Letter from Nick Gozik

Dear Italy Spring 2020 students:

Most likely, you received an earlier update regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that went out to all BC students abroad this spring semester. With the recent spread of COVID-19, we are now reaching out with more information specific to Italy. We have copied the parent/guardian listed as your emergency contact. Please also forward this message to other family members who may not be listed in our database, as they will likely be concerned for your wellbeing.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently rate Italy as a Level 1, recommending that travelers practice usual precautions. The Italian government has taken a more aggressive approach, with the goal of identifying the source of infection, while also preventing the spread of the virus. Further action has been taken by regional governments and ministries, particularly in the North (e.g. Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna), with the closure of schools and other public facilities. Our students in Venice, Parma, and Milan know this first-hand as universities in those cities have cancelled classes this week.

We have been in regular contact with staff on the ground, partner universities, and health professionals since this past weekend.  At this time, we do not plan to cancel our programs in Italy. However, this may change as we continue to gather information. For now, we are recommending that students do not travel, as it could become difficult for them to return to Italy. Students should also refrain from spending time in crowded areas.

We understand that some students may want to return home. The last thing we would want to do is force a student to stay in a place where they do not feel comfortable for health or safety reasons. Accordingly, we will do our absolute best to support any student who wishes to leave their program site.

For those contemplating a return, it would be too late to return to BC’s campus to finish out the spring semester. However, faculty on some programs may be able to allow students to complete coursework from home. Much will come down to what is feasible on individual programs, and we are happy to investigate the possibilities, in consultation with your academic dean and onsite staff.

Please know that we are thinking of you, and will be in touch as further updates become available. Additionally, you should look out for information coming from your onsite staff and/or host universities.

Nick Gozik, Director, Office of International Programs