Fordham University undergraduate students will not be permitted to study abroad this spring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Provost Dennis C. Jacobs. 

“While we have worked aggressively to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus on our New York campuses,” Jacobs wrote in an email addressed to the members of the Fordham community, “We do not have the same ability to ensure that comparable testing, sanitation, social distancing, and quarantining protocols can be implemented at each study abroad location.”

Jacobs noted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a level 3 advisory regarding international travel. He said the university made this decision in light of the “formidable challenges” and “unpredictable circumstances” at this stage of the pandemic. 

According to Jacobs, Fordham students had applied to study abroad programs in 28 countries for the spring of 2021. In light of the cancellation, the International and Study Abroad Programs Office will work with affected students to adjust academic plans, register for new spring courses and find housing on campus. 

All students scheduled to study abroad in 2021 will have the option to defer their application to one of Fordham’s summer programs, defer to the same program in fall 2021 without reapplying or withdraw their application completely for a full refund. 

In place of study abroad, Jacobs introduced several global learning and intercultural programs. 

All Fordham students will be able to take some of the most popular London Centre and Grenada, Spain classes virtually next semester, taught by Fordham’s faculty in Europe. The London Internship Program will proceed virtually for those interested in a UK-based internship. The International and Study Abroad Programs Office also expanded virtual internship opportunities to other countries, including Argentina, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. 

As of Oct. 20, the university plans to continue its summer and fall abroad programs in 2021.

“I deeply regret that the global pandemic has disrupted our ability to facilitate transformative study abroad programs for Fordham students this spring,” Jacobs wrote in closing. “Please know that Fordham remains hopeful that, subject to the course of the global pandemic and availability of a safe and effective vaccine, we will be able to lift the suspension of study abroad in time for summer 2021.”

This article will be updated as new information comes to light.