CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The University of Notre Dame has suspended all undergraduate and graduate study abroad programs for the fall semester due to the coronavirus.
“One of the hallmarks of a Notre Dame education is studying abroad at one of our many international sites,” Michael E. Pippenger, vice president associate provost for internationalization, said in a statement. “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.”
Notre Dame officials said they made the decision this week based on the ability, or lack thereof, to guarantee testing of students when they are abroad.
The university also said it considered travel bans and advisories issued by the Department of State, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization and took into consideration country-specific isolation and quarantine requirements.
Officials have communicated with students who were planning to study abroad this fall to make the necessary adjustments to their on-campus schedules.
Notre Dame offers study abroad opportunities in 29 countries and ranks in the top 10 among national research universities for undergraduate study abroad participation.
Notre Dame earlier announced it would reopen its South Bend campus on August 10.