International Academic Programs suspends Japan programs

Due to changing and uncertain conditions in Japan, International Academic Programs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has suspended its study abroad programs through spring semester in that troubled island nation.

As Japan faces a variety of daunting challenges from an earthquake, tsunami and damaged nuclear reactors, UW–Madison officials on Thursday advised students to leave Japan following the programs’ suspension.

“Keeping our students safe is always uppermost in our minds,” says Julie Lindsey, interim director of International Academic Programs (IAP). “We’ve kept a very close eye on the developing situation in Japan and feel that the wise course is to have our students leave the country.”

Of the 14 students in programs at four different Japanese universities, eight are still in Japan.

The U.S. State Department issued a Travel Warning for Japan on March 16, which can be found here.

Free transportation out of Japan is being provided to the students.

The university recognizes that making arrangements with regard to credit, personal finances and departure will be stressful for returning students. The IAP staff will be available to assist students in making the process as smooth as possible under the circumstances.