Swine flu impacts students currently studying in and those planning on studying in Mexico

04/29/09
The Learning Abroad Center will work with individual students returning from Mexico and with the Office of the Registrar and the Office of Student Finance as appropriate to resolve credit and financial aid concerns for spring term. Since it is not wholly uncommon for students to return home early from study abroad due to illness, injury, or personal circumstances, we have established protocols in place for determining credit for incomplete semesters abroad. Fortunately, most students who were in Mexico for spring term were able to complete their coursework and returned home as scheduled just as the swine flu outbreak began. Students or college offices with questions may contact Jodi Malmgren, Associate Director of the Learning Abroad Center.

Other inquiries should be directed to the Stacey Tsantir, Office of International Programs.

04/28/09
Due to the CDC's recommendation that all non-essential travel to Mexico be avoided, the University is expected to announce a stop on all travel to Mexico. As a result, the Education Abroad Suspension Committee (EASC), in consultation with the University’s emergency preparedness teams. has cancelled all current and planned education abroad programs in Mexico until further notice. Students in Mexico are being advised to come home and to follow the recommendations of the CDC and the U.S. State Department as well as the Swine Flu: Student's Guide.

Students who had been planning to study in Mexico May or Summer session will be given the option to consider programs in other locations.

In addition to canceling its programs in Mexico, the Learning Abroad Center urges students considering independent programs abroad or non- credit work, intern, volunteer, or travel opportunities in Mexico to defer such travel until the University pandemic response team removes the current warnings and restrictions.

Until further notice, anyone seeking to travel to Mexico under the auspices of the University of Minnesota will need permission from the EASC, consistent with the University's policy on "Suspending Education Abroad Opportunities."

Please check the University’s swine flu website for the latest University-related information on this issue.

04/27/09
The Learning Abroad Center considers the health and safety of students abroad one of its top priorities. The Learning Abroad Center is carefully monitoring all resources providing information about the Swine Flu outbreak, specifically in Mexico. As updated information becomes available it will be shared immediately. Visit the Univeristy of Minnesota's Emergency Preparedness site for more specific information.