March 10 Update for Students Abroad

Dear study abroad students,

I’m writing as a follow up to President Patton’s message earlier today regarding the decision to have students leave campus at the end of this week and to deliver all instruction remotely beginning March 30.

As the message indicates, decisions about the continuation of Schools Abroad will be made separately from the College’s contingency planning. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis for each School Abroad, depending on the circumstances on the ground in each country, and as a function of the different structures and resources in each School and host country.  Please know that we are in regular communication with the Directors of the Schools Abroad, and we are putting plans into place should there be the need for a modification in the program.  We will communicate these plans to you via the Director of your School.

President Patton’s message also does not have direct implications for students who are enrolled in externally sponsored programs.  If you are directly enrolled in a foreign university or are participating in a program offered through another college, university or program provider, you should follow the recommendations and advice of the on-site staff.  We are aware that many of these programs are putting contingencies into place should they need to modify their programming.

This is an unprecedented time in terms of the uncertainty around study abroad programming.  We recognize that the situation with COVID-19 has likely impacted your experience due to travel restrictions, the closing of public venues, and the suspension of cultural events. Furthermore, we know that it has distracted you from your studies.  This is when some of the fundamental qualities of a successful study abroad experience come into play – flexibility, adaptability, and open-mindedness.  We appreciate your ability to remain flexible, adaptable, and open-minded during this time.

Sincerely,

Carlos Vélez

Dean of International Programs