Related Links
Guidance for Study Abroad Decision-Making During COVID
The decision to study abroad in spring 2022 is very much tied to COVID-19 pandemic trends in host countries, as well as host country and host institution/organization responses to them.
The pandemic is clearly not over; some countries are experiencing new pandemic waves. Where the pandemic is seemingly under control, restrictions on entry may be in place to limit the possibility of a resurgence. In countries where study abroad students are welcome, classes may be delivered online when pandemic conditions warrant this. Or, in contrast, the study abroad experience may be little altered from previous years’. In short, the picture is mixed.
Students and guardians are strongly encouraged to review the following resources and make an informed decision about participation.
Students planning to studying abroad in Spring 2022
Students and guardians are expected to read this this form and submit a signed copy to the Office of International Education before December 1.
Study Abroad: Student Acknowledgement of Risk and Responsibilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic
On the positive side
- Beloit College’s study abroad partner universities and organizations now are experienced in helping to ensure educational continuity and safety under the pandemic. Many post and regularly update information about the measures they are taking on their websites.
- Study abroad organizations have done extensive research and analysis to understand the conditions under which study abroad can be expected to be reasonably safe.
- Information on entry requirements and local COVID-19 protocols and rules are now available on the websites of US embassies in countries around the world.
- Students who study abroad will have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, reducing risk to them, although if careless, they could infect others. However, students who study abroad will be skilled in complying with COVID-19 safety protocols, such as social distancing; wearing face masks indoors and, where social distancing is not possible, outdoors; washing hands; and avoiding large gatherings and crowded areas.
Study Abroad Risk Analysis
Most are identical to CDC levels. However, DOS is beginning a new round of analysis to take into consideration safety and security in host countries and factors such as quality of health care and health care capacity.
The DOS advisory level numbers are intended to signal viewers to read the actual advisories. The safety & security section and the health section are particularly pertinent to study abroad. Therefore, please regularly review the advisories applicable to your program for current information.
Questions to Consider
Track information on COVID-19 travel regulations for your intended host country. This interactive map, updated regularly, makes this easy to do.
You are also advised to consult the COVID-19 information on the U.S. Embassy website for the country in which you are planning to study abroad. U.S. embassies have been mandated to publish information on entry requirements as well as rules visitors must abide by, such as not traveling to and from other countries during visits to the country. For example, here are resources from the U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom.
In most if not all cases, you will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test shortly before departure for your intended host country or documentation from a licensed physician indicating you recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days before departure.
Yes. Beloit College requires that you be fully vaccinated before studying abroad, even if vaccination is not mandated by the host country and/or by the host university or program.
The Beloit College Health and Wellness Center will verify the vaccination status of all students scheduled to study abroad in Spring 2022.
- U.S. embassy websites
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Harvard University GlobalEpidemics COVID Risk Levels Dashboard
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- World Health Organization
- Host country public health information
Specific information in US State Department Travel Advisories can help potential travelers understand risks specific to the country at the time the advisory level was assigned, as well as evaluate the personal tolerance of risk. The advisory numbers are meant to alert travelers to look at the advisory text, and in particular, the sections devoted to safety and security and to health.
DOS acknowledges that its new classification system is confusing, and that its advisories are just that: advisory, but neither prescriptive nor binding. However, DOS is slowly beginning to do new analysis. In the meantime, further confusing the picture, seemingly disparate countries have been assigned the same level. Or, a country widely considered unsafe for travel, such as Sudan, is classified as Level 3, while a country generally considered safe for travel and known for the quality of its health care, such as Finland, is classified as Level 4. To “unpack” advisories, consider the information on safety & securing and on health for Finland and Sudan.
CDC advisory levels do not yet take into consideration vaccination rates in the country destination, nor quality of healthcare and healthcare capacity.
Beloit College will therefore continue to use DOS and CDC travel advisories as guides, but will also consult information from other sources, including those listed under number 3 above, as well as COVID-19 analysis undertaken by trusted study abroad partner organizations and host institutions/countries.
This interactive map and the U.S. Embassy COVID-19 information can help answer part of that question, but you will also need to determine:
- Can I get a visa (if needed?)
- Can I book a flight?
Yes. Health insurance is required for all study abroad, and must include coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation.
Note, however, that study abroad medical insurance does not cover travel resulting from non-health emergency disruptions due to COVID-19, such as flight cancellations or changes in academic calendar.
To prepare, seek answers to the following questions:
- Where can I find relevant information on your host institution/organization website.
- Will I need to quarantine for 2 weeks? And if yes, will I need to pay to do so?
- How will instruction be delivered?
- Will the courses I want to take be available?
- How will I eat?
- How will I access healthcare if needed?
- What kind of freedom of movement will I have?
- How can I ask for help if I need it?
Have additional questions?
Kathy Landon (landonk@csfxw.com) and Josh Moore (moorej@csfxw.com) are available to help you work through the decision-making process.