Barnard Global announced a total cancellation of all study abroad programs for fall 2020 in an email sent to study abroad students on May 12th. Columbia also confirmed the cancellation on May 14th.

Citing the uncertain future of COVID-19, along with high-level international travel warnings, Associate Provost Giorgio DiMauro announced to students that Barnard College made the decision to cancel all fall study abroad programs. This cancellation will “impact all students planning on studying abroad in both fall and full-year programs” the email stated; the status of study abroad in the spring is still unknown.

DiMauro instructed students to contact host universities and programs and arrange for appropriate refunds. The email stated that Barnard Global wanted to announce this decision on May 12th to give students time to finalize plans before the extended housing cancellation deadline on May 18th.

The short email ended with a link for appointments with Barnard Global, and students were asked to reach out if they had questions.

UPDATE 5/14 8:00 PM: Columbia confirmed in an email that it would be similarly canceling all Fall programs, but offered fewer details. Bwog has added the statement below.

Full email sent to students:

Dear fall and academic year study abroad students,
We’re writing to let you know that Barnard College has made the decision to cancel study abroad for fall 2020.  This decision will impact all students planning on studying abroad in both fall and full-year programs.
We know that this will be disappointing news for many of you. There is much uncertainty about the path of the virus and as of today, the CDC and the US Department of State continue to maintain their highest-level warnings to avoid all international travel for the foreseeable future. We wanted to announce this decision to you today so that you can finalize your plans before the extended housing cancellation deadline on Monday, May 18th.  This should also give you time to inform your host university or program and to request a full refund for any payments you may have already made.
Please reach out if you would like to discuss alternative plans or need our help or advocacy with your host programs.  You can make an appointment by going to this link: https://barnardglobal.youcanbook.me/.
All the best,
Giorgio & Krista
Barnard Global

Full statement from Columbia:

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on worldwide travel and global health risks, The Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE) must suspend all study abroad programs for the fall 2020. This decision is based on the health and safety concerns associated with global travel and ongoing revisions to entry requirements, visa processes, and academic calendars. This decision follows the guidance of the Provost’s suspension of all upcoming student travel outside of the U.S. which is organized, led, or financed by Columbia. This suspension includes Columbia students’ travel to study abroad programs directly operated by Columbia (Columbia-Led) and those run by partner institutions and organizations (Columbia-Approved).
For those of you who were planning on an upcoming study abroad experience, we know this is difficult news to hear. Our priority remains the health and safety of all involved. Please know that we are planning for the resumption of in-person study abroad activities in spring 2021. UGE also continues to work on providing a year of engaging global learning experiences for students throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

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