Much like college campuses, U.S. airports are typically abuzz with travelers hurriedly making their way from one international destination to the next. But as we know, nothing about this year is typical, and reality is quite different.

While the U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently begun to ease their coronavirus (COVID-19) global travel advisories, many country-level restrictions remain in place. This means that safe, worldwide travel is not an option, at least for now.

In response, the University of Delaware’s Institute for Global Studies (IGS) has pivoted — reimagining past programs and developing new opportunities to help students continue exploring and preparing for the future.

Students may explore throughout September at the Virtual Study Abroad and Global Studies Fair and can engage, live, with faculty and staff on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Featured at the fair will be Virtual International Internships scheduled for Winter Session 2021. Ambitious Blue Hens can gain global experience and cross-cultural connections in one of six programs. Centered on their career interests, students will be paired with a non-profit or for-profit organization based in one of several locations: Australia, Ireland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand or Vietnam. Interested students are invited to take a first look during the fair and apply by Sunday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.

For those dreaming of study abroad in 2021 and beyond, IGS advises early and intentional planning. Students can complete these 5 steps now to be ready later: 

1. Apply for a spot in the Delaware Diplomats Scholarship Program by Sept. 15. 

2. Chart major and/or breadth requirements with the help of an academic adviser, the UD Course Catalog and the UD Courses Search. 

3. Explore Summer and Fall 2021 programs and apply on time (Nov. 20 for summer programs and March 10 for most fall programs).

4. Drop in at IGS for virtual study abroad advising during fall semester on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

5. Get ready for greatness by attending the Before You Explore workshop series, available live and on-demand. 

This fall, IGS will also offer a number of virtual events focused on students’ career and post-graduate success, including two exclusive September dates with career Foreign Service Officer and DC Diplomat in Residence, Yolonda Kerney. Highlights include: 

• A Rangel Graduate Fellowship Information Session on Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; 

• A Peace Corps Workshop for faculty and advisors on Sept. 25 at 12 p.m.;

• An Interest Meeting about the Critical Language and Boren Scholarships on Sept. 28 at 3:30;

• An Overview of Careers & Opportunities with the U.S. Department of State on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.; 

• A Fulbright U.S. Student Program Interest Meeting on Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; and

• A “Work for the World” Peace Corps Presentation on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. 

“Students may think that because international travel is not possible, it doesn’t make sense to consider global opportunities now,” said LIsa Chieffo, the interim director of UD’s Institute for Global Studies. “I challenge that assumption and suggest that now is exactly the time to realize why learning about, and engaging with, the world is important. And the connections students make with individuals from other cultures can be forged virtually as well as by physically crossing borders.”

To stay up-to-date on all things Global at Home, visit the IGS website and follow along @UDGlobal on Instagram and Twitter. Connect online anytime by emailing go-global@udel.edu or by visiting the IGS virtual reception desk, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.