4/7/2020 School of Arts & Sciences Mail - Fwd: Update: Fall/Year 2020 Study Abroad Fwd: Update: Fall/Year 2020 Study Abroad 1 message Tue, Apr 7, 2020 at 7:57 PM Dear Fall 2020 and Academic Year 2020 Study Abroad Applicants: I hope this email finds you well as your studies continue on remotely. I am writing today in follow-up to our message on March 25 regarding Fall and academic year study abroad. At this time, it remains too early to determine whether we will fully continue or fully suspend our Fall 2020 study abroad program. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation worldwide, and Penn leadership intends to make a final decision on Fall global programming no later than Friday, May 15, if not sooner. Please let me take this opportunity to say that I am aware that this now goes beyond the 2-week timeframe given to you by Penn Abroad. I am very sorry that we need to extend this timeline as I can imagine you are waiting for an answer to make your plans for next year (i.e. housing, subletting, flights, logistics, etc). As I am sure you can also imagine, there are many, many factors associated with this decision and the process that comes along with it. Penn Abroad certainly does not want to place any of you in a position to be unsuccessful, and as such, the conversation is ongoing between Penn Abroad and Penn Leadership. I will truly do my best to advocate for an answer as soon as possible. In the meantime, please complete and consider the following: Participate in Advance Registration, which now begins on Tuesday, April 14. Wait on securing flights, abroad housing, or committing to any other non-refundable expenses. To the best extent you are able, you are strongly advised to wait until May 15 at the earliest to make any purchases towards flights, housing abroad, or any other non-refundable expenses in preparation for your abroad term. If you have a question about expenses due to your program at this time or prior to May 15, contact me directly. If applicable, secure on campus housing at Penn. All abroad students have until the last day of Penn’s term (April 29) to cancel on-campus housing without penalty. Penn Abroad is seeking follow-up from housing to request this date be extended to May 15. If possible, defer your abroad term to spring 2021 or later. If your academic plan allows, consult with your academic advisor (see attached) and defer your abroad term to spring 2021 or later. If you choose to pursue this option, contact your Global Programs Manager for further details as well. We will carry forward all parts of your Penn Abroad application to a future term, and we will work with students on an individual basis to carry forward your host program application to a future term. College of Arts & Sciences & Nursing: Students will not need to complete a new home school academic approval by your advisor if you are deferring to spring 2021 for the same program. Wharton & SEAS: Students will need to complete a new home school academic approval by your advisor even if you are deferring to the same program for spring 2021. Finally, as we continue to monitor this situation, you may receive further information from your host university including acceptance information. Please remember to forward this to me, as we will continue to move students through the relevant phases of abroad preparation at this time and until any further determinations are made. Pre-departure orientation will also still take place, however it is postponed until https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ik=164e97ffcc&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1663360130756724674&simpl=msg-f%3A1663360130756724674 1/24/7/2020 School of Arts & Sciences Mail - Fwd: Update: Fall/Year 2020 Study Abroad late May. It will take place virtually and it will be pre-recorded, so students will not need to join during a set day/time to receive the relevant information from the session. More details will follow later in May. Should you have any questions as you consider this information, please reach out to me or your academic advisor. Thanks in advance for your continued patience with all of this. We will be sure to remain in touch, and I continue to be a point of contact and support for you, no matter what. Be well. Jacob Jacob M. Gross, Ed.D. Global Programs Manager Penn Abroad Penn Global University of Pennsylvania 3701 Chestnut Street, Suite 1W Philadelphia, PA 19104-3199 USA Direct: +1.215.573.6047 Office: +1.215.898.9073 Fax: +1.215.898.2622 Pronouns: he, him, his NAFSA Region VIII Chair-Elect Penn Abroad Website Meet with an Advisor https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2?ik=164e97ffcc&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1663360130756724674&simpl=msg-f%3A1663360130756724674 2/2