McGill students might have to rethink their study abroad plans. Under a new policy, students can’t take part in university-related activities in countries deemed dangerous by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the McGill Tribune reported.
The administration says that Quebec law leaves the school vulnerable to potential lawsuits from students in case of accidental injury or death, even if students sign liability waivers. A memo to deans, directors, and chairs barred travel to countries with level three (avoid non-essential travel) and level four (avoid all travel) warnings.
Among the 20 off-limits countries are Afghanistan, Haiti, Indonesia, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Regions in 39 countries, including China, Colombia, and Russia, are also restricted.
“If I were a [prospective] undergraduate or PhD candidate […] I would probably reconsider McGill,” grad student Carine Chehab told the Tribune. Upset faculty say these changes can damage student recruitment, especially for graduate students that specialize in banned countries and regions. Chehab said she wasn’t given credit for an internship in Lebanon because of the country’s level-three warning.
Morton Mendleson, the deputy provost of student life and learning whose office handles the new policy, said the issue of travel warnings is under review. Mendelson expects the revised travel policy to be finished by the end of October.
How does U of T handle travel to dangerous areas? “For a higher level of caution, undergraduate students may be suspended [from travels] but if an advisory is the third or fourth level, we still permit graduate students the activity,” said Safety Abroad Office advisor Holly Luffman.
“But graduate studies have to be academically appropriate and risks have to be essential for their studies,” she added.
