University of Arkansas restarts study abroad programs

The University of Arkansas is cautiously reopening its study abroad programs after taking a hiatus because of the pandemic, Sarah Malloy, study abroad director, tells Axios.

What's happening: The university has reopened its Rome Center to 40% capacity. Thirty UA students will study there this summer, while most of the other study abroad students will be in Spain or the UK.

• UA expects to send about 100 students abroad this summer, compared to about 1,200 in summer 2019.
• The university considered countries' COVID-19 vaccination rates in determining where to reopen.

Why it matters: Studying abroad gives young adults a chance to learn about other cultures. The university typically encourages students to study abroad and offers a diverse range of programs all over the world.

Flashback: UA began canceling some study abroad trips in January 2020 before canceling all of them last summer.

• Of note: The Office of Study Abroad ramped up remote international internship programs in 2020 in an effort to expose students to other cultures and give them experience in the global workforce, Malloy says.

Editor's note: This post has been corrected to reflect that the director of the study abroad program is Sarah Malloy (not Laura Moran).