As we now embark on a second lockdown here in England, and are witnessing again the spread of COVID-19 across Europe and North America, and with many of our European neighbours now in even stricter lockdowns, the Vice Chancellor has taken the very difficult decision to cancel all new outbound student exchanges for the next semester.
This decision has not been taken lightly but taken in consultation with the University’s senior management team, UK government policy, the University’s insurance broker and in line with FCO travel guidance. As there is simply too much uncertainty about overseas travel, with many countries now looking at further border restrictions, the need to self-isolate on arrival and return, and many of our partners either switching to online teaching or cancelling their incoming study abroad programme completely, we feel that however disappointing and upsetting this news will be to many students, it is the right thing to do. Safety and wellbeing are paramount to us at the University of Lincoln, and it would be irresponsible of us to encourage students to travel and to live overseas during a worsening pandemic, and in an environment which is unfamiliar, and quite possibly harmful or even dangerous.
There may be an option for students to study online at the previously assigned host institution, which is something we are currently looking into. There are also other international opportunities, particularly virtual ones, that students might want to consider in the future which might provide an alternative international experience. Students are advised to contact School Study Abroad advisors and/or Global Opportunities for further guidance.
Thanking you in advance for your continued support.