COVID-19 Update 3-9-20
Jennifer McKendree
After carefully considering the information coming in from different sources, the YFU Global Office, after consultation with YFU Italy, has decided to terminate the program for international students currently in Italy.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, YFU has been closely monitoring the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). YFU’s first responsibility is towards the safety and well-being of our students, our volunteers, and host families around the world.
There is no easy way to make a decision such as this one and it is immensely difficult - for students, host families, natural parents and YFU partners around the world. However, we are convinced this is the only responsible decision to take. YFU has made this decision based on:
· Extraordinary measures taken by the National government which includes expanding red zones under lockdown and the closing of schools in all regions in Italy, forcing students to remain effectively locked within their host family homes;
· Increased concern by host families for the risk to students and families as contagion spreads to all regions in Italy;
· The position of universities and exchange programs around the world, including AFS, to suspend programs in Italy;
· The decision of some governments to impose travel restrictions to and from Italy;
· The increasing concerns of the natural parents of our students;
· The position of some airlines to suspend traffic to and from some regions in Italy reducing our ability to react if the situation worsens rapidly.
The YFU Global Offices takes the view that there is a large likelihood that the situation will deteriorate to the extent that students are unable ultimately to benefit from the remainder of their exchange experience in Italy.
KEEP YOURSELF INFORMED ON COVID-19: As information surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly changing, we encourage you to visit: