Brandeis students aren't allowing the SARS epidemic to hamper their plans to return home for the summer and to study abroad. With increased breakouts and SARS fatalities, travel advisories have been issued by the Center for Disease Control and World Heath Organization for people traveling to China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Vietnam and most recently, Toronto. Despite these advisories, however, Brandeis students from these regions said they will still return home for their summer vacations."Some people say it's pretty horrifying ... I'm going home anyway," said Mu Zhou '06, who plans to return to Beijing, China for the summer. "My parents would never recommend that I not come home."

Celine Stevens '06 also plans to travel to Beijing this summer. "My dad has always told me 'don't live in fear'... I have friends who are afraid for their parents, but I think there are worse things going on," she said.

Despite the boldness of personal decisions on whether or not to travel to Asia, many study-abroad programs are considering canceling next semester's studies in China and Hong Kong. Universities throughout the United States that run study-abroad programs have been weighing the relative risk of allowing students to remain in Asia against having them fly home, since SARS can easily spread to passengers on airplanes. Some programs, including those run through Syracuse University have cut this semester's programs in China short due to the epidemic.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was first recognized in Hanoi, Vietnam on Feb. 26 and has since spread quickly throughout Asia, reaching Europe and North America. Symptoms of SARS include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms of the common cold, the disease is transmitted by breathing droplets left in the air by a contaminated individual through a sneeze or a cough. There have been 3,999 cases of SARS reported internationally and 229 reported deaths attributed to SARS. The major sites of SARS breakouts have been Hong Kong and Singapore.

"I'm not really sure of how (SARS) will affect students who intend to study abroad next semester," Study Abroad Adviser Scott Van Der Meid said. "Students have until May 1 to decide whether they intend to study abroad ... most programs will decide over the summer as to whether or not they will run through the fall."

Since Brandeis does not run its own study-abroad programs but utilizes those run by other universities, Brandeis cannot cancel any program or cut any program short. Students currently studying in areas of China that have experienced SARS outbreaks have been advised by their residence directors to take precautions. Several of the study-abroad programs have been cut early as well, and students are completing the programs by doing independent study.

Ilana Shapiro '06 plans to study abroad in Beijing next year despite travel advisories. "Of course I'm worried," she said. "I'm worried about not being allowed back in the U.S."

Ilana's parents support her decision to travel abroad, but are worried for her health. "Their main concern is that I get enough sleep-at least six hours a night," she said.

Ilana has also had to sign many health waivers because of the risk inherent in her travel. "It's annoying, but completely understandable of course," she said.

While SARS continues to spread, Ilana's outlook remains optimistic. "This can't go on forever; they have to come up with something," she said.