09/11/2020
Dear partner of Ghent University,
We hope this email finds you well in these unusual times and that you are in good health.
We want to inform you about an important update regarding exchange to and from Ghent University for the 2nd semester of 2020-2021.
Given the uncertainty of the current COVID-19 crisis and its future developments, we deeply regret to inform you that – after careful consideration – Ghent University has decided to cancel all exchange activities, both incoming and outgoing, for the 2nd semester of 2020-2021 (except for some placements, projects/thesis work and field studies and students who are already present in Ghent for an exchange for a whole academic year).
We understand and deeply regret the consequences of this message.
However, we are convinced that it is important to communicate clearly and as early as possible because student participation in an exchange program comes with serious personal, practical, financial and study-related consequences. Therefore, we have made this difficult decision now and not later, as uncertainty remains widespread. The health situation, travel restrictions, local and national restrictions in daily life and, most important of all, the uncertainty regarding on campus or online educational activities have made it impossible for us to continue exchange programs. The last weeks we noticed that several of our partner universities have also cancelled their incoming and outgoing exchanges, which has strengthened our resolve in taking this decision.
If you have students who applied for the Spring 2021 exchange programme, they will be notified directly by email. Our outgoing students will also be informed about the decision of this cancellation. We will also get back to you over the coming weeks with specific information if there were any exchanges (incoming/outgoing) planned with your institution.
Your partnership with us is important and we are currently working to see if some students can defer their study stay or placement until the Autumn of 2021. We are aware that there are no guarantees for the academic year 2021-22, but we will work toward a return to all mobility.
We share your disappointment and apologize for the inconvenience caused by our decision. We hope you will understand it was made with the safety of all in mind during this time of continued uncertainty. Be assured that we remain deeply committed to the value and importance of international cooperation. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Kind regards,
Rik Van de Walle,
Rector