Ohio University cancels fall semester study abroad programs

Ohio University College Green. Photo by The New Political.

Ohio University announced Wednesday all study abroad and programs and travel experiences are canceled for the upcoming fall semester. 

In an email sent to students in the Scripps in D.C. fall 2020 semester program, Keely Davin, associate director for the Office of Global Opportunities, broke the news. 

“Based on this situation, we are regretfully writing to inform you that Ohio University has made the difficult decision to cancel all fall study abroad and away programs and travel experiences,” the email said. 

The decision comes as the pandemic worsens around the U.S., where COVID-19 cases are increasing in many states as economies begin to reopen.

In Southeastern Ohio, cases have been increasing. As of Tuesday, July 15, there were 201 cases of COVID-19 in Athens County, just five days after the county surpassed 100. 

This decision also comes as countries around the world have been limiting travel, including the European Union not allowing Americans to travel to parts of Europe.

According to the email, students who have already paid a deposit for a program will be given a refund. 

“We realize some of you will be frustrated with this news while others may feel relieved considering recent news reports,” the email said. “In either case, we are very disappointed that you are not able to complete your time off campus as planned. As much as we regret disrupting what I am sure is a wonderful educational and cultural opportunity, please know that the university values the safety and well-being of its students above all else, and those values have led our decision.”