Kansas University has canceled a study abroad program in Mexico, citing concerns over the swine flu virus.

The program was to begin May 15 in Puebla, Mexico, about 70 miles southeast of Mexico City.

“The Office of Study Abroad always places the well-being of our students as our highest priority,” said Sue Lorenz, director of the Office of Study Abroad, in a statement. “In the past several days we have seen that the public health outlook in Mexico, as well as the rest of the world, can change rapidly.”

Jill Jess, a KU spokeswoman, said the 16 students who had enrolled in the program had paid a deposit and had likely booked flights for the trip.

The school would attempt to place the students in another study abroad program with an equal educational experience, Jess said. If the students choose not to participate in another program, then KU would refund their deposits and would cover any necessary cancellation fees for airfare.

The program, which was to run from May 15 through June 26, offers credit in Spanish courses and an opportunity to experience Mexican culture firsthand by living with families in Puebla.

The program is open to students who have taken the equivalent of four semesters of college-level Spanish at a university.

The university also partially activated its Emergency Operations Center, in accordance with preplanned response protocol. Jess said the move would activate a regular meeting to assess the ongoing swine flu situation.

All activities on the campus are operating normally, though the university is advising that everyone be careful about personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing.

The university’s response to the virus will be based on recommendations from federal and state public health authorities.

KU’s pandemic flu response plan is available at www.pandemic.ku.edu. Further updates will be posted at www.alert.ku.edu.