COVID Update: RISD Global Off-campus Semester Programs Spring 2021

Given the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and its significant impacts on travel, borders and visa restrictions, RISD has made the difficult decision to suspend RISD in Rome: European Honors Program (EHP) and the RISD Global Exchange program for Spring 2021.

Leading up to this decision RISD Global, in partnership with external experts on international education + health, safety and security, conducted a thorough review of the nature of our global programs and partnerships. Ultimately the rising numbers of COVID cases across the globe and the challenges in assuring students and faculty of successful global learning experiences made it impossible to proceed with these programs at this time.

RISD maintains its deep commitment to global academic engagements, exchanges and connections. Although disappointing, we can assure you that these decisions were taken for the best interest, health and well-being of the RISD community and our global partners. We are now looking forward to, and planning for, future off-campus semesters.

We encourage RISD students for whom this represented a final opportunity for an off-campus semester prior to graduation to explore the other unique opportunities for post-grad global engagement available to you through RISD Careers, such as the RISD Maharam and Fulbright Fellowships. For all other students, we encourage you to remain hopeful and look forward to a time when our new normal presents safe opportunities for travel.

Please do not hesitate to schedule an advising appointment to discuss your plans for future global academic engagement opportunities.