UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State has placed Italy on the restricted list for University-affiliated student travel and is in the process of bringing students home, in response to the evolving global outbreak of novel coronavirus. Faculty and staff travel to the country has also been restricted and would require approval from the provost or university risk officer. This decision was made in light of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention elevating its coronavirus travel notice for Italy to a Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) and the State Department raising its travel advisory for Italy to a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) and out of caution for students’ health and safety.
Penn State Global Programs has reached out to students instructing them to make travel arrangements and provided options to obtain assistance. Penn State is working with program providers and administrators on campus to minimize this disruption to academic plans. Additionally, the Education Abroad Office will work with students on a case-by-case basis to mitigate both the academic and financial impact of this decision. The Global Safety Office will continue to monitor the evolving situation.
Faculty and staff in Italy are strongly encouraged to return home and any future travel to Italy will require senior administration approval.
The safety of all students, faculty and staff traveling internationally is Penn State’s highest priority, and the University has made these decisions with the health and well-being of student and employee travelers in mind.
For the most up-to-date information, University guidance and resources about coronavirus, visit https://sites.psu.edu/virusinfo/.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact EducationAbroad@psu.edu or TSN@psu.edu