CIS Abroad Global Update

Mar 23, 2020 3:25:08 PM

On March 19, the State Department issued a new Global Level 4 Health Advisory. The Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory "advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

"In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period," the alert said. "Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice," it said.

Due to the elevated travel advisory and the global pandemic, we have cancelled all programs and are urging all students to return to the U.S. as soon as possible.  

The majority of our students have already departed, or have flights scheduled. In locations, where commercial flights are still available, we have been in touch with students directly and urged them to act quickly and return to the U.S. so they don’t find themselves in a situation where it is not possible to return for some time. For students in countries with border closures, we are communicating with government officials to understand the evolving situation, and working around the clock to understand departure options. CIS Abroad students that have voluntarily chosen to withdraw and remain on site have also recived communication advising that they return to the US.

As students return home and settle into remote coursework options when possible, we are still strongly committed to our mission. We believe in the power of international education to create more resilient humans, stronger teams in the workplace, and more innovative problem solving. We believe that, at its best, living abroad expands our human community. We believe it creates a more connected and compassionate world. We remain boldly committed to that vision. See a message of solidarity to the field of international education from our leadership team. #strongertogether