Make wishtv.com your home page

Notre Dame suspends study abroad programs

(photo courtesy of the University of Notre Dame)

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic has caused the University of Notre Dame to suspend all undergraduate and graduate study abroad programs for the fall semester. 

“One of the hallmarks of a Notre Dame education is studying abroad at one of our many international sites, Michael Pippenger, vice president associate provost for internationalization, said. “Just as it was a difficult but necessary decision to suspend our programs midway through this past spring semester, it’s equally so now for the entire fall semester. Though it’s impossible to predict the scope of the pandemic in the coming months, we look forward to being able to have Notre Dame students studying abroad in the spring of 2021.”      

The decision was made after consulting with faculty, medical professionals and other experts. Several factors were considered when making the decision, including:

  • The ability or lack thereof to guarantee testing of students when they are abroad
  • The travel bans and advisories issued by the Department of State, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization
  • Country-specific isolation and quarantine requirements
  • Insight from higher education counterparts who have or are considering a suspension of their programs

The university has been in contact with students enrolled in fall study abroad programs to make adjustments to on-campus schedules.