Dear Tufts-in-Chile Students,
We write with the difficult news that we must suspend the Tufts-in-Chile program and move to a remote academic format online. We have also considered the impact on our host families during this time; we feel that it is in their interest and yours that you return to the U.S. or your home country. You are required to leave Chile and return to your home country to continue with the program.
We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped we could avoid this difficult decision. However, the rapidly growing nature of the coronavirus where cases can spike very quickly in a region has created an increasingly unpredictable global environment and exposes our students to new risks.
- Though we aim for an orderly departure, the possibility of rapidly imposed border restrictions and disruptions to local and international travel on short notice requires us to act quickly. We have arranged for your immediate departure from Chile and will be sharing itineraries shortly.
- Given the ongoing health crisis and recommendations from the CDC, you should monitor your health and practice social distancing for 14 days after returning from travel. You should not return to the Medford campus as Tufts has suspended all classes and on-campus activities beginning Friday, March 13th.
- If you wish to petition to secure housing at Tufts in Medford, please email mala.ghosh@tufts.edu with your reasons for making this accommodation. We cannot guarantee that it will be possible, but I will share with the Dean of Students. It is critical for you to return to the U.S. due to the border closings in Chile. Our goal is to get you rot the U.S., and we can make arrangements for you to return to Tufts, if your petition is granted.
You are required to return to the U.S. to complete your semester. If you stay in Chile against our program protocols, you will not be able to complete the semester, you will not be able to stay with host families, you will not be covered by ISOS, health insurance, there will be no financial adjustments or refunds, and there will be no staff support available. As mentioned, Tufts purchased return flights for all three of you back to the U.S.
If you are an international student, please contact Heather Varnet at the I-Center (Heather.Varnet@tufts.edu or 617-627-3458) to discuss your visa status, as special circumstances are being provided due to this unprecedented situation.
The Tufts-in-Chile program director is available to assist you and answer any questions you may have as you prepare for departure. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them.
We know that this may cause students additional stress and anxiety. Please remember that you may contact International SOS for telephone counseling and mental health services at +1-215-942-8478.
We will communicate soon with information about the completion of your courses online so that you may finish your semester. We ask for your patience and will communicate those details to you as soon as we have them. We will also be in contact regarding financial adjustments once we have everyone safely home.
Thank you,
James M. Glaser
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Jiamin Qu
Dean, School of Engineering
Mala Ghosh
Senior Director, Tufts Global Education
Elisabeth Keegan
Assistant Director of Health and Safety, Tufts Global Operations
