All Study Abroad Students Returning Home
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
All Study Abroad Students Returning Home:
With last week's cancellation of programs in Europe and today's cancellation of programs in Australia and New Zealand, all Springfield College study abroad students are returning home and will complete their semester's remotely.
The following was an email sent on March 18 to the remaining study abroad students:
Dear Study Abroad Students and Families,
We know you are very disheartened that your study abroad experience is being cut short in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By now you have received updates from our partners, CIS or TEAN, regarding the cancellation of their spring programs in Australia and New Zealand following changes in border policies and the anticipated reduction in the availability of flights. In conjunction with our partner’s response, Springfield College is withdrawing all remaining study abroad students from Australia and New Zealand.
We recommend that you make plans for your return to the U.S. as soon as possible (if you have not done so already), carefully following all instructions and check out procedures communicated by your program. Once your departure plans have been made, please make sure to send a copy of your flight itinerary to Heather St. Germaine (hstgermaine@springfieldcollege.edu), and let us know when you have arrived in the United States. If we don't hear from you, we will attempt to contact you individually.
As you independently arranged travel to your program, you should work with your airline carrier to make individual plans to return home. CIS has asked all students to leave by March 23 and TEAN has asked all students to depart by March 24. Please make sure to be in touch with your on-site director if you have any difficulty making travel arrangements by the deadline.
Students may be subject to additional screening measures upon entry to the United States and should practice self-quarantine, limiting interactions with others for 14 days as detailed online here. Please note that students are not to return to Springfield College campus.
Most host institutions are offering, or preparing to offer, online instruction for the remainder of the semester. Students enrolled at these institutions should plan to complete their courses remotely. Students with courses or full semester programs NOT offered online, should send a list of those courses to me as soon as possible so that we can work with the VP of Academic Affairs and your departments to assess options for academic progress this semester.
We share your concern for your health and safety, and your deep disappointment that your study abroad experience is coming to a premature end. Please know that we remain committed to working with you to support your well-being and academic progress during this difficult time. You may reach out to any of the services of the college, including the International Center (413-748-3215), the Academic Success Center (413-748-3389), the Dean of Students Office (413-748-3100), the Health Center (413-748-3175) and Counseling Services ((413-748-3345). If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of additional expenses incurred, please contact the Financial Aid Office (413-748-3108).
Safe travels and warm regards,
Heather
Heather St. Germaine, M.Ed | Associate Director
Doggett International Center
