October 6, 2020
Dear MICA Community Members,
As outbreaks and confirmed cases associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to fluctuate, MICA remains vigilant in monitoring travel advisories and warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A primary goal of the College during the pandemic is to best ensure the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students, including those members of our community considering international travel program participation.
After careful consideration of a number of risk factors relating to health and safety, the College has chosen to suspend all MICA study abroad and exchange programs for Spring and Summer 2021. This encompasses all semester-long programs, including the SACI program in Italy, as well as Summer Travel Intensive courses administered by Open Studies. Factors under consideration pertain to current health risks, the uncertainty of health risks globally amid rapidly changing circumstances, Department of State and CDC travel advisories and travel bans in effect in the US, and travel restrictions in other countries (some of which bar the entry of travelers from the United States).
The College is also mindful of the difficulties and challenges associated with cancellation/recall of study abroad programs given cancellations last spring and seeks to provide clarity now. The College will assess for the Fall 2021 semester sometime next year when it's appropriate given changing conditions and inform the campus community as soon as realistically possible.
If you have questions relating to Spring or Summer study abroad and exchange programs or future international programs, please contact the Office of International Education at internationaleducation@
Best,
DBogen