I hope you are safe, healthy and well. I commend you on your incredible perseverance during the challenges of the last semester, and am encouraged by your continued commitment and desire to study abroad.
The impacts of COVID-19 have created much uncertainty for everyone. Unfortunately, due to this global pandemic, it is with a heavy heart that St. Edward's University has cancelled all study abroad programs for the Fall 2020 semester, including programs offered by our partner providers. I know you must be greatly disappointed by this news, as are we, but this is necessary to ensure your health, safety, and security in this unprecedented time.
You also may have heard news from St. Edward’s yesterday that spoke to the difficult decisions required and reorganization at the university as a result of COVID-19. It is with deep sadness and regret that I share that one element of this plan is the discontinuation of the onsite Angers program.
I know that this news is difficult, especially for students like yourself who planned to study abroad in Angers. While this program is no longer an option, our office remains committed to helping you find a new study abroad program that suits both your academic and personal goals. We are optimistic that study abroad experiences will be a reality in future semesters. Eventually, COVID-19 will be under control, and international travel will be possible again. I hope to see you back on campus this fall well rested, healthy, and ready to start planning your new study abroad experience. I sincerely look forward to that time.
In the meantime, if you have any questions for university leadership regarding campus changes, we encourage you to join the Zoom webinar on Tuesday, May 19th at 5:30 p.m. (an invite was sent in a previous email from Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Lisa Kirkpatrick). As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at studyabroad@stedwards.edu if you have any questions regarding this announcement or your upcoming semester.
Sincerely,
Emily Spandikow
Director of Study Abroad
St. Edward’s University Moody Hall 101
3001 S. Congress Austin, TX 78704
512-428-1051
studyabroad@stedwards.edu
(Pronouns: she/her/hers)
