Summer India study program suspended

In response to a U.S. State Department travel warning to Americans in India, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will not proceed with a 10-week summer study abroad program in the state of Kerala.

Ten UW–Madison students were scheduled to participate in the June 1-Aug. 8 program through UW–Madison’s International Academic Programs. The program is based in the southern city of Thiruvananthapuram.

“Our top priority is the safety of our students,” says Joan Raducha, director of International Academic Programs. “After careful consideration, we felt this was the most prudent course in light of the current situation.”

On May 31, the U.S. Department of State recommended that Americans “defer travel to India,” and urged “American citizens currently in India to depart the country” citing serious tension on the India-Pakistan border and the possibility of military conflict between the countries.

The university has notified program participants and the staff of International Academic Programs is working with the students and their families. The university will reimburse students’ full fees paid to the UW–Madison for the program.

Staff will continue to monitor the situation in order to make decisions on future India programs, including academic year study in Madurai and Varanasi.

UW–Madison offers more than 60 study abroad programs around the world.