(CU Independent illustration/Kelly Kaoudis)
CU is canceling its study abroad program for students in Cairo, Egypt.
Due to the safety concerns the political unrest in Egypt is causing, Provost Russell Moore announced Tuesday in a news release that the CU study abroad program at the American University in Cairo will be cancelled.
Following an uprising in Tunisia, political unrest in Cairo has been escalating for the past week.
CU Spokesperson Bronson Hilliard assured CU that the students studying there will be safe.
Hilliard said that although classes at the American University have not begun, four students are currently in Cairo awaiting the start of their semester. Three students will be leaving Cairo, while one is still deciding.
“We expect three of those students will return home within the next 24-36 hours, and to be in a safe location in Europe within the next 12-24 hours,” Hilliard said. “The fourth student is thinking over the option of staying or going, and has not made the decision yet.”
The school has contacted the families of these students and their partners overseas to ensure the best option for them. CU is determined to work to find an alternate study abroad program for them, Hilliard said.
Hilliard said, “We will be working with those students to find another study abroad program that will help them understand Arab culture, language, and Middle Eastern history.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Rachel Hersch at Rachel.hersch@colorado.edu.
