The following message was sent from Middlebury Schools Abroad on Wednesday, June 9.

Hola a tod@s,

I am writing to inform you that, unfortunately, Middlebury has made the difficult decision to cancel the Schools in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay for the fall 2021 semester.   The situation in these three countries remains difficult, with entry restrictions still in place for international visitors, continued high numbers of Covid-19 cases, and local universities either unable to host international students and/or unsure of the likelihood of being able to hold in-person courses next semester.  While we are hopeful that the situation in the Southern Cone will improve over the coming weeks and months, with all of these factors in place at this point in time, we believe it to be most prudent to cancel our programs in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay for fall 2021. 

I realize how disappointing this news will be, especially if this is not your first cancellation.  If you are interested, you do have the option to move your application to spring 2022, or to wait and have your application reinstated for the 2022-2023 academic year once the new application cycle opens in November.  It will be important that you discuss this option with both your academic advisor and, if you’re a student from a school other than Middlebury, the study abroad advisor at your home institution.

Middlebury students: If it hasn’t been already, your Banner record will be updated to a default status of actively enrolled on campus for fall 2021.  If you have plans to take a leave of absence, please notify your student life dean who will work with the Registrar’s Office to make the necessary updates to your record. 

Students with an application to the Middlebury School in Spain: If you have set up an application for the Middlebury School in Spain for fall 2021, please commit to that program in your study abroad portal by next Monday, June 14.  Any questions about studying in Spain can be addressed to Nicole Chance at nchance@middlebury.edu

Pre-departure orientation: Please also note that the pre-departure orientation scheduled for Friday, June 11 is now also canceled.  For those of you who intend to study abroad during spring 2022, there will be another orientation this fall.  Those of you intending to study in Spain in the fall should contact Nicole for a recording of the pre-departure orientation for Spain, if you have not done so already.

I sincerely regret that your study abroad plans have had to change, for many of you a second or even third time, and I greatly appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time.  If there is anything I can do to be of assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.

With best wishes,

Alessandra

Alessandra Capossela

Assistant Director, International Programs