Safety Updates
05/14/09 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced possible international travel delays due to H1N1 Influenza screening procedures.
Due to the outbreak of novel H1N1 flu occurring in the United States and many other countries, airport staff in some countries may check the health of arriving passengers. Many countries, including Japan and China, are screening arriving passengers for illness due to novel H1N1 flu. These health screenings are being used to prevent the spread of novel H1N1 flu. Click here to read more.
05/06/09 - H1N1 Influenza Update
The Study Abroad Office at The University of Texas at Austin continues to monitor the situation surrounding the H1N1 Influenza (commonly known as Swine Flu) and its impact on programs in Mexico. Based on the recommendation of the University Wide International Oversight Committee, the university has canceled the summer Health Care in Mexico and Spanish for Health Care Professionals programs to Guadalajara. The Maymester Marine Science program in Akumal has been canceled and the program is being relocated to Puerto Rico by the College of Natural Sciences. In addition, all summer exchange programs in Mexico have been suspended.
The University Wide International Oversight Committee will meet again on Monday, May 11th to evaluate whether or not to cancel the summer Language and Culture program in Xalapa. The university is not considering canceling or suspending programs in locations other than Mexico at this time. This web page will be updated with additional information following the Committee meeting. If circumstances warrant, a decision to cancel may be made earlier.
04/29/09 - North American Influenza (Swine Flu) Announcement to Study Abroad Students
Dear Study Abroad Students,
The University of Texas at Austin, including the Study abroad Office, continues to monitor the situation surrounding the North American Influenza (commonly known as Swine Flu).
Students Currently Abroad:
At this time, the University is not requiring students to return from Mexico. However, many Mexican host institutions have offered students the option to remain on campus or return to the United States. Any student who chooses to return home must contact their UT Study Abroad Advisor prior to leaving the country.
Students Enrolled in Maymester, Summer or Fall Programs:
The University has not canceled any Maymester, Summer or Fall programs to Mexico or any other locations.
Students also are welcome to contact their Study Abroad Advisor or Coordinator for additional information.
All Students:
We encourage ALL students to monitor the situation using the following resources:
- local health authorities and news sources in your city, region or country
- UT Austin and host university announcements (UT will provide updates at www.utexas.edu)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/)
- State Department website (http://www.state.gov/)
- International SOS website (http://urgent.internationalsos.com/default.aspx)
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy - (CDC Guidance)
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
The University Wide International Oversight Committee will meet again Monday, May 4, to reassess the situation and to determine whether Maymester and summer programs can be offered. If circumstances warrant, a decision to cancel programs may be made earlier.