Letter Regarding Study Abroad From Office of International Programs

June 11, 2020

Boston College has made the difficult decision to cancel all Fall 2020 study abroad programs, including internal and external programs.

We have postponed the decision until now, hoping that the situation would improve. 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.

Please keep in mind the following:

• We will be able to give fall students first priority for Fall 2021, with the same program to which they were accepted for Fall 2020.
• Alternatively, students might consider a Summer 2021 program. A program list will be made available by the end of August.
• Unfortunately, we will not be able to move students directly into a Spring 2021 program. Students may add their name to a program waitlist. However, spring is still overenrolled, and the odds of coming off of a waitlist are low.