University of Arkansas pulling study abroad students over Coronavirus concerns

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University of Arkansas students studying abroad in Italy are being told to return home as fears of the coronavirus continue.

According to the University of Arkansas Abroad website, "On Friday, February 28, the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention both elevated the travel advisories in Italy to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel and Avoid nonessential travel. In light of this information from reputable sources, and in an effort to protect the health and safety of our faculty and students, the University of Arkansas has determined the best course of action is to suspend academic operations of the Rome Center for the remainder of the semester and return all students to the U.S. to continue studies."

Amy Unruh, the director of communications for the Graduate School and International Education at the University of Arkansas, told 40/29 News that there are less than a dozen students studying abroad in South Korea with abroad programs not affiliated with the school, but all have made the decision to leave the country due to coronavirus concerns.

"We are monitoring every county where students or faculty are planning to travel within the next two semesters," said Unruh. "Our number one priority is working with the the students who are directly effected by this decision."

The Pat Walker Health Center and the Arkansas Department of Health "are recommending self-isolation for all U of A faculty, staff and students returning from South Korea and Italy."

The University has not given students, staff and faculty abroad a date that they must leave the countries by.

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