Update: UW-Madison supporting Japan study abroad students

Update, March 16: UW–Madison continues to offer support to its Japan study abroad students.

Of the 14 students in programs in Japanese universities, eight are in the country, five are travelling as part of semeter or spring breaks and one has returned to the U.S.

The university is providing free transportation back to the U.S. for students choosing to leave voluntarily. However, all four Japanese university programs have stated that they plan to resume normal class schedules.

“IAP recognizes that making a decision for this semester may be difficult and stressful, but we are available to assist you in making the process as smooth as possible under the circumstances” reads a March 15 email to students.

Read the entire communication to students. (PDF)

In the wake of the massive earthquake and tsunami, UW–Madison has confirmed the safety of all of its students studying in Japan.

International Academic Programs has a total of 14 students in programs based at four universities in Tokyo, Nagoya and Sapporo.

As of 5 p.m. Friday, March 11, all students have been reached. Communications were complicated by power and cellular outages. In addition, information about tsunami warnings has been communicated to students studying in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

UW-Madison officials will continue to monitor the situation through the weekend and throughout Spring Break.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Japan and to Japanese students, staff and faculty in our community, and beyond,” Chancellor Biddy Martin says. “What tragedy.”

In addition to those studying abroad, UW–Madison currently has 82 Japanese students on campus during the Spring 2011 semester.

“We express our profound sympathy to our students who are from Japan and have been affected,” adds International Student Services director Laurie Cox. “The extent of the loss of life, injury and displacement is not yet known but know that we are very concerned that some of you or your families’ lives may be seriously disrupted as a consequence of this terrible disaster.  

ISS is available to assist students at 608-262-2044, iss@studentlife.wisc.edu and through spring break.