Students respond to the coronavirus and question if they are still going abroad

ELON, N.C.—The coronavirus has been the talk of the century and people are freaking out.

The massive outbreak has affected over 100,000 thousand people and has spread to 104
countries.

A few weeks ago, Elon University ordered its students who were studying in Florence and
Sorrento, Italy to pack their bags and fly home.

These students had only been abroad for a month and a half.

This information has left many students upset, especially sophomores who were planning on
going to Florence and Sorrento in the fall.

“I’ve been looking forward to it forever, so the thought of not going makes me sad,” said Nick
Sadowski, a sophomore who got into the Florence program.

Annika Elwell, another sophomore agreed,

“I have always wanted to go to Florence and I feel like I will miss a huge opportunity for
personal growth if I won’t be able to go.”

It is important to note that Elon University’s study abroad program was rated one of the best by
the U.S. News & World Report and is one of the main reasons why people apply to the school,
just like sophomore Quinn Gordinier.

“I chose to come to Elon because of their study abroad programs,” she said.

“I am interested in international business and having that experience abroad will better prepare
me for my future career,” said Gordinier.

Since Elon has canceled and suspended certain study abroad programs, students are still left
wondering if they will go abroad next fall.

“I feel like there is a possibility that the coronavirus is going to get worse and prohibit me going
to Barcelona,” said Quinn Gordinier.

However, it is important to note that some countries only have a few cases.
“Ireland only has four cases, so I am not concerned that the virus will affect my plans to study
abroad in the fall,” said Dylan Boyd, a sophomore.

While some students express concern and mixed feelings about their abroad plans, other students
simply believe that the coronavirus has been blown out of proportion.

“I feel everyone is overreacting. People need to realize more people die from the flu than the
coronavirus,” said Charlotte Woodham, a sophomore who is planning on going to Spain next
fall.

It is still unknown if Elon University students will be able to go aboard in the fall.

“At the moment, we are moving forward with our Fall programs as planned, though there is
certainly the potential the programs could be suspended,” said Catherine Hinkin, an advisor in
the Global Education Center.

This state of the unknown has also left some students conflicted on whether or not to sublet their
housing next semester.

“I have three people willing to sublet from me this fall, but with the coronavirus getting worse, I
am not sure if I want to risk my housing next semester,” said Nick Sadowski.

All we can hope for now is that the coronavirus stops spreading so these students can have the
opportunity to go abroad in the fall.