Although the general situation remains calm, three of the 23 students on exchanges in north Italy have requested to come home temporarily
Since the beginning of the week, the University of the Balearic Islands has been in contact with UIB students on Erasmus exchanges in Italy during the second semester. They have been assured that the university is at their disposal to resolve any questions they may have and to pass on recommendations and information related to the Coronavirus which may affect their stay.
In light of the Ministry of Health's recommendation to avoid travelling to areas most impacted by the virus and after receiving requests by several students, the UIB, in line with its commitment to offer its students maximum protection and support, is assisting those in the affected area who wish to return to the Balearic Islands to continue their second semester here. This assistance also extends to those who are still on the islands and are planning to travel shortly on Erasmus programmes to universities in the aforementioned areas.
Although the general situation at universities in the north of Italy remains normal and most students have assured us that they feel calm and safe, there are some who have requested to temporarily return to the UIB whilst their exchange universities remain closed and their academic situation is clarified.
In turn, the university has contacted Italian students that it has welcomed this second semester to pass on recommendations from the health authorities for those from areas of risk.
Moreover, the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation is in contact with the national Department for the Internationalisation of Spanish Higher Education, which coordinates mobility programmes, in case it issues more specific instructions that may impact Erasmus students. The university is also attuned to any notification issued by Italian universities, as well as information from the Spanish ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs, and the Regional Department of Health in the Balearic Islands so as to remain up-to-date with the latest developments.
Student mobility figures
The UIB manages different student mobility and exchange programmes via its International Relations Office. Over the 2019-20 academic year (1st and 2nd semesters), a total of 490 incoming and 321 outgoing student exchanges have been planned. Thirty students have selected Italy as a destination, 19 of whom started in the second term. As of now, a total of 23 are taking courses at universities in the north of the country. In addition, 30 Italian students have come to the UIB on an annual exchange through mobility programmes, with a further 38 arriving for the second semester. The International Relations Office has been in contact with them and recommended that if they present flu-like symptoms such as fever, a cough or breathing difficulties, they should stay at home and contact the health services by phoning 061.
In turn, the UIB set up a committee at the start of the week chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Campus Affairs, Cooperation and Healthy University, Antoni Aguiló, to monitor any other possible issues regarding travel by members of the university's academic community.
Event date: 27/02/2020
Publication date: Tue Mar 10 12:58:00 CET 2020
