Letter from the Director

Dear Students & Families, Many of our students and their families are wondering about how COVID-19 will affect study abroad in future terms. As you know, the situation is still evolving and affecting people across the world. Please take comfort in the fact that we are monitoring the situation closely, in consultation with DU’s International Risk Analyst, our partners at International SOS, DU’s upper administration, and our abroad partners. Our office is here to support students and help them make the best decision possible as they plan for future study abroad. We understand and honor the fact that DU students and families may have a different threshold than DU for feeling safe and healthy while studying abroad. So we’re sharing some important considerations here. Please find more information about COVID-19 and study abroad below. Nominated and interested students can learn more about COVID-19's possible impact on their planned study abroad term(s) and a list of important considerations to start thinking about now. As always, please reach out to our office (duabroad@du.edu) with any questions or concerns. We’re in this together. Warmest regards, The Office of International Education (OIE) Office of International Education

Find information for your situation

The OIE expects the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to impact the programs we offer, and we encourage students to remain flexible with their program choices and plans. The OIE is working in partnership with DU’S International Travel Risk Analyst, wider university leadership, International SOS, our medical and travel assistance provider, and our abroad partners to assess and monitor the impact of coronavirus. The COVID-19 situation is ever-evolving and varies significantly from country to country. Impacts such as programmatic changes or border closures may continue into future terms. We strongly encourage you to stay informed using the resources and information below. OIE Advisors are more than happy to be thought partners for you to discuss your options. Feel free to schedule an appointment with your OIE Advisor or email duabroad@du.edu .

All Applicants

Nominated Students

Health & Safety

Insurance

All Applicants

Should I still consider studying abroad?

Yes, absolutely! We know you've given a lot of thought to your study abroad experience and COVID-19 has impacted this greatly. Take some time to seriously consider your options by talking with your loved ones, determine your level of comfort with ambiguity, and brainstorm some alternative plans. Many Fall, Winter, and Spring 2022-23 programs are still scheduled to run at this time, but there could be later changes. We encourage you to thoroughly think through which study abroad plans would be best for you.

Can I still apply to study abroad?

Yes - study abroad applications for the 2022-23 academic year will open in September 2021. Students are encouraged to apply early and review the OIE Deadlines.

What other global experience can I have at DU without traveling?

Check out the virtual international programs available for fall quarter! A list of available opportunities, such as virtual internships, research opportunities and practicum experiences can be found in the Virtual International Programs brochure in DU Passport.

Why should I remain flexible and comfortable with ambiguity?

As the world continues to adjust to new realities, it’s important for all of us to be truly comfortable with ambiguity and open to last-minute adjustments. Some programs may have very different conditions today than they will a year from now. Others may suddenly stop running due to global realities. We simply don't know what the world will look like a year from now. So we ask you to remain flexible and to make sure you have a backup plan in case things shift. Regardless of the situation, DU remains committed to working with our partners abroad to understand the health and safety implications and available resources for study abroad participants. In the same vein, unaffiliated students should work closely with their program on all health and safety considerations and review all program resources.

How do I make a backup plan?

We are hopeful that our students will be able to study abroad as planned, but we also encourage students to be prepared in case study abroad is not feasible at that time.

Create a backup plan in case study abroad is not possible for these terms. We strongly recommend the following steps:

Talk to your faculty/academic advisor(s) about what classes you need to stay on track for graduation & where you have flexibility.
Apply to study abroad in a future term. This won't commit you to going abroad at that time but rather keep your options open in case a later term becomes a better fit.
- Applications for 2022-23 OIE programs will open in early September 2021.
- See Other Ways to Go Abroad for information about DU’s short-term international travel courses run by University Academic Programs (UAP) and various DU departments. Reach out directly to UAP or the department for more information.

What questions should I ask? What are some considerations for studying abroad?

We know you are giving a lot of thought to your planned study abroad term, and we want to be transparent and help you make informed decisions as we continue to monitor the COVID situation abroad.

Take some time now to seriously consider your answers to the detailed questions below. Talk with your loved ones. Determine how comfortable you (and they) are with the level of ambiguity involved in proceeding with your planned study abroad term. Reach out to your OIE advisor if you have questions or need a thought partner. We can help you think through alternative or backup plans.

General Considerations

Why do you want to participate in this international experience?
Why is it academically essential for you to study abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Can this travel be delayed or postponed?
Consider your previous experience traveling within this country, region, or area.
How well do you speak the local language?
Are there opportunities to further your understanding of this language while in-country?
How comfortable are you with prolonged uncertainty and ambiguity regarding your ability to participate in this program?

Medical & COVID-19 Considerations

What is the current COVID-19 situation in your intended host country?
What are the host government’s and program’s testing requirements required for entry? Are you prepared for any related additional fees to fulfill these requirements?
What, if any, are your host country’s requirements regarding a vaccination booster shot? Will you have access to a booster shot in-country?
Does your host country have any specific regulations or compliance policies to control COVID-19?
Are you comfortable putting yourself at greater risk of exposure while in transit (airports, transportation, etc.)?
Do you have access to a private room to reduce the spread and use for self-isolation? If not included in the normal program costs, have you budgeted for the extra associated costs?
Are you prepared for a possible two-week quarantine upon arrival? Have you budgeted for quarantine plans (e.g. hotel, private room, etc.)?
Is there availability of personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, hand sanitizer, etc.) for purchase in your host city?
Do you have any pre-existing conditions that put you at greater risk?
Do you have access to any medications you take for the duration (as well any possible extension), and/or can you gain access while abroad?
Will your health insurance cover pandemic-related sickness and treatment?
Will you have safe and effective access to high-quality care for general medical issues and emergencies like appendicitis, broken bones, or gastrointestinal issues?
What are the preferred local hospitals or on-call doctors for COVID-19 and other medical issues? Are these centers of medical excellence with English-speaking staff?
Describe your responses to the following potential scenarios, including conversations with your loved ones and emergency contacts about these issues:

Developing COVID-like symptoms
Self-isolating or quarantining in a foreign country
Being unable to be evacuated to the U.S. if you have an infectious disease or just the symptoms of one (including related costs if required to stay in-country beyond your program dates)

Program Support

What are the program’s protocols and plans regarding the following:
- General COVID-19 safety plan including hygiene and sanitizing policies
- Social distancing and other requirements in classrooms and housing
- Housing and classrooms protocols
- Transportation
- Field trips, site visits, and cultural experiences
- Isolation and quarantine housing for affected students, including beyond the program end date and to include provisions for meals, Wi-Fi access?
- Testing and contract tracing access and policies?

What would trigger the program’s cancellation and/or evacuation? How would students be supported in the process? What does the refund policy look like (incl. tuition, housing, other program fees, travel fees, etc.)?
Are there multiple, daily international flights out of the country direct to the U.S.? Have you budgeted for a last-minute return ticket (typically more expensive than a ticket bought in advance)
What are your home state/local requirements for returning after the conclusion of the program? Will you be required to self-isolate or quarantine; if so, for how long? Have you budgeted for this (hotel, private room, etc.)?

Security & Safety

Describe the program’s instructions for how you are to respond in the event of a mass security incident (bombing, active shooter, violent protests) or a natural disaster incident (hurricane, earthquake, etc.)?
Describe the program’s instructions for how you are to respond in the event of a personal security incident, such as an assault or burglary?
What is the local sentiment regarding visitors? Are there xenophobic views toward certain nationalities, ethnicities and/or races?
What is the political and social situation? Note that areas more economically impacted by lockdowns may see an increase in crime rates.
Will the program arrange for you to return to the U.S. if the program is canceled? Will they cover related costs?

In-Country Considerations

What do you anticipate your day-to-day life in your host country will look like given COVID-19?
Will you have reliable and safe access to groceries, transportation, banking, etc.?
If you get sick, how will your in-country contacts be able to support you? If they are limited in their support, what other support structures do you have access to?
What are your travel plans while in-country? Are you prepared for travel to be significantly impacted or restricted?
What would be your plans if you were traveling away from your host country, and you were unable to return? Consider potential health, safety, academic, and financial impacts.
If your host country were to go back to a lockdown or curfew situation, are you prepared to shelter in place?
How would you maintain access to food, healthcare, etc. while sheltering in place? Would there be additional costs (delivery fees, etc.)?
If unable to return to the U.S. or your home country due to sheltering in place requirements, can any applicable visas be easily extended? Are there related fees?

Academic Continuity

What are the plans for remote learning if you need to self-isolate or quarantine?
If the program is canceled or you need to withdraw before the end of the term, what are the arrangements for receiving remote instruction and credit for the program? Are policies different if the program continues to run but you are required to withdraw early (rather than the program itself deciding to cancel)?
Have you worked with your sending DU academic unit (i.e., your major/minor departments) to discuss contingency plans regarding DU credits?
Have you considered the possible academic and financial loss should your studies be disrupted (e.g. no refunds for housing, program fees, additional last-minute flights, academic continuity, etc.)?

Travel Documents

Is your passport current and valid at 6+ months beyond your return date?
Is a visa required for your stay? If yes, where are you in the visa process?
If an international student, you will need to research your visa allowances. Can you easily enter/exit the host country, home country, and U.S.?

Nominated Students

How will my experience be different studying abroad during this time?

Just as DU and other universities across the U.S. are developing comprehensive plans for student health and safety as campuses reopen, our partners abroad are modifying academic calendars, class schedules, course delivery, student accommodations, etc. to support your health and well-being.  As you have already likely considered, your experience abroad will be different from what you may have originally imagined. For example:

Academic Experience: many programs are implementing a hybrid online/in-person format for the upcoming semester.
Student Housing: the availability and type of on-campus housing may differ as programs seek to reduce the number of students in confined quarters. 
Independent Travel: independent travel outside of the city and/or country in which you are studying may be limited. Country borders may be closed, travel restrictions or quarantine measures may remain in place, and there may be rapid changes to a country’s entry and exit requirements. 
Program Excursions and Activities:  excursions may be altered or canceled to adjust to current health and government recommendations and to support student health and well-being.
Quarantine: your term abroad may include a quarantine upon arrival should this be required by local/regional/national governments, or a quarantine at a later time should you, or another student, faculty, or staff with whom you are in contact with, be exposed to COVID-19.

Will I need to pay for any quarantine costs?

If quarantine arrangements are not covered by your program, you will be responsible for paying any costs related to quarantine on arrival, during your program, and/or upon return based on your country's local and national government regulations. For example, you may have to pay for a mandatory hotel stay off-site for 14 days before your program start date. Other preventative quarantine costs could include meals, testing, treatment costs, etc.

What happens if my program is canceled? Will I be refunded if my program is canceled due to COVID-19?

The OIE will work with students individually if a program is canceled after DU’s withdrawal deadline. Please review the 2022-23 DU Study Abroad Policies for more information.

Please note that DU retains the right to withdraw institutional approval at any time, so by choosing to participate in a study program, you are responsible for all potential financial costs associated with cancellation or removal of institutional approval. A program cancellation may also have consequences on your academic activities and corresponding institutional aid for the dates in question, including (but not limited to) a possible change in your DU enrollment status, loss of academic credit for the term in question, or loss of institutional aid. Possible disruptions may include (but are not limited to) a student’s personal decision to independently withdraw, program cancellation, recall of students or changes in academic content delivery.

If I’m required to return/stay at DU because my program is canceled, will I be able to secure housing at DU?

Please reach out to DU’s Housing and Residential Education (HRE) office as soon as possible to see what options may be available. The HRE has a Housing After Study Abroad page with more information.

Can I travel during my time abroad?

The answer depends on your host program, city, and country’s regulations and policies. In general, independent travel outside of the city and/or country in which you are studying may be limited. Country borders may be closed, travel restrictions, or quarantine measures may remain in place, and there may be rapid changes to a country’s entry and exit requirements. Also, program excursions and activities may be altered or canceled to adjust to current health and government recommendations and to support student health and well-being.

What are the testing policies at my study abroad university?

Testing policies vary by program and may change over the coming academic year. Reach out to your program contact for more information. Please note that your program’s policies will most likely be different than DU’s.

What happens if I get COVID while at my study abroad university? Will my school provide housing?

COVID-19 protocol varies by program and may change over the coming academic year. Reach out to your program contact for more information. Please note that your program’s policies will most likely be different than DU’s.

Is virtual learning available if I have to quarantine?

Virtual learning opportunities vary by program and may change over the coming academic year. Reach out to your program contact for more information. Please note that your program’s policies will most likely be different than DU’s.

When should I arrive in my country?

Your arrival date depends on your program start date (typically when orientation is held) and whether your host country requires travelers to quarantine upon arrival or not. Entry requirements vary by country and may change. Please reach out to your program contact for more information. You can also check the program dates in your DU Passport checklist.

More information is available in Booking Your Travel and Cherrington Global Scholars (CGS). Please do not incur any non-refundable fees related to study abroad such as flights until after CGS statuses and booking information is announced in the weekly Preparing for Departure Emails. Last-minute airfare changes may be more common in COVID, and students should be prepared for those costs regardless of CGS status.

Should I book flights & pay other fees related to study abroad?

Do NOT incur any non-refundable fees related to study abroad. DU will not reimburse students for non-refundable fees, which can include but are not limited to:

Non-refundable deposits
Immigration application fees
Notary or passport photo fees
Background checks
Postage
Travel expenses
International health insurance
Airfare - Wait to book travel until the OIE releases CGS statuses & booking information in the weekly OIE emails. Last minute airfare changes may be more common in COVID, and students should be prepared for those costs regardless of CGS status
Student quarantine expenses (if applicable) - Depending on your program, these costs may be student expenses if quarantine is required before, during, and/or after your program.

Students should apply for/renew their passport now to remain eligible for study abroad. Passport-related fees are a personal cost that is not covered by Cherrington Global Scholars (CGS) benefits. Many programs require students to have a valid passport (expiring 6+ months after the program ends) well in advance of the program start date. Some programs require students to upload a scan of this passport when applying.

What should I know about withdrawing & deferring? What are the deadlines?

You must submit an official Withdrawal & Deferral Form online before the relevant deadline below to avoid any related program fees (read the following section carefully):

May 1, 2022 for Southern Hemisphere programs Links to an external site. starting in Fall 2022
June 1, 2022 for Northern Hemisphere programs Links to an external site. starting in Fall 2022
Oct 15, 2022 for programs starting in Winter 2023
Feb 1, 2022 for programs starting in Spring 2023

See all OIE Deadlines Links to an external site. .

Understand withdrawal steps & potential implications.

To officially withdraw from your study abroad term, you must submit a Withdrawal & Deferral Form online. See Study Abroad Withdrawal & Deferral.

If you withdraw or defer after the above deadline, you will be billed whichever is greater: (a) $1000 Study Abroad Withdrawal Fee, or (b) any non-recoverable program fees. Non-recoverable costs vary by program and tend to increase as you near your program’s start date. More information is available in the 2022-23 DU Study Abroad Policies.

Regardless of when you withdraw, you will need to repay any Cherrington Global Scholars (CGS) benefits you have used, including flight and visa costs. As such, all students should avoid incurring any non-recoverable fees until further notice. This includes holding off on booking travel & any immigration steps with non-refundable fees, especially if you’re considering withdrawal.

You may be able to defer a Fall 2022 nomination to Winter/Spring 2023.

For some programs, students may be able to defer a Fall nomination until the following Spring Semester. This does not include the option to switch programs. Talk to your OIE advisor if you're interested in this option. You may not defer a nomination to the next academic year.

Students who defer their nomination usually miss two quarters at DU (Winter & Spring) instead of one (Fall).

Be sure to talk to your major/faculty advisor about how this could affect your graduation plan.
Billing for your abroad term is unlikely to change much; check with your OIE advisor for details.

If you withdraw after deferring, the withdrawal fees outlined above will still apply. (i.e., You cannot defer your nomination, then later withdraw to avoid the minimum $1000 fee.). For more information, visit Study Abroad Withdrawal & Deferral. Your OIE Advisor is happy to be a thought partner to consider your options.

Health & Safety

How does the Office of International Education (OIE) manage students’ health & safety?

The OIE works in partnership with DU’S International Travel Risk Analyst, wider university leadership, International SOS, our medical and travel assistance provider, and our abroad partners to assess and monitor the impact of COVID-19 and other risk factors. We strongly encourage students to stay informed and use the resources listed in the "What are some resources to learn more about COVID-19 and study abroad in my host country?" question drop down. For a general overview, please watch the Health & Safety Resources video. For more details, please read DU’s Commitment to Health & Safety.

What countries and/or regions are more likely to have travel restrictions, closed borders, curfews, etc.?

The COVID-19 situation is ever-evolving and varies significantly from country to country and even by region and city. It's possible that your study abroad destination(s), the United States, and any countries you may travel through (including countries in which you have a layover) may enact travel restrictions, including entry bans, curfews, and/or lockdowns at any time. The conditions of your destination(s) may change rapidly, so we strongly recommended that you stay informed using the resources listed in the "What are some resources to learn more about COVID-19 and study abroad in my host country?" question drop down.

Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to study abroad?

All DU students living, learning, or working on campus are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to campus for the Fall 2021 term (more information available here). This requirement applies to those studying or working in person, even if the in-person activity does not occur on campus (e.g., study abroad, other off-campus programs, or conducting DU business in other locations).

As a study abroad student, you are required to be fully vaccinated, which is defined as 2-weeks following the final dose of an FDA-authorized vaccine, before you depart for your study abroad experience. While DU allows exemptions, some in-person activities including international travel may not be possible without vaccination. If you have questions about the exemption process, contact the COVID Coordinator directly.

Please review the Health & Counseling Center website for more regarding the requirement including how to upload documentation of your vaccination status to your MyHealth Portal. Regardless of your program start date, we ask that you upload your documentation as soon as possible as we are working with the COVID coordinator to ensure that all OIE students have met the requirement. The OIE will not have access any of your personal medical details; we will only receive notification to whether you have met the requirement.

Additionally, each country and/or program may have particular requirements. For example, some places may have different definitions about what it means to be fully vaccinated or require booster shots.

Visit the program's website for the latest information. You can also visit internationalsos.com or call International SOS at 215.942.8478 and use DU’s Membership Number: 11BSGC000067 for additional information on a country’s requirements.

Thank you in advance for your compliance. We believe that this requirement is in your best interest as well as the local community abroad in which you will be welcomed.

What are some resources to learn more about COVID-19 and study abroad in my host country?

International SOS (ISOS)
- Medical & travel assistance provider available to all DU students
- Provides information about COVID-19, including Travel Restrictions, Flight Operations and Screening, and Tips for a Safe Return to Travel
- To contact ISOS:
  - Phone: call 215.942.8478 and use DU’s Membership Number: 11BSGC000067
  - Website: https://www.internationalsos.com/
  - Assistance App: app.internationalsos.com
U.S. Department of State (DOS)
- COVID-19 Country Specific Information
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): free service for U.S. citizens to register their time abroad with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Travel Advisories: issued for every country and offer up to four standard levels of advice, description of known travel risks, and provide clear actions U.S. citizens should take
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- Travel Notice: health information organized by country including travel health notices, vaccines & medicine, how to stay healthy & safe, and healthy travel packing list
- About COVID 19: information about things you need to know, how COVID-19 spreads, variants of the virus, and frequently asked questions
- Studying Abroad: use this guide from to help you get ready for safe and healthy travel
- International Travel During COVID-19
JHU International Vaccination Efforts
- Search for details about vaccinations including doses administered, number of people fully vaccinated, and percentage of fully vaccinated people
Host program & contact
- Email your OIE Advisor if you don't already know your host program contact information
Our World Data
- View interactive charts that show a variety of data points including case numbers, testing data, hospitalization rates, policy responses, etc.
Study Abroad Handbook 2022-23
- Health & Safety pages such as...

What are some mental health resources to support me during study abroad?

It’s important to be mindful of your mental health and wellbeing before, during, and after study abroad. Here are some resources to support you for this rewarding, but challenging experience:

Well-being Abroad
- Overview video where the OIE & HCC share resources and steps you can take now to take care of your mental health while abroad
DU’s Health & Counseling Center (HCC)
- Provides counseling services, medical services, information about DU’s Student Health Insurance Plan, and more
- To contact, call 303.871.2205 or email info@hcc.du.edu
International SOS (ISOS)
- Medical & travel assistance provider available to all DU students
- Can answer questions about prescriptions, where to find a counselor, and more
- Provides counseling sessions with a Western-trained counselor up to five 45-minute sessions per incident by phone, Skype or the like
- To contact:
  - Phone: call 215.942.8478 and use DU’s Membership Number: 11BSGC000067
  - Website: https://www.internationalsos.com/
  - Assistance App: app.internationalsos.com
- To access counseling:
  - Call 215.942.8478, use DU’s Membership Number: 11BSGC000067, and ask for WPO support
MySSP: Student Support Program
- Provides free remote counseling to DU students through the MySSP app
Study Abroad Handbook 2022-23
- Health & Safety pages such as...
  - Psychological & Emotional Wellness
  - Pre-Departure Checkups
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health in Quarantine
- - - Listen to Gary Robinson and Laura Thompson talk about student self-care in the COVID-19 context on the youth-hosted podcast, The Bliss Bean
Student Success Plan
- Complete the Student Success Plan worksheet and speak with a counselor or therapist about your study abroad plans prior to departure and upon return to get the most out of your experience

Do I have evacuation coverage should the COVID situation worsen while I'm abroad?

DU provides emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage to all OIE students. We partner with International SOS, a medical and travel assistance provider for this service. See policy for list of possible exclusions.

In terms of COVID, if a student were to contract COVID-19 and need medical treatment outside of their host city, the policy provides coverage for a medical evacuation.

Note that coverage does not include expenses for common, endemic, or epidemic diseases or a global pandemic disease as defined by the World Health Organization. This means that evacuation is not a covered event should a student wish to leave due to the threat of a disease.

Public health measures may cause evacuation delays. International SOS and the U.S. government (or a student’s government of citizenship) may be delayed or unable to assist in a student’s evacuation due to restrictions or other limitations.

Insurance

What should I know about healthcare insurance?

Please visit our Health Insurance FAQ and watch the Health Insurance & Study Abroad video to learn more.

What should I know about evacuation and repatriation insurance?

Please visit our Evacuation & Repatriation FAQ and watch the Health Insurance & Study Abroad video to learn more.

What is Cancel/Interrupt for Any Reason (CFAR/IFAR) insurance, and what is the typical coverage?

Cancel/Interrupt for Any Reason (CFAR/IFAR) insurance can help safeguard your investment in an education abroad experience in the event the program is cancelled or you unexpectedly withdraw either before departing or while abroad. This type of insurance typically covers a percentage of any non-refundable program fees, housing abroad costs, and flights if your program is canceled or you withdraw from the program for any reason. CFAR/IFAR insurance will not typically cover any refundable program fees, housing abroad costs, or flights that are returned through your program or airline as a result of a trip cancellation or interruption. CFAR/IFAR insurance will not cover visa application fees, pre-departure vaccines, or other medical exams that are required by your program.

What should I consider when I evaluate different CFAR/IFAR plans?

There are several CFAR/IFAR insurance policies currently on the market that you can choose from. You should research options and review the specifics of all plans to determine what is best for your needs. Each plan is different but some common elements include:

A specified window of time in which to purchase the policy after you make a payment for your program
A cap on the amount that can be reimbursed – it’s recommended that you select a policy that provides at least 75% coverage
A limit on the expenses that can be claimed
An explanation of the claim process and requirements for proof of expense

A stipulated window of time in which to submit a claim

Also be sure to research the following:

What specifically is and is not covered within the plan – especially in relation to COVID-19 and pandemics
Your program’s cancellation and refund policies
Your housing contract terms, the cost of housing, and when deposits and expenses are due

Your airline’s flight cancellation refund policy

Am I required to purchase CFAR/IFAR insurance?

No. DU recommends that you carefully review options and terms to determine whether or not this coverage is appropriate for your needs before purchasing CFAR/IFAR insurance.

Who do I contact for more information about CFAR/IFAR insurance?

DU and the OIE cannot provide recommendations for CFAR/IFAR insurance plans. You should research available options and contact insurance policy providers directly with questions.