By JENNA SKARLUPKA, NEWS3 Reporter
MACOMB, Illinois – Western Illinois University announced its faculty-led study abroad courses for spring and summer 2022 on April 2, which are now open to applications.
The program is returning after a postponement for much of 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Many previous class options are back for 2022, with two new additions: a general studies course in Denmark and a cannabis culture course in the Netherlands, related to WIU’s cannabis culture studies minors.
Because of the pandemic’s delays to the program, students now have more time to apply and save money for their desired courses. Kim McDaniel, a former participant and current advisor to the program, said it’s an unforgettable experience.
“This is not only a great way to get some classes out of the way and get financial aid to help you pay for that,” McDaniel said. “The things that you gain on a personal level are experiences and information that no one is ever going to be able to take away from you.”
Previous options returning in 2022 include a communication course at DisneyWorld Orlando, a semester-long immersion course in Spain, a business course in Ireland, an ecology course in the Galapagos and more. McDaniel said the 2022 offerings are those that would’ve taken place had COVID-19 not interrupted the program.
Study abroad courses are available in week-long, semester-long and year-long options. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit http://www.wiu.edu/sao/.