Coronavirus Affecting UD Study Abroad Programs

Cover photo of the coronavirus from Pixabay

Franchesca Hackworth
Asst. Online Editor 

University of Dayton students who are studying abroad in Italy and South Korea have been advised by the university to return home due to the spread of the coronavirus, according to university officials.

Both countries have dealt with hundreds of cases of the virus that originated in China.

UD officials in conjunction with the university’s study abroad partners are communicating with students and their families who are individually affected to help the transition back to the U.S. go as smoothly as possible.

Study abroad programs scheduled for the summer are already being affected as UD takes precautions against the coronavirus. Two trips originally planned to China have been canceled.

The coronavirus has sickened more than 93,000 worldwide and more than 3,200 deaths have been attributed to the disease.

There may be some international students who will be unable to travel home for the summer like they originally planned.

“The university always works with any students who may need summer housing for a variety of situations,” university officials said.

Officials said they are monitoring and consulting health and safety experts and sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Department, on a country by country basis to assess the impact and risk in each case.

“We will continue to monitor this evolving global situation to assist other students, faculty and staff who may be affected,” university officials said.

If a case of the coronavirus were to appear on campus, the university’s plan is to follow the CDC guidelines.

Student Development sent an email to students in February reporting “high levels” of the flu on campus.

Click here to read prevention tips from the World Health Organization.

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