It is with sincere regret that we announce that we have made the difficult decision to postpone ELEA 2021.

It is not a decision we have taken lightly and whilst we have analysed the possibilities of running an alternative version of ELEA, we feel this would not be the same experience we have promised over the past few months. ELEA, as you know, is a new programme to UWC Atlantic Experience, one that should have run for the first time in 2020 but has been forced for two consecutive years to be postponed due to COVID.

To further explain our decision to cancel for 2021, there are growing concerns in the UK of the new variant which may pose a risk to participants and facilitators safety. As a result of this new variant, the UK Government has also postponed the easing of many restrictions that were promised a few months ago when we committed to delivering ELEA. Here in Wales, where we have slightly different rules to England, this means continued restrictions affecting the delivery of activities, the number of occupants per dorm and the total number of participants allowed per course, are now making it impossible for ELEA to proceed in its current format.

We had hoped following the planned announcement on the 21st June by the UK Government this would bring significant changes to travel restrictions. The addressing of travel has been postponed with no new date confirmed, making it difficult for the majority of participants to not only get to the UK but also complete the mandatory isolation period currently required. There is also no guarantee that changes will be made, which would leave ELEA with a much smaller cohort of participants and would not provide the same memorable experience we believe it is capable of.

As we look ahead to 2022 with optimism and hope that this will be the third time lucky for ELEA, we ask if you are interested in applying for 2022, please sign up to our mailing list below.