UM Cancels Study Abroad Programs Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Effective March 12, the University of Montana is canceling all spring 2020 and academic year 2019-20 education abroad programs worldwide. This is in response to the Department of State, Level 3 Global Health Advisory, which advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Donna Anderson, executive director of UM’s Global Engagement Office, said UM students currently on programs abroad will be asked to return to the U.S. as soon as possible and no later than March 22. This move will impact about 60 UM students. Students will be asked to share their revised travel plans with the UM Global Engagement Office.

Anderson said her office will work with its partner institutions on the continuation of academic credit. Some programs may be able to offer courses via distance learning or other remote delivery.

“We will share additional information as soon as it becomes available,” she said. “UM will work with every student to make sure their needs are met.”

Anderson said students with academic, financial or housing concerns should reach out to the Global Engagement Office for support. Students who believe they need an exception to the notice or have special circumstances that have not been considered also are encouraged to reach out to the Global Engagement Office.

For more about UM’s response to COVID-19, visit https://www.umt.edu/coronavirus/.

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Contact: Donna Anderson, senior international officer and executive director, UM Global Engagement Office, 406-243-2212, donna.anderson@umontana.edu.