Dear Fall and AY 2020 Study Abroad Students,
As the global spread of COVD-19 continues to evolve in the United States and around the world, the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State continue to advise against all nonessential international travel. We write today to inform you Case Western Reserve has canceled Fall 2020 study abroad international travel due to the on-going uncertainty of COVID-19, international travel restrictions, and health risks. This decision impacts undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who were planning on traveling abroad for study and/or research in the fall 2020 semester.
For those enrolled in an academic year-long program, international travel for Fall 2020 is prohibited. At this time, Spring 2021 international travel is not canceled. University leaders and our Risk Management Committee will continue to evaluate the COVID-19 situation for Spring 2021 international travel and will announce decisions in the near future.
An appeal process is available for students who feel their particular situation warrants an exception. Students should fill out the appeal form as soon as possible to ensure that we have enough time to review your appeal prior to the start date of your program (link to petition). The appeal process will consider health and safety, travel restrictions, and the host institution situation. Appeals will be reviewed each week.
We are sorry that COVID-19 has interrupted your Study Abroad plans, but also hope that this decision provides you some clarity for your planning for fall. We encourage you to consider studying abroad again, either on another semester program, a short-term program with one of our faculty, or next summer. Please let your Study Abroad Advisor know by as soon as possible if you would like to transfer your application to another semester.
Angela Miller
Director of Education Abroad