interested in future international travel opportunities,” said Bledsoe. “In the next few weeks the university plans to purchase the Florence villa that has served our global students so well for the last few years,” Bledsoe said. “This is a significant investment in our global learning program...
by Ashley Bingham | Mar 17, 2020 | COVID-19, News Slider
As the novel COVID -19 continues to spread across the globe, more and more people continue to feel the effects of it, including Lipscomb’s global learning students. Students studying in Florence were moved to Vienna back on February 28th as a precautionary measure since Italy was one of the places under high watch by the CDC. “None of us suspected it to take this huge of a turn for the worst,” said Lipscomb Sophomore Nina Santiago who was studying abroad in Florence. On Friday, students who were studying abroad in Vienna flew back home to the states, their trip being cut nearly in half. President Randy Lowry sent an email to the students abroad and their families that said the following. “This has been a very eventful semester and we are so proud of all of our students for their resiliency and grace in handling all of the changes and uncertainty we have faced over the last few weeks due to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As you know, the Lipscomb leadership team has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Europe on a daily basis. Whether our students are studying on our campus or in locations thousands of miles away from Nashville, our goal of keeping our students safe and secure remains a primary focus.” The students. were taken back by the message but not too surprised. “When we all got the message, we all gasped and started to get really emotional. It’s definitely devastating, but I’m not surprised. I figured it’d probably be coming soon with everything going on, I just didn’t expect it now,” says Rachel...
by Mckenzi Harris and Erika Plunkett | Mar 3, 2020 | News Slider, Travel
All university-sponsored international travel this coming spring break is canceled due to the coronavirus. Domestic trips during spring break and summer are still scheduled as planned. Lipscomb Director of Missions Tyler J. Kemmerer informed the student population Tuesday via email. “As a spring break team leader, my heart goes out to all of you and the disappointment we are all experiencing,” Kemmerer wrote. “I understand that my words may be of little consolation to you, but please know that we have been closely monitoring this situation for several weeks and I assure you that we have not made this decision lightly.” Speculation over these cancellations began last week when fundraising deadlines were extended around the same time that the university relocated the students studying in Florence to Vienna because of the coronavirus cases in Italy. Barstool Bisons tweeted about the rumored cancellations Monday night in a since-deleted tweet, which sparked discussion across campus. Less than 24 hours later, Kemmerer sent the official cancellation notice, although many teams had already been notified by their respective team leaders. Belmont, Pepperdine, Trevecca, the University of Alabama and many others have all made similar decisions to cancel study abroad trips. Due to these cancellations being so last minute, with some teams having been scheduled to depart in less than 10 days, University Missions will have a number of situations to sort through, including financial concerns over the money that had been raised and was being applied to travel, lodging and food. Kemmerer said the university will be looking for solutions that are best for both the community and students. “Financially, we have a lot to...
by Bailey Burnett | Nov 6, 2019 | News Slider, Student Spotlight, Travel
Brianna Burch is just one of the students who say the Global Learning Program has benefited them by offering opportunities to explore the world and enhance their educations in other cultures. “Studying abroad not only allowed me to travel to places I’ve always wanted to visit, but it also offered me opportunities to appreciate different lifestyles and cultures in a uniquely immersive way,” said Burch, of the program that takes students to 40-plus different locales. “My international experiences helped me develop professional skills and embrace my own independence, all while having the adventure of a lifetime.” Burch, an English literature and French major, has been to the UK, Italy, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Vatican City as part of the program. Kristen Hodge, a Lipscomb University graduate, went to Florence, Italy with the Global Learning Program, and “I loved every second of it,” she said. “Traveling with my friends is an experience I’ll never forget. Being able to explore new places and learn about new cultures is a beautiful experience.” While traveling abroad, students can take courses in other countries that relate to their majors. Trips vary in length and can go for a couple of weeks or for an entire semester. Not only does the Global Learning Program allow students to explore interesting places, but the trips also give a sense of global knowledge and experience. Florence, London, Vienna, and Costa Rica are a few of the many places the Undergraduate Programs offer. Graduates programs are offered in many other locations, including Germany, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, and Israel. If you’re interested in studying abroad, click here for...
