Berkeley Summer Abroad announced it is suspending all of its Berkeley Summer Abroad 2020 programs as well as most of its Berkeley Global Internship programs.

According to an update on the Berkeley Study Abroad website, the decision to suspend the programs was made because of many operational challenges associated with the spread of COVID-19, the new coronavirus. Global Internship programs being held in Boston, Los Angeles and the Bay Area, however, may be continued.

“These operational difficulties will impact Berkeley Study Abroad’s ability to deliver the high-quality programming and academic immersion experience our students deserve,” the announcement read.

All applicants to the suspended programs will receive a refund of the $400 deposit, including those who previously requested cancellation.

According to the notice, the UC Education Abroad Program, or UCEAP, has yet to determine if it will suspend or continue its summer and fall 2020 programs, which are separate from the Berkeley Summer Abroad and Berkeley Global Internship programs.

The UCEAP systemwide office will consult with the UC Office of the President to reach a decision. In the meantime, for more information, students are encouraged to look at the “Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 UCEAP Applicants” section under the Berkeley Study Abroad website’s “COVID-19 Information for Berkeley Study Abroad Students” announcement.

“We at Berkeley Study Abroad are deeply saddened by the cancelation of our programs and regret the disruption this will cause to students, their families, and our partners,” the announcement read.