Following a State Department travel warning issued for China on April 3, the University decided to cancel summer study abroad programs in Shanghai and Beijing Wednesday.
Close to 60 students planned to participate in the three programs -- the Shanghai Gateway Program, the U.Va. in Shanghai summer Chinese language program and a program in Beijing sponsored by the Architecture School.
The travel warning was issued in response to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome epidemic spreading across the globe.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends U.S. citizens defer elective or non-essential travel to areas with a large number of SARS cases, including Mainland China and Hong Kong," the travel warning stated, citing risks posed by SARS as well as the uncertainty surrounding the disease's spread.
University officials said they had no choice but to cancel the programs after the State Department warning.
"These are very important programs," International Studies Office Director Rebecca Brown said. "We really did not want to cancel them. Unfortunately, it became absolutely necessary."
Colleges and universities across the country, including Virginia Tech, the University of Richmond and the University of Wisconsin, also have cancelled study abroad programs in countries with travel warnings due to SARS.
The cancellations left both University officials and students dismayed.
"It broke my heart," said Economics Prof. Bruce Reynolds, the Shanghai Gateway Program Director. "I have felt a real sense of mourning well up in me. We had so many wonderful, specific plans."
Some disappointed students said they did not agree with the program cancellations.
"It seems really unfortunate," said third-year College student Lauren Marsh. "I tried to follow all the information, and maybe I was tainted by the fact that I really wanted to go, but I still thought we should."
Other students simply expressed their frustration.
"I was looking forward to it and I was really excited about it," first-year College student Jihye Ku said. "My heart says I would still go, but seeing the current events, the administrative office made the right decision."
Administrators said they share students' disappointment and are attempting to remedy disrupted summer and academic plans.
"We're trying to do everything we can to accommodate the students," Brown said.
The International Studies Office extended the deadline for affected students to apply to other University summer programs around the world. Students no longer able to travel to China said they are looking into programs in Peru, Russia and Oxford, among other locations.
Officials also met yesterday to discuss options for students to receive Asian language instruction within the United States, including the possible creation of a program at the University.
"A committee is being established to look into what can be done," Brown said. "They'll be exploring other options for these students."
Officials expressed hope for the continuation of University study abroad programs.
"The world has played us a dirty trick this year with war and disease," said William Quandt, vice provost for international affairs. "But we will persevere."
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