Synopsis:
- University of Illinois students are not to travel to Daegu as a result of today’s change in the Department of State (DoS) Travel Advisory.
- The U.S. Department of State elevated Daegu to Level 4, Avoid Non-Essential Travel and the rest of the country remains at Level 3, Reconsider Travel. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notice remains at Level 3, Avoid Non-Essential Travel.
- The University position remains the same: Following the advice from the U.S. Government, the University strongly encourages your departure from South Korea but it is not required now. This may change.
- If you already have or will choose to depart South Korea, the University will assist where possible to mitigate impacts. However, due to the start of the second eight weeks on March 23, you must provide your decision soon. More details will be provided tomorrow.
Based on the continued guidance from DoS and the CDC, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign still advises students to depart South Korea. Concerns include the elevation of Daegu to Level 4, as well as a reduction of routinely scheduled flights between the U.S. and South Korea. There will also be increased screening before travel to the U.S.
The University does not require your departure at this time, but may do so in the future. Departure will be required if DoS elevates Seoul to Level 4, Avoid Non-Essential Travel.
We understand that departing South Korea may affect academic and other plans. The same is true if you have already departed South Korea. Consequently, your college and the campus administration will work closely with you to offer alternatives and assistance.
- Academics. The academic options and recommendations will vary by program and student. Options might include completing your current studies through the study abroad provider remotely or taking second eight-week courses through the University. The University will attempt to keep your academic plan on track but can make no guarantees.
- Housing. Returning to campus may create possible challenges related to housing. University Housing will similarly assist you to find residential accommodations on campus.
- Finances.
- The tuition and fees you paid when entering the program this semester will not be adjusted in any way that may negatively affect you or your financial aid.
- The University will be assisting to cover or reimburse reasonable costs related to departure travel, even if you have already departed recently.
- The Illinois sponsor of your program will work directly with your host program to mitigate, as much as possible, other logistic or financial issues that might be related to your departure.
More information in these areas will be forthcoming by direct email to students.
If you have questions, please contact safetyabroad@illinois.edu. If you have an immediate concern for your safety, call the University of Illinois Police Department at +1-217-300-2401.