June 10, 2020
Sophia University

Dear Sophia students,

Sophia University made an announcement regarding the study abroad on March 26, and the University is currently cancelling overseas programs around the world.

The University follows the policy of the Government of Japan and set the study aboard implementation standard as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) Overseas Travel/infection alert as Level 1 or below; however, the global alert remains Level 2 or above, and the alert level continues rising in some countries and areas. In addition to the current strict border controls and travel restrictions, Japan and other countries continue to enforce incoming travel restrictions and limit visa issuance. International traveling itself is physically difficult, and it is uncertain when these restrictions will be lifted.

Based on the current situation, the University has also decided cancelling the Short-term Study Aboard program during the summer and the overseas exchange program for the Fall Semester 2020.

In addition, the University urges you to also suspend all travels until July 31 for other study abroad programs (General Study Abroad Program, Study Abroad during the Leave of Absence, etc.). For the policy after August, the University will make the announcement again in early July, but in principle, Sophia prohibits international travels to the countries/regions categorized by the MOFA Overseas Travel/infection alert as Level 2 or above.

Regarding other overseas travel, the University continues to request you not to travel to the countries/regions categorized by the MOFA Overseas Travel/infection alert as Level 2 or above and to consider cancelling or postponing non-urgent travels.

∗ For inquiries, please use the “Inquiry Form: International Exchange and Study Abroad Programs.”