Taylor University Cancels China Study Abroad Over Coronavirus

Taylor University is the latest college in the United States to cancel a study abroad program in China because of the threat of the Wuhan Coronavirus. 

The Taylor University business study abroad program was supposed to be headquartered in Xian, which is about 500 miles from the epicenter of the virus, Wuhan.  But in a statement, Taylor Dean of International Programs Charles Brainer says it is cancelling the program as a precaution.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel restriction to China, meaning it’s authorizing only essential travel.  U.S. colleges in states like Arizona, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, and Michigan, have announced they are restricting travel for employees and students.  According to federal data, China is the home of the most number of international students in the U.S.  It’s the seventh-leading destination for Americans studying abroad.

Taylor says the study abroad was a pilot program and would have sent three students and one faculty member this semester.

Taylor also says two students and a faculty member have been in China this month, but are not related to the study abroad program.  According to school officials, the three are being “held off-campus for 14 days.”  Fourteen days is the incubation period of the coronavirus.