Students Studying in Europe Told to Come Home
Science Center (Photo Allyson Frantz/The Gettysburgian)
By Benjamin Pontz, Editor-in-Chief
It was 3:00 a.m. in continental Europe when the Center for Global Education sent Gettysburg students studying abroad a directive: students within Europe must return home. Students outside Europe were told to “use their best judgement” (sic) about determining a path forward.
Students in Europe were told they should come home “as soon as reasonably possible” and that the college will offer up to $500 to help offset travel expenses.
“The decision about our European programs was a difficult one to make, and we are sure an even harder one to hear,” the email, obtained by The Gettysburgian through a student who received it, said. “We believe in the important value of global study as part of the Gettysburg academic experience, and we shared in your excitement as you prepared to study abroad. Like you, we hoped that this ever-changing situation would resolve in a way in which everyone could continue with their program. Ultimately, as the situation unfolded we made the necessary decisions with our focus on your health and safety.”
European leaders began to take decisive action as well. French President Emmanuel Macron moved to shut down all schools, colleges, and universities today, while Italy has shut down schools, restaurants, and other public places in a desperate effort to mitigate the virus’s spread.
Earlier on Thursday, students abroad expressed frustration about CGE’s lack of communication after the president’s announcement last night that he would be banning all travel from Europe. The administration later clarified that the ban applied only to people that are not U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or their immediate family members. Nevertheless, at least three global study programs — in Copenhagen, Geneva, and Jerusalem — have canceled the rest of the semester abroad and sent students home, and The Gettysburgian became aware of two other students who decided to leave their respective locations on their own volition or at their parents’ urging within the past 24 hours before the college’s directive.
Numerous other colleges and universities — including the University of Rochester and Villanova University — recalled students studying in Europe this morning. Throughout the day Thursday, reports of skyrocketing airfare and desperate travelers at European airports abounded as airlines began to impose caps on fares and waive change fees in an effort to calm passengers.
While some Gettysburg students had expressed willingness — even desire — to stay in Europe, thinking it might be safer than the United States, earlier in the day Thursday, they now no longer have that option.
“While we understand that this news may be disappointing to some of our students abroad,” CGE’s email said, “please know that Gettysburg College’s highest priority is–and always will be–the protection of its students, and this decision was made with this paramount objective in mind.”
