Jan. 13, 5:31 p.m.
In response to intensified conflict in the Gaza Strip, the University announced last week that it will no longer permit students to study abroad in Israel and the West Bank through Penn programs this semester.
Ten Penn students planned to study in Israel or Palestine this semester. Those who still want to study abroad must withdraw from Penn and enroll in the destination university, although officials say they do not encourage this option.
Director of Study Abroad Geoffrey Gee said the decision is based on the "Israeli military action in the Gaza strip and the potential for escalating conflict" and current U.S. Department of State travel warnings.
According to the Department of State website, U.S. citizens traveling to and within Israel and the West Bank are encouraged "to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness."
Conflict in the area intensified about three weeks ago, after the expiration of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
University policy states that if the Department of State or the Centers for Disease Control issues a travel warning for a particular country or region, Penn will normally suspend approval of study abroad by undergraduate students.
Gee said the University decided to take decisive action before students left because they could not easily return to Penn and enroll in classes if the situation escalates.
"Our real concern is safety," he said, adding that if the University is not cautious, "we run the risk of students wasting time and money."
Gee said he is unsure of whether other institutions are sanctioning study abroad programs in Israel.
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