Boston College has decided to cancel all study abroad programs, including internal and external programs, for the fall 2020 semester, Office of International Programs Director Nick Gozik has announced.
"We have postponed the decision until now, hoping that the situation would improve," he wrote in a letter to colleagues. "However, travel restrictions remain in place, world health organizations advise against international travel, visas are uncertain, and the virus has worsened in many parts of the world, with a potential 'second wave' predicted in locations where the situation has improved. Moreover, it has become increasingly difficult to imagine being able to offer students a truly immersive experience with many universities unsure of whether they will be able to resume in-class teaching, limits in terms of housing and activities, and strict rules around travel between and within countries."
Students are being notified of the cancellation decision today.
Gozik said students whose programs are cancelled would receive first priority for fall 2021, with the same program to which they were accepted for fall 2020; could consider a program from the list of those offered for summer 2021, which will be made available by the end of August; or add their names to a wait list for spring 2021, though at present that program is overenrolled, he said.
More details regarding housing and courses will be forthcoming from the offices of Residential Life and Student Services, respectively, Gozik noted, adding that the offices will do everything possible to assist students, based on what is available.
University Communications | June 2020