Purdue calls home students studying in Japan
March 21, 2011
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University has asked its six students studying in Japan to return home and has rescinded its permission for two others who had been scheduled to travel there for study later this week. Michael Brzezinski, Purdue's interim dean of international programs, cited several concerns:
- U.S. Department of State's travel warning following the earthquake, tsunami and threat of radiation surrounding the damaged nuclear power facility in Fukushima - https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5398.html
- The continued uncertainty of food as well as power and gas throughout Japan and the uncertainty of improvement in the immediate future.
"All of our students are safe," said Brian Harley, Purdue's associate dean of international programs and director of the Office of Programs for Study Abroad. "We were able to reach them shortly after the earthquake. Since then, we've monitored the situation and have now determined that it is in their best interest to return home or defer plans for traveling to Japan."
All are expected home by Thursday (March 24).
"The university looks forward to resuming our programs with Japan, but right now, we know that nation needs to focus on more immediate needs," Harley said.
Harley's office will work with the students to help with their return and, looking forward, to see if they can be placed in another country for their spring semester or over the summer.
Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg, 765-494-2084, jnorberg@purdue.edu
Source: Brian Harley, 765-494-8733, bharley@purdue.edu