Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Boston University has made a number of cuts to programming including the suspension of the entire Study Abroad roster for Fall 2020. However, quite shockingly, the Study Abroad programs for Auckland, Dresden, Grenoble, and Quito have all be slated for permanent closure. These programs, being in smaller cities, afford students a much more unique and immersive experience than their counterparts in larger cities. In most cases, these cities have hosted BU's Study Abroad programs for decades. The local communities have supported these programs and the students within them. Now, in the face of a challenge, we have deserted those who made our experiences so enriching.

Alumni from these programs can attest to having life-changing experiences in these BU Study Abroad locations. If BU had engaged with these populations, they would have quickly discovered the pride alumni hold for these Study Abroad programs. The Auckland, Dresden, Grenoble, and Quito offices all were filled with friendly staff that will lose their jobs. We are asking BU to reconsider making the closure of these programs permanent; or, at the very least, to be transparent as to their reasoning behind this decision.