The University of Limerick has spent the last number of weeks discussing the viability of our inbound and outbound mobility programmes given the current pandemic and the uncertainty it brings worldwide. It was with regret that we informed students and partners of our decision to suspend academic mobility for the Autumn Semester 20/21. This decision was not taken lightly and all facets were deeply considered. The mobility of students and the global citizens it creates is core to our University’s ethos; however, in these uncertain times, we must prioritise the health, welfare and degree progression of all students.
The University of Limerick campus community is exceptionally disappointed to suspend mobility. This component of the student journey is one that is intrinsic to the fabric of our academic programmes and one that students look forward from the first day of their degree programme. Our international partnerships are important to us and we are currently working to see if some students can defer placement until spring semester 2021. We are cognisant that there are no guarantees in relation to 2021 but would love to see a return to all mobility here in the University of Limerick. We are working to engage with partners on further integration of internationalisation components during their academic semester. Students and partners have been exceptionally understanding given the continued pandemic globally.