UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Out of an abundance of caution during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Penn State has decided to cancel all summer education abroad courses and University-affiliated student group travel through August 2020. This includes all global locations and all types of Penn State student group travel, including recognized student organizations.
Penn State and the Global Safety Office continue to actively monitor the impact of the coronavirus and evaluate global events that affect the safety of international travel for the Penn State community. The safety of all students, faculty and staff traveling internationally is the utmost priority.
There were several key factors that contributed to this decision. On March 11, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a worldwide coronavirus travel notice at a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions). Additionally, the U.S. Department of State issued a Global Health Advisory related to coronavirus at a level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Additionally, on March 11, the U.S. government issued a Presidential Proclamation regarding travel from Europe to the United States, and the CDC issued a coronavirus travel notice for Europe at a Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel).
The early decision was made in order to give students ample time to reschedule summer coursework and make alternative summer plans.
Penn State will work with students to minimize the financial impact of this decision and will work closely with education abroad faculty leaders, student organization trip leaders, and UPAC-funded individual travelers affected by this decision are encouraged to contact Student Activities for assistance:
- Student Activities: studentorg@psu.edu or 814-863-4624
- Global Programs: GP-Covid19_Resp@psu.edu or 814-865-1491
Students who were planning to participate in a summer 2020 education abroad program will receive more specific information via email.
For ongoing updates on the University response to COVID-19, please visit https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/.