The spread of the new coronavirus to Italy has led universities to reassess study abroad programs in the country.

Kathy Whyte/WNBF News
Kathy Whyte/WNBF News
loading...

According to Associated Press, many American schools this week have taken action, calling their students back to the U.S. including Syracuse University, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University and Elon University which said they are canceling programs in Italy, where the death toll rose to 12 on February 26.

Many universities in the U.S., Australia and Europe already have canceled study abroad programs in China, where the outbreak began. Italy is the second most popular destination for American students studying abroad, behind only the United Kingdom.

More From Big Cat - WBKT-FM