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COVID-19 Updates

IES Abroad’s Crisis Management Team is still actively and closely monitoring the ongoing impatct of COVID-19. Communications are being sent regularly to our students, their home colleges or universities, and parents, as needed.

Currently, all Summer 2020 programs are canceled (with the exception of Virtual World DiscoverIES program), and some Fall 2020 programs are running as planned.

The safety of our students and staff abroad is always our first priority, and we will also continue to update this page with relevant high-level information. Learn more about our health and safety protocols and see updates for Study Abroad Foundation (SAF).

Please call 800.995.2300 or 312.944.1750 to speak with someone if you have any questions.

May 27, 2020

As you know, the unpredictable trajectory of COVID-19 has had a widespread impact a on the higher education and travel industries—both of which directly impact study abroad. In response, we have created a Flexible Study Abroad option in Barcelona, London, and Vienna for students to still pursue cross-cultural learning opportunities this fall amidst the uncertainty.

We invite you to learn more about the new Flexible Study Abroad programs that we’re offering in place of Barcelona, London, and Vienna programs this fall as other IES Abroad programs in those locations will not be running.

After reviewing these new programs, students may let us know if they’d like to switch their enrollment to this program, defer to a future term, or cancel their plans.

Designed to adapt to changing travel regulations, our Flexible Study Abroad programs offer courses taught in two six-week sessions and with the flexibility to be instructed on-site or online, if needed. We’re doing everything we can to help students spend as much time abroad this semester as possible, all in a safe and responsible manner. Please find some program highlights below to learn more.

We hope students will continue to join us this fall and can let us know their updated plans as soon as possible using this webform—whether that’s enrolling in a Flexible Study Abroad program, deferring to a future term, or cancelling their application or enrollment. We encourage students sure to talk with their schools about their study abroad plans as well, as they need to authorize this change.

If you have any questions, please contact your advisor at [email protected] or 800.995.2300 (we promise it will get to the right person!). We’re here to help!

Flexible Study Abroad Program Highlights

  • Two 6-week sessions, designed to adapt to changing travel regulations. Both sessions are designed to be run on-site but will have the ability to move online, if needed. Decisions about whether a session will be offered online vs. on-site will be made in a timely manner so you and your family can make travel arrangements.
  • Program dates that don’t require a visa. The program duration for both blocks combined is under 89 days to eliminate the need for a student visa for U.S. students, making it possible for most students to go abroad.

Program Dates

  • Session 1: September 23 – November 3, 2020, we will decide whether this session is online by August 12, 2020
  • Session 2: November 6 – December 18, 2020, we will decide whether this session is online by September 16, 2020

Courses & Credits: You’ll enroll in 2-3 courses (3 credits each) in each session. Courses have been selected from existing IES Abroad Barcelona offerings. Please note that the number of credits you take may affect your financial aid. Make sure to discuss this with your study abroad office.

Optional CommunitIES: Designed to foster cultural exchange on topics like food, art, music, dance, etc.

New student safety guidelines: Based upon COVID-19 impact, will be implemented, supporting and fostering as safe an academic and living environment as possible. This will include social distancing in on-site classes, in-country field trips only, and housing that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.

Pricing according to your experience: Offering a flexible study abroad program means we will also offer program pricing according to your experience. On-site costs, such as housing and insurance, would only be added to the base tuition cost if the program goes on-site.

A full refund policy: If for some reason you are unable to participate, you have the ability to withdraw up to 24 hours before program start date and receive a full refund, including your $500 confirmation deposit.
 

May 22, 2020

Due to the unpredictable trajectory and impact of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to suspend a few more programs as listed below. Low confirmation numbers, local university closings or delayed starts, as well as significant visa and travel challenges informed these decisions. The programs below are suspended for Fall 2020 semester only.

Please note, general program cancellations do not necessarily correlate with Customized Programs. It may be possible to host a Customized Program in the location, please contact us with any questions.

Students that have applied to the suspended programs below will be able to defer their enrollment to a future term, enroll in one of our Flexible Study Abroad programs, or cancel their enrollment.

We will continue to monitor conditions and review the plausibility for Fall 2020 programs to run. We will keep you updated should we need to close any more programs due to the criteria listed above.

Please contact us if you have questions.

SUSPENDED FALL 2020 PROGRAMS ADDITIONS

DUBLIN

  • Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology
  • Irish Studies

LONDON

  • Direct Enrollment- City University of London (University decision to cancel)

Note: We are monitoring our other DE Partnerships. Final decisions will be made by IES Abroad on or before July 15, 2020.

NEW ZEALAND

  • Christchurch Direct Enrollment – University of Canterbury
    (Anticipated University decision to cancel)

SALAMANCA

  • Psychology

SANTIAGO

Based on Pontificia Universidad de Chile (PUC) decision to cancel

  • Health Studies
  • Politics, Social Justice & Language
  • We are discussing options for our Emerging Economies program

SHANGHAI

  • Economy, Business & Society is Now open ONLY to Chinese citizens already living in China. Deadline extended to June 15, 2020.

SYDNEY

  • Direct Enrollment – University of New South Wales (UNSW)
    (Anticipated University decision to cancel)
     

May 14, 2020

Fall 2020 Program Suspensions

Due to the unpredictable trajectory and impact of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the programs listed below. Low confirmation numbers, local university closings or delayed starts, as well as significant visa and travel challenges, informed these decisions. The programs below are suspended for Fall 2020 semester only. We will continue to monitor conditions and review the plausibility for Fall 2020 programs to run. We will keep you updated should we need to close any more programs due to the criteria listed above.

Your students that have applied to the suspended programs below will be able to defer their enrollment to a future term, enroll in one of our flexible fall programs, or cancel their enrollment.

The following programs, listed by city, have been temporarily suspended for Fall 2020 and are intended to resume in Spring 2021:

AUCKLAND

BARCELONA

CAPE TOWN

DUBLIN

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

LONDON

MILAN

QUITO

ROME

SHANGHAI

SIENA

SYDNEY

May 12, 2020

Fall 2020 Flexible Programs

We are very excited to announce the launch of our new flexible programming for Fall 2020. As we all know very well, the unpredictable trajectory of COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on study abroad and travel, but it has also led to innovation, new ideas, and new ways of doing things.

Program Structure
We created a program structure that is as flexible and adaptable as possible in terms of schedule, price, billing, travel restrictions and on the ground conditions. The outcome is the direct result of a cross organizational Task Force that are committed to offering a program with attention to the quality you have come to expect from IES Abroad.

Initial Locations
We will announce locations with this new model on a rolling basis, with the first group including Barcelona, London, and Vienna, others to follow. Note that existing programs in each of these locations will all be collapsed into this one, new flexible program. More locations will be evaluated for this new model and announced as we monitor interest, travel restrictions and on-the-ground situation.

Our new flexible programs will be created using the following structure:

  • Each program will have two 6-week sessions/blocks to ensure maximum flexibility—both sessions are designed to be run online or on-site, depending on travel and on-the-ground conditions.
  • The two sessions together would total fewer than 89 days to eliminate the need for a student visas required for US students (and we will work with international students where possible) and a later start date to maximize the time students can spend on-site.
  • Decisions about whether a session will be offered online vs. onsite will be made in a timely manner so families can make travel arrangements. Sessions will not be offered both online and on-site simultaneously. Check the Fall 2020 Flexible Study Abroad Program page soon for updates.
  • Students can take 2-3 courses in each session and academic integrity and contact hours/hours of effort will be preserved. Only existing IES Abroad courses will be available in each location. A set list of courses will be determined; all courses may not be available.
  • New student safety guidelines, based upon COVID-19 impact, will be implemented at each host location, supporting and fostering as safe an academic and living environment as possible:
    • On-site class structure will be adapted for social distancing measures.
    • Housing in apartments or residence halls only, to ensure proper space is available if self-quarantine is required and to not expose homestay families.
    • In-country field trips only, reflective of the host city and country travel protocols, to avoid possible quarantines.
    • Independent student travel will be limited.
  • Optional CommunitIES designed to foster cultural exchange and learning as well as help students connect with each other.
  • Pricing will be differentiated according to type of learning (on-site or online) and the amount of time spent in online or on-site learning with the ability to withdraw up to 24 hours before program start date and receive a full refund, including $500 confirmation deposit, per our Fall 2020 Refund Policy.

Customized Programs
At this time, we will continue to accept requests for a proposal for a Customized Programs at all locations.

We are working feverishly on the details of these programs and will get information on our website as soon as possible. We have not yet communicated these options with your students. As soon as we have any more information to share, we will update you and reach out to your students.

April 20, 2020

 

Summer 2020: Virtual World DiscoverIES

At IES Abroad, we’ve been educating global leaders for 70 years and will continue to do so during this time of uncertainty. Currently, the best way to do this is virtually, which is why we are delighted to announce the development of our online summer program Virtual World DiscoverIES!

This program was created with careful consideration of students’ needs while showcasing our world-class faculty and academics from abroad. In other words, we want students ‘here’ (at home) to be able to feel like they’re learning from ‘over there’ (abroad).

Courses were chosen because of positive evaluations and optimization of online delivery from their locations by our top-rated faculty. Special consideration was given to offer courses that showcased a wide variety of Centers and disciplines and that offer unique international content.

Virtual World DiscoverIES Program Details

  • One six-week online program running from June 15 – July 31, 2020.
  • Students will choose one or two 3-credit courses from the program offerings, so they can, for example, take a course from Tokyo and a course from London on this one program.
  • They can earn 3 (one course) or 6 credits (two courses). The course fee is $1125 per 3-credit course.
  • Just as in our standard programming, students from multiple colleges and universities will learn inside and outside of the ‘classroom’ together. They will be able to partake in cultural activities, broaden their networks, and feel a sense of community that IES Abroad seeks to foster on all its programs.
  • After students complete their online summer courses on this IES Abroad program, they officially become an IES Abroad alum and a part of a network of more than 140,000 IES Abroad alumni.
  • As extra inspiration to go abroad “in real life”, students on the program will receive $1,000 off of a future fall/spring term or $500 off a future summer term—similar to our ‘consecutive term discount’. Learn more on our Scholarships & Aid page.

Course Offerings

Students can elect to take one or two of the following courses:

  • AH223 - Great 20th Century Artists of Catalonia: Picasso, Dalí, and Miró (Barcelona | English-Taught)
  • AH/SO/US320 - Rome as a Living Museum (Rome | English-Taught)
  • AN362 - Japanese Popular Culture (Tokyo | English-Taught)
  • FI355 - International Finance (London | English-Taught)
  • FS/EU335 - Visiting Europe in Cinema (London | English-Taught)
  • HS353 - Histories and Legends of Paris (Paris | French-Taught)
  • IB329 - Business Ethics (London | English-Taught)
  • IB334 - The Business of Sports in Europe (Barcelona | English-Taught)
  • IB355 - Managing Fashion and Luxury Companies (Milan | English-Taught)
  • IB/IR393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice (Barcelona | English-Taught)
  • LT326 - Indigenous Literature (Quito | Spanish-Taught)
  • LT340 - Modern Irish Literature: Identity, Selfhood and the State (Dublin | English-Taught)
  • PO370 - EU-US Relations: A Multi-dimensional Partnership (Freiburg | English-Taught)
  • PS/SO340 - The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination (Vienna | English-Taught)
  • SO/HE323 - Endemic Diseases & Their Socioeconomic Context (Cape Town | English-Taught)
  • SO/AN350 - Organized Crime in Italy: Mafias, Murders and Business (Rome | English-Taught)
  • SO352 - British Youth Culture (London | English-Taught)
  • SP380 - Advanced Spanish Language Usage for Business (Madrid | Spanish-Taught)
  • SP486 - Spanish for Health Sciences (Madrid | Spanish-Taught)

We look forward to welcoming your students on this new programming this summer! Should you have any questions, please contact your IES Abroad representative.

April 7, 2020

Important Update Regarding Visa Processing for Fall 2020

In working with our consulates, we have learned that several countries have closed their consulates to the public and have suspended the processing of non-emergency visas (for Fall 2020) due to the global spread of COVID-19. This includes student visas utilized by our students to study abroad.

Students who have been admitted to study abroad in the locations below have all been notified of the suspension of visa processing and given instructions on how to proceed for the time being. It is our belief that if restrictions are lifted, there will be a quick turnaround time for students, so we are advising them to compile materials in anticipation. Below is a summary of the information that was sent to students enrolled in programs for the Fall 2020 semester in the countries listed.

Argentina
Students have been informed that the Argentinian government has suspended any visa applications. Students have been asked to continue collecting the necessary documents to apply and be ready to make a visa appointment to attend as soon as they become available.

Austria
Students have been informed the Austrian government has suspended any visa and residence permit applications. New York consulate’s Steubenville consular days, and any consular days in Chicago, will be postponed or potentially canceled. Students have been asked to continue collecting the necessary documents to apply and be ready to make a visa appointment to attend as soon as they become available.

France
Students have been informed the French government has suspended processing of long-stay visas. Students are currently unable to apply to Campus France, complete the Long Stay Visa application online, or set up an appointment with VFS Global. Students have been asked to prepare materials and documentation needed to apply and be ready to begin the application process as soon as visa processing resumes.

Germany (non-U.S. citizens only)
Non-U.S. citizens have been informed that German consulates in the United States have suspended all visa applications until at least April 30, 2020. Students have been instructed to research whether they need to apply for a visa, based on their citizenship. If they do, they should work on preparing the required materials while they wait for the consulates to reopen. If they are not currently residing in the United States, they should also work to determine whether German consulates in their country of residence are currently processing visas. IES Abroad will monitor the situation and inform students as soon as visa application processing resumes.

Italy
Students have been informed the Italian government has suspended processing of all non-urgent visas. Students applying for their visa independently have been instructed to continue preparing materials and book an appointment at the consulate for mid-June through late July. We have every intention of continuing to provide our Visa ACCeSS service unless the situation prohibits and have asked all students who plan to apply through Visa ACCeSS to continue preparing their materials to send to IES Abroad in Chicago. We will update students if this changes.

South Africa
Students have been informed the South African government has currently suspended all immigration services and closed all consulates in the United States until further notice, which includes the processing of South African visas or study permits. Students have been instructed to continue compiling all visa application documentation where possible and await further instructions from IES Abroad when consulates open and continue regular visa processing again.

Spain
Students have been informed the Spanish embassy in Washington D.C. announced recently that they will only see Spanish citizens for “essential and emergency activities.” This regulation appears to affect all Spanish consulates in the United States. Students applying for their visa independently have been instructed to continue preparing materials and book an appointment at the consulate for mid-June through late July. We have every intention of continuing to provide our Visa ACCeSS service unless the situation prohibits and have asked all students who plan to apply through Visa ACCeSS to continue preparing their materials to send to IES Abroad in Chicago. We will update students if this changes.

United Kingdom
Students have been informed they are currently unable to apply for visas to the United Kingdom from within the United States. This is due to the closure of both the USCIS Application Support Centers where students complete biometrics and the VFS Global locations where visas are processed. This affects any student participating in an internship (full- or part-time), those participating in a service learning placement, any student on our London Health Practice & Policy program, and certain nationalities of international students on any IES Abroad program in the UK. All non-U.S. citizens should use the “Check if you need a UK Visa” tool on the gov.uk website to determine whether they need a visa to study in the UK and will be affected by this. Students are not able to begin the visa application process until 90 days before their program begins (early to mid-June) and have been asked to await further instructions on the status of UK visa processing.

The consulates have given no clear timeline on when they will reopen and resume regular visa processing. Students have been asked to continue to pay close attention to any emails from IES Abroad as we will send updates and further instructions as soon as they become available.

In response to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, for all upcoming Fall 2020 standard study abroad and internship programs only, IES Abroad will issue a full refund of our program fees (including the $500 Confirmation Deposit and the $125 Visa ACCeSS processing fee, if applicable) for any payment submitted directly to IES Abroad for students who decide to withdraw up to the day before the program’s official published arrival date. We will not refund any consular application fees. This policy means that IES Abroad—not students, parents, or schools—will bear those costs billed by IES Abroad in the event of a last-minute withdrawal from Fall 2020 programs. See full details of our Fall 2020 Refund Policy.

April 2, 2020

Fall 2020 Application Deadline Extensions

We continue to monitor health, safety, travel, and visa situations worldwide and remain hopeful that we can offer students programming should circumstances allow.

With that, we have extended many of our Fall 2020 program application deadlines. We hope this additional time will give our college/university partners and students some flexibility in making plans and completing requirements for the upcoming fall semester.

Browse the updated list of Fall 2020 application deadlines.

12 Tips to Optimize Online Learning

Though students may no longer be living in their host city abroad, they still have the opportunity to learn from their professors, stay connected with their classmates, and continue the relationships that began abroad. One of the great lessons of study abroad is learning to embrace the unknown. If anyone can make the most of this time, it’s our students and us together.

That said, online learning is completely different from learning in a traditional classroom. So, we’ve crafted some quick tips to help students make the most of online learning. Check them out!

 

April 1, 2020

Important Update about IES Abroad Summer 2020 Programs

As a result of current global travel restrictions and shelter-in-place directives around the world, we have made the difficult decision to suspend all standard IES Abroad Summer 2020 programs.

This decision was made in the best interests of the health and safety of our students and staff, and after many weeks of closely following advisories from the CDC and WHO, as well as with guidance from our Crisis Management Team, outside experts, our on-site Center staff, and health professionals.

In managing the COVID-19 crisis, our ongoing priorities are the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff worldwide; delivering high-quality academic programming; and, to the best of our ability, providing academic credit to students and schools.

We are still hard at work preparing for when travel restrictions are lifted. Starting today, we invite you to defer your acceptance to future terms, including Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021. If you are interested in a future term abroad with us—whether that be in the fall, spring, or next summer—call us at 800.995.2300 to get started.

In addition, for students still interested in opportunities for Summer 2020, we have begun examining the possibility of offering a limited number of IES Abroad courses online, taught by faculty from our Centers abroad. We will provide more information on these opportunities as they become available.

 

March 31, 2020

Spring 2020: Academic Policy Modification Update

We understand that you are facing unprecedented challenges and pressures in completing your semester online. Considering the exceptional circumstances, you may withdraw from one or more courses (and earn a grade of “W” on your transcript) or take one or more of your courses on a Pass/Fail basis, with approval from your home school. The deadline for requesting modifications to your courses is one week before the end of your program. Please note that this request will only affect the grade listed on your transcript. An approved withdrawal will not change the number of courses listed in your MyIESAbroad account or on your transcript. No refunds will be granted to students for withdrawing from one or more courses.

If you are considering withdrawing from one or more courses, it is your responsibility to consider how this may affect your ability to stay on track with graduation requirements or receive financial aid. Please know that dropping below 12 credits could have implications for receiving financial aid so be sure to speak with your financial aid advisor or study abroad advisor at your home school if you have concerns about this.

If you would like to request a change to your course enrollment, follow the steps below. Please note that we are seeking your home school’s approval, but in some cases, you may need to discuss individual approval with your home school. Also note that your home school’s policies will supersede IES Abroad policies regarding Pass/Fail and withdrawals and will determine whether your request is approved.


STEP 1
Go to www.IESabroad.org/myiesabroad, and log into your MyIESabroad account

STEP 2
Click on the link for the Spring 2020 Course Enrollment Modification Form. We’ve added multiple versions of this form to your account—fill out one for each course you’d like to either withdraw from or request to take Pass/Fail.

STEP 3
Complete the 3-question form, and click submit (one per course).

STEP 4
After consulting with your home school, we will contact you to confirm whether your request is approved or further approval is needed.

 

March 27, 2020

MADRID

  • Several Spring 2020 Madrid students have reported being tested and confirmed being COVID-19 positive. Based on these reports, our medical consultant has advised us that it is best for students to practice social distancing with others. Further, if students live with someone who is immunocompromised, it may be best for students to self-quarantine at this time. This decision should be made in consultation with your health provider.
  • For Madrid students who have returned home, and if they experience fever, cough, tightness of the chest, or difficulty breathing, please seek medical attention and notify IES Abroad if they are diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • We also shared prevention steps to help protect against exposure to the coronavirus.
  • Communications were sent to Madrid students, their parents, and home schools.

 

March 25, 2020

IES Abroad Internships - Suspension of Summer 2020 Internship Programs

IES Internships has decided to suspend all of its Summer 2020 programs across locations. Due to concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak, it has become difficult for our third-party employer partners to provide quality internships. Whereas some study abroad courses may be possible to complete remotely, unfortunately, the hands-on nature of our internship programming does not lend itself easily to virtual platforms, thus making us unable to offer high-quality placements.

Our goal remains to provide high-quality, meaningful internships and the current challenges caused by COVID-19 make that goal unachievable. We can assist you in finding an alternative internship program for a future term.

Future options include:

  • Study Abroad with a Part-Time Internship - Participate in a part-time internship in addition to academic coursework as part of a fall or spring semester-long study abroad program. This option is available in 20+ locations.
  • Full-Time Semester IES Internship - Like the summer internship, this option offers full-time work hours and a three-credit IES Internships seminar, but takes place over the course of 12+ weeks and is available in five locations during fall or spring semester (Barcelona, Dublin, London, Milan, or Rome)
  • Future Summer IES Internship - A full-time internship during the summer of 2021 in any location where IES Abroad offers summer internship programs.

IES Internships is here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the suspension of these programs and/or the alternative program options mentioned above. Additionally, if you were awarded IES Abroad scholarships or aid towards your program, please consult with your IES Internships advisor who can connect with our scholarships team.

We recommend that you discuss billing and academic credit issues with your home school study abroad office.

If you were required to obtain a visa for your internship location, please contact the issuing organization (e.g., consulate) and if you have booked air travel, please direct questions to the airline through which you booked.

 

March 23, 2020

CHRISTCHURCH

  • The University of Canterbury (UC) emailed all IES Abroad direct enrollment students following yesterday’s announcement of raising the alert level and instructing all people to remain at home for a period of at least four weeks.
  • The email from UC included the following:
    • Advice for students departing New Zealand
    • Information for students who are staying in New Zealand
    • UC teaching and learning moving forward
  • Please note that the IES Abroad program end date is March 27, 2020.
    • Day-to-day care provided from this date forward is via the UC Study Abroad office, UC Care, and the Ilam apartments community team.
  • Communications were sent to Christchurch students, their parents, and home schools.

 

March 22, 2020

NEW ZEALAND

  • Tonight, the Prime Minister of New Zealand announced that the country’s alert level has been lifted to level three and will be elevated to level four (the highest level) in 48 hours. Level four instructs people to stay at home, severely limits travel, and closes all non-essential businesses (grocery stores, clinics, and pharmacies will remain open).
  • We understand that international departures will continue. Some students have already departed New Zealand and many others are departing within the next 24 hours.
    • For students still in New Zealand, we encourage them to depart as soon as possible given the rise to alert level four. If students have trouble with booking travel through their original ticketing agent, they can reach out to AXA Assistance for additional help. 
  • Students should continue to communicate with IES Abroad staff in country and follow any directives or communications.
  • Online instruction will continue through the remainder of the semester for the University of Auckland and University of Canterbury courses, so students will be able to finish their academic work remotely.
  • Communications were sent to Auckland and Christchurch students, their parents, and home schools.
     

March 20, 2020

AUCKLAND

  • Students recently received a message from Mai Al Sharaf, the International Program Manager at the University of Auckland, that the Summer Film Production Program has been cancelled. She explained that the difficult decision to cancel the program was made in light of the “rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic,” which “has created significant disruptions in global travel.”
  • If students are still interested in studying abroad this summer, they should contact their IES Abroad Advisor to discuss other IES Abroad program options. Any change would be subject to approval of their home institution.
  • Because this is a direct enrollment program, students’ Summer 2020 enrollment with IES Abroad will be cancelled. If students have already submitted their confirmation deposit, this will be refunded and they will not be responsible for any costs to IES Abroad or the University of Auckland.
  • Communications were sent to confirmed Auckland Summer 2020 students, their parents, and home schools.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

  • To follow up on our program suspension message for Australia and New Zealand, we have important information regarding online courses.
  • Many of the universities we work with have decided to offer all or some of their courses online. We have developed a new resource on our website to provide you with up-to-date information on which schools are offering online courses. Universities are continuously updating their policies and online course lists. We will continue to update this resource as changes are made. There may be limitations on particular class offerings at some institutions. Please check with your IES Abroad Center staff for more information.
  • If you want to study remotely, you may do so with your home college/university’s authorization. If interested, follow these fast and simple steps to request authorization to take your IES Abroad courses online remotely from home.
    • STEP 1: Go to www.IESabroad.org/myiesabroad and log into your MyIESabroad account
    • STEP 2: Click on the link for the Spring 2020 Online Learning Form
    • STEP 3: Complete the 5-question form and click submit
    • STEP 4: IES Abroad will contact your home college/university, and we will follow up with you once we receive their response.
  • Note: Some direct enrollment, partner university courses, internships, service learning, and other experiential learning may not be available online. Please refer to our Partner University Online Course Status webpage and/or contact your IES Abroad Center staff for more information.
  • Communications were sent to Auckland, Christchurch, and Sydney students, their parents, and home schools.

CAMBRIDGE

  • Students recently received a message from Geeta Kasanga, the Deputy Director of International Programmes at Pembroke-King’s College, that the Cambridge Pembroke-King’s Summer Programme has been cancelled. Director Kasanga explained that the difficult decision to cancel the program was to account for “the international uncertainty facing us all with the spread of COVID-19.”
  • If students still interested in studying abroad this summer, they should contact their IES Abroad Advisor to discuss other IES Abroad program options in London, Dublin, or elsewhere. Any change would be subject to approval of their home institution.
  • Because this is a direct enrollment program, students’ Summer 2020 enrollment with IES Abroad will be cancelled. If students have already submitted their confirmation deposit, this will be refunded and they will not be responsible for any costs to IES Abroad or Cambridge.
  • Communications were sent to confirmed Cambridge Summer 2020 students, their parents, and home schools.

LONDON
This message was sent to London Direct Enrollment University College London confirmed students.

  • University College London (UCL) has canceled both Session 1 and Session 2 of their Summer 2020 term. UCL explained that the difficult decision to cancel the program was made in “response to the rapid spread of COVID-19, following advice and guidance issued by Public Health England (PHE), the National Health Service (NHS) and World Health Organization (WHO).”
  • Because this is a direct enrollment program, students’ Summer 2020 University College London enrollment with IES Abroad will be cancelled. If they have already submitted the confirmation deposit, this will be refunded and students will not be responsible for any costs to IES Abroad or University College London.
  • If students are still interested in studying abroad this summer, they should contact their IES Abroad Advisor to discuss other IES Abroad program options in London, Dublin, or elsewhere. Any change would be subject to approval of students’ home institution.
  • Communications were sent to confirmed UCL students, parents, and home schools.

     

March 19, 2020

RABAT

  • After closely following advisories from the US Centers for Disease Control regarding the coronavirus, and with guidance from our Crisis Management Team, outside experts, our on-site Center staff, and health professionals, and in light of the State of Emergency declared by the Moroccan government, we are announcing the suspension of programming at the IES Abroad Rabat Center.
  • Tonight, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Mission to Morocco have arranged special chartered flights for U.S. citizens and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents departing Marrakech International Airport on Friday, March 20, 2020, beginning at 11:30 a.m. local time. These flights will include a Marrakech to London Heathrow leg, and an onward connecting flight to one of 10 cities in the United States.
    • The IES Abroad Rabat Center will provide additional information to students about these flights, the costs, how to pay for them, and how to book them.
    • Students will be directed by IES Abroad staff to depart Morocco starting tomorrow, March 20, 2020, and return home.
  • In the absence of the above flights, leaving Morocco, at present, remains complicated by an official suspension of international air travel into and out of the country by the Moroccan government. Because of the official suspension and the daily changing availability of international commercial flights, we recommend students and their families submit a request for the flight options above ASAP.
  • Students may continue to seek flight options on their own. For students who have difficulty booking their flights due to the current suspension of international air traffic by the Moroccan government, they will be allowed to continue in their IES Abroad homestay until they have their flight booked or when the Moroccan government’s suspension on international air traffic is lifted, whichever is sooner.
  • Students should pay attention to announcements from the IES Abroad Rabat Center staff regarding options and to avoid delaying bookings, and to follow the US Embassy on social media for important updates.
  • IES Abroad Rabat has been holding its courses online since Monday of this week to be compliant with a Moroccan government order to suspend in-person instruction. Online instruction will continue through the remainder of the semester so students are able to finish their IES Abroad Rabat courses at home. We have also confirmed that students taking a course at Mohammed V University will be able to complete their courses from home.
  • Communications have been sent to Rabat students, their parents, and home schools.

TOKYO

  • IES Abroad decided to suspend our Spring 2020 programs in Tokyo due to concerns about student health related to the global coronavirus pandemic and specific conditions in Japan.
  • We would like to share some alternative options for students’ study abroad experience. Before making a decision, students should consult their school’s study abroad office to discuss which program options they will approve. We request that students confirm their decision with us by 4 p.m. CT on Friday April 3, 2020. These options include:
    • Transfer to the IES Abroad Tokyo Summer Program
    • Take courses online: As part of this suspension, we will offer IES Abroad-taught courses online so students can complete their coursework virtually and receive as much of their anticipated academic credit. IES Abroad Tokyo faculty are preparing to teach their area studies courses online from Tokyo. These courses will be recorded and made available to students via IES Abroad’s Moodle learning platform. Students may register for 15-18 online credits and will receive an IES Abroad transcript with official grades at the end of the semester. The Social Organization of Japan course and Anime & Manga course will not be taught in Spring 2020. Program details were shared, and more details and instructions about how to log in and access materials will be provided to students if they chose this option.
  • We recommend that students discuss billing, financial aid, and academic credit issues with their home school study abroad office as soon as possible, as some schools charge tuition and in light of potential academic credit issues and meeting course requirements.
  • Should students choose to transfer to the Tokyo Summer Program or elect the online credit option, they will need the approval of their school’s study abroad office.
  • Communications were sent to confirmed Tokyo students, parents, and home schools.
     

March 18, 2020

Update on Partner University Online Courses

  • As the coronavirus situation continues to develop, many of the universities we work with have decided to offer all or some of their courses online. For students who are taking courses at a partner university, we have developed a new resource on our website to provide students with up-to-date information on which schools are offering online courses.
  • The situation is quickly evolving, and universities are continuously updating their policies and online course lists. We will continue to update this resource as changes are made.
  • There may be limitations on particular class offerings at some institutions and how and when courses will be delivered will also vary greatly. Students should check with IES Abroad Center staff for more information.
  • Communications were shared with students who take some or all courses at a partner university, their parents, and home schools.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

  • Given the rapidly evolving situation around the world in how different nations are managing the challenges of containing the spread of COVID-19, we have made the decision to suspend programming at our Centers in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Students are directed to depart these countries by Friday, March 27th, and return to the United States. We strongly encourage students to leave sooner, if possible. Students in independent housing should understand that if they remain, the Center will not be able to support them. This also applies to students who leave their program location for another location outside of the United States.
  • We are in discussions with university partners in these two countries to explore and identify ways for students to complete their host university courses online, also with the goal of providing as much anticipated academic credit as possible. More information on the current availability and planning for online coursework is available on our website.
  • Students who are not US citizens: We are very sensitive to the fact that some students who are not US citizens will not be able to return to their home countries or to the United States. These students may remain in their current housing and will continue to receive IES Abroad support services to the extent possible in their program location.
  • Communications were sent to Australia and New Zealand students, their parents, and home schools.

BARCELONA

  • Several Spring 2020 students have reported being tested and confirmed being COVID-19 positive. Based on these reports, our medical consultant has advised us that it is best for students to practice social distancing with others. Further, if students live with someone who is immunocompromised, it may be best for students to self-quarantine at this time. This decision should be made in consultation with your health provider.
  • For Barcelona students still in Barcelona, and experience fever, cough, tightness of the chest or difficulty breathing:
    • Inform the Student Affairs Team at the Barcelona Center. Center staff can assist students in scheduling a medical appointment for an examination, if and as needed.
    • Remain in their housing until a medical appointment is confirmed by IES Abroad Center staff and isolate yourself while waiting for a specialized healthcare professional to arrive.
  • For Barcelona students who have left Barcelona or returned home, and if they experience any of the above symptoms:
    • Please seek medical attention and notify IES Abroad if they are diagnosed with COVID-19. 
  • We also shared prevention steps to help protect against exposure to the coronavirus.
  • Communications were sent to Barcelona students, their parents, and home schools.

DUBLIN, LONDON & OXFORD – DIRECT ENROLLMENT STUDENTS

University Partner Online Course Update

We are writing to you with an update on our partner universities. As the coronavirus situation continues to develop, many of the universities we work with have decided to offer all or some of their courses online. We have developed a new resource on our website to provide you with up to date information on which schools are offering online courses. Please find this new page here.

The situation is quickly evolving, and universities are continuously updating their policies and online course lists. We will continue to update this resource as changes are made. There may be limitations on particular class offerings at some institutions. Please check with your IES Abroad Center staff for more information.

If you want to study remotely, you may do so with your home college/university’s authorization. If interested, follow these fast and simple steps to request authorization to take your IES Abroad courses online remotely from home.

STEP 1: Go to www.IESabroad.org/myIESabroad, and log into your MyIESabroad account
STEP 2: Click on the link for the Spring 2020 Online Learning Request Form
STEP 3: Complete the 5-question form and click submit
STEP 4: IES Abroad will contact your home college/university, and we will follow up with you once we receive their response.

Note: Some direct enrollment, partner university courses, internships, service learning, and other experiential learning may not be available online. Please contact your IES Abroad Center staff for more information.

NEW YORK

  • IES Abroad has decided to suspend our Summer 2020 Internship Program in New York due to concerns about student health related to the coronavirus outbreak.
  • IES Abroad is here to help students with any questions or concerns they may have concerning the suspension of the program in New York.
  • For students who intended to earn credit for this program, we recommend that they also discuss academic concerns with their home school as soon as possible.
  • It is also important for students to discuss this information with their families as soon as possible. 
  • Please know that we are still here to assist students in their career readiness, offering résumé and cover letter reviews, as well as mock interviews.
  • Communications were sent to New York interns and those interested in interning in New York, their parents, and home schools.  

 

March 16, 2020

LONDON

  • As students have all been informed yesterday, IES Abroad decided to suspend all Spring 2020 programs in London.
  • While students have been encouraged to leave as soon as possible, students who were not able to secure flights immediately can email the Center staff to address questions about housing, field study, academic programming, etc.
  • All IES Abroad courses will be going online starting next Monday, March 23rd.
  • If students haven’t heard from their professors already, they should expect to hear from them in the next few days. As we clarify synchronous teaching slots, we’ll issue a new timetable, and our professors will also be contacting students to clarify the plan moving forward for each lesson/assessment. Note that approaches to finishing courses, based on the discipline and other unique factors, may vary significantly. In short, there will not be a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Because there are no classes running at the Center, staff are mostly working off-site, and Center hours will be reduced.
  • While many student questions will be addressed in the days and weeks ahead by our headquarters in Chicago, the London Center and faculty can help as much as possible.
  • Communications were sent to London students, their parents, and home schools.

PARIS

  • This evening at 8 p.m., French President Macron addressed the nation and announced new measures to combat the spread of Covid-19.
  • As of Tuesday, March 17th, at noon, individuals must shelter in place and will not be allowed to leave their homes except to shop for food and for medical care.
  • People working in essential services will be allowed to go to work. This country-wide quarantine will last for at least 15 days, beginning on March 17th.
  • For students who will need to get to one of the Paris airports this week, news reports indicate that public transportation will continue to function (albeit with fewer trains and subways than usual), so please check the public transportation schedule before leaving for the airport. To date, departing students have had no difficulty reserving taxis and Ubers, and there are still flights going from Paris to the United States as of this writing. Nevertheless, students should be sure to check with their airline before heading to the airport.
  • Communications were sent to Paris Business & International Affairs and Paris French Studies students, their parents, and home schools.

SANTIAGO

  • After closely following advisories from the CDC regarding the coronavirus and with guidance from our Crisis Management Team, outside experts, our on-site center staff, and health professionals, we are announcing today the additional suspensions of the following Spring 2020 programs in South America:
    • Multi-Location Emerging Economies: Buenos Aires & Santiago
    • Santiago Health Studies
    • Santiago Politics, Social Justice & Language
  • In managing the coronavirus crisis, our priority has been the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff worldwide, delivering high-quality academic programming, and to the best of our ability, providing academic credit to students and schools.
  • The Chilean government will suspend all inbound international flights as of Wednesday, March 18th, and Argentina has suspended many flight routes, as well. As such, students are directed by IES Abroad to depart Argentina and Chile by Wednesday, March 18, while flights are available and return to the United States. We strongly encourage students to leave sooner, if possible. This also applies to students who leave their program location for another location outside of the United States.
  • As part of these suspensions, we will offer IES Abroad-taught courses online so that students can complete their coursework virtually and receive as much of their anticipated academic credit as possible.
  • Our university partners in Chile also are committed to our students’ academic continuity and will allow students to complete most university courses online, with the exception of highly experiential courses. More information will follow regarding these types of direct enrollment programs.
  • Students who are not US citizens: We are very sensitive to the fact that some students who are not US citizens will not be able to return to their home countries or to the United States. These students may remain in their current housing and will continue to receive IES Abroad support services to the extent possible in their program location.
  • We understand that this decision may disappoint some students, but the situation in each of the countries listed above continues to deteriorate rapidly. We believe remaining in these countries can no longer satisfy the cultural experiences intended in studying abroad. There is a significant risk of health care systems in Chile becoming overwhelmed, and students not being able to access health care assistance, if needed. With countries closing borders and airlines suspending flights, we encourage students to act as quickly as possible.
  • Communications were sent to students on our Santiago and Multi-Location Emerging Economies students, their parents, and home schools.
     

March 15, 2020

Suspension of IES Abroad Programs in Europe, Ecuador, Argentina, and South Africa

IES Abroad is sending you this very important message regarding the coronavirus and IES Abroad programs worldwide.

After closely following advisories from the CDC regarding the coronavirus and with guidance from our Crisis Management Team, outside experts, our on-site Center staff, and health professionals, we are announcing today the suspension of programming at Centers in the following countries:

  • Argentina
  • Austria
  • Ecuador
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • UK

In managing the coronavirus crisis, our priority has been the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff worldwide, delivering high-quality academic programming, and to the best of our ability, providing academic credit to students and schools.

As such, students will be directed by IES Abroad to depart these countries by Saturday, March 21, and return to the United States. We strongly encourage students to leave sooner, if possible. Students in independent housing should understand that if they remain, the Center will not be able to support them. This also applies to students who leave their program location for another location outside of the United States.

As part of these suspensions, we will offer IES Abroad-taught programs online so that students can complete their coursework virtually and receive as much of their anticipated academic credit as possible.

We are in discussions with university partners in these countries to explore and identify ways for students to complete their host university courses online, also with the goal of providing as much anticipated academic credit as possible. More information will follow regarding these types of direct enrollment programs.

Students who are not US citizens

We are very sensitive to the fact that some students who are not US citizens will not be able to return to their home countries or to the United States. These students may remain in their current housing and will continue to receive IES Abroad support services to the extent possible in their program location.

We understand that this decision may disappoint some students, but the situation in each of the countries listed above continues to deteriorate rapidly. We believe remaining in these countries can no longer satisfy the cultural experiences intended in studying abroad. There is a significant risk of health care systems in Europe becoming overwhelmed and students not being able to access health care assistance, if needed. With countries closing borders and airlines suspending flights, we encourage students to act as quickly as possible.

Should you have any questions about this decision, please contact IES Abroad Student Services at 312.944.1750.

March 15, 2020

RABAT

  • The Moroccan government announced that international flights into and out of Morocco would be suspended until further notice.
  • IES Abroad will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep students updated as to any new information we receive either from the Moroccan government, the US Embassy in Rabat, and our global risk management firm.
  • As soon as the international flight restrictions are lifted, students wishing to return to the US may resume with their plans to do so. Until then and after, we will continue the program as previously announced, with classes going online as of tomorrow, Monday, March 16th.
  • We will delay mid-term exams to the week of March 23rd. We will also be implementing regular check-in with students.
  • We will continue to plan small-scale indoor activities that are outside of the Center for smaller groups of students as we are able. We also plan to continue the desert trip and are, in fact, rescheduling it to March 19-21.
  • We also shared precautionary and preventative measures if students begin to feel unwell.
  • Communications were sent to Rabat students, their parents, and home schools.
     

March 14, 2020

BERLIN

  • As a follow-up to the meeting with Berlin students today:
    • Students should email Berlin Center staff to let us know (1) if and when students will leave Berlin and (2) where they plan to stay in the U.S. or elsewhere. We need this information to determine their time zone for online teaching.
    • The IES Abroad Berlin Center is open with staff to support our students. For the class sessions scheduled today and tomorrow, the faculty will be on-site for classes, but students’ attendance is optional.
    • We will move spring break to next week, with no classes taking place from March 16-20. This will give students some time to settle in and catch up with their course readings.
    • Online class sessions will start on Monday, March 23. We will contact students with all necessary information. The semester will end on May 30, as planned.
  • Communications have been sent to Berlin students, their parents, and home schools.

ECUADOR

  • The Ecuadorian Government has issued a decree that will suspend all international flight arrivals starting at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 15th. Additionally, the deadline for all final outbound departures from Ecuador will be on Monday, March 16th. The flight suspension period will be at least 21 days, but it could be extended.
  • This decree was enacted to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Ecuador currently has 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19, so these are steps intended to protect citizens and visitors in Ecuador.
  • All IES Abroad programs are continuing, and we will be offering online instruction. Students who choose to depart Ecuador may do so and continue both IES Abroad and USFQ/GAIAS classes online from their final destination.
  • Given the newly announced restrictions for international arrivals, and their unknown end date, we anticipate that a number of students will choose to leave Ecuador on or before Monday, March 16th. With such a short deadline, students choosing to depart the country should start the process as soon as possible to obtain availability on an outbound flight.
  • For students who choose to stay in Ecuador, our on-site staff will be available to provide health, safety, and academic support.
  • Students currently in the Galápagos Islands studying on the GAIAS Program are booked on midday flights occurring on Sunday, March 15th, from San Cristobal to Quito that will allow sufficient time to board one of the United States-bound flights that depart late Sunday evening or on Monday.
  • Communications were sent to Quito and Galápagos Islands students, parents, and home schools.

ENGLAND & IRELAND

  • We’re writing to you in response to the new directive issued today by the US government. Based upon the information we have at this time, it appears that all travel from the United Kingdom and Ireland will be suspended, effective midnight on Monday, March 16th. The same exclusions that are a part of the already existing European travel restrictions appear to also apply to the UK and Ireland, which means that the directive does not appear to apply to US citizens.
  • However, individuals trying to return to the United States who are not US citizens will be banned, starting at midnight on Monday, March 16th.
  • We anticipate that US citizens returning to the US may be subject to inspections or examinations, but those details appear to not have been fully defined, as of this moment.
  • Both US citizens and non-US citizens on IES Abroad programs can remain in their current location and stay in their current housing. Students who choose to stay in their current location can continue classes from their location and receive the same student health, safety and academic support you have been receiving throughout the spring term.
  • If you wish to return to the United States, you have two options:
    • Option 1: Try to book a flight with the airline you already have a ticket with.
    • Option 2: Book your flight back to the US via AXA, a partner of our student health insurer, CISI.
    • As a reminder, non-US citizens have only until midnight on Monday to leave Europe.
    • Please inform a Center staff member of your plans, including any travel itineraries. If necessary, Center staff members are also available to talk about options for online learning, where possible.
  • Communications have been sent to London, Oxford, and Dublin students, their parents, and home schools.

NEW ZEALAND

  • The Prime Minister of New Zealand has announced that all persons arriving in New Zealand for the next 16 days will need to self-isolate for 14 days. Because students are already in New Zealand, they can go about their studies and life in New Zealand without needing to self-isolate. This restriction goes into effect at midnight on Sunday, March 15th. The government will review this practice at the end of the 16 days to ascertain if it should be extended.
  • Instruction at the University of Auckland and the University of Canterbury are continuing, and IES Abroad programs in Auckland and Christchurch continue to operate normally. IES Abroad has no plans to suspend or cancel our programs in New Zealand.
  • Due to these newly imposed travel restrictions, please consider the following:
    • Students should not book flights or travel out of New Zealand unless they are traveling home to the United States with no intention of returning to the country.
    • We strongly discourage independent travel during this period. If students do travel, they should carefully consider where they travel during the break; ideally, only travel in the South Island and avoid large crowds, concerts etc.
    • If students have friends or family planning trips to New Zealand in the coming months, we would strongly discourage them from doing so during this period of uncertainty regarding travelers entering the country. We do not know when the self-isolation directive will expire and the new travel entry requirements could effectively cancel their travel arrangements.
  • Communications were sent to Auckland and Christchurch students, their parents, and home schools.

RABAT

  • Moroccan government has mandated the suspension of in-person instruction and our classes will be online, starting Monday, March 16.
  • To prevent the spread of COVID-19 into Morocco from Europe, the Moroccan government has been halting air traffic between Morocco and certain countries in Europe, which includes Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands. No end date has yet been given for this ban on flights.
  • At present, direct flights between Morocco and the United States are unaffected. We also know that, as of today, other major airports in the Mediterranean region have no flight restrictions between Morocco and the United States, e.g. Istanbul. However, knowing that many of our students book flights with stops in Europe, I wanted students to be aware of the situation and of the US Embassy’s current statement.
  • We intend to continue our program to the scheduled program end date of May 16. By that time, the ban may be lifted. If it is not lifted, however, or if a student’s home school in the U.S. and/or their parents feel they should return home earlier, they will have to work with the airline on rerouting their trip home. If the airline has difficulty finding a route for the student and/or does not propose a route that they like, the student may also utilize AXA, a service provided through our student health insurance plan, to find other options.
  • As a reminder, the number of reported COVID-19 cases in Morocco remains low in comparison to most countries in Europe and the U.S.
  • The Center staff is scheduling a meeting with on-site students on Sunday night or Monday to have further discuss and/or ask questions.
  • Communications have been sent to Rabat students, their parents, and home schools.
     

March 13, 2020

AMSTERDAM

  • The Netherlands has decided to suspend all activity in academic centers, including local universities in Amsterdam, in light of the recent COVID-19 situation, and to cancel events or gatherings with more than 100 participants. This suspension will be effective starting March 13 and ending March 31.
  • All three of our local partner universities, the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), The Vrije Universiteit (VU), and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) are affected by this mandate.
  • Students should comply with this requirement and cease attendance at their partner university courses as instructed.
  • IES Abroad Amsterdam staff is actively working with the partner universities to understand the implications on course completion and academic credit for our students and will be in touch with updates.
    • University of Amsterdam (Social Sciences & Humanities Program)
      The University of Amsterdam announced there will be no teaching or exams (unless they can be done online) on the UvA campus from March 13-March 31. The UvA reiterated that they are working on solutions. They are focusing on courses taught in Block 4, for teaching and exam options, and then will consider possibilities for Block 5 courses. Information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
    • Vrije Universiteit (Psychology & Science, Law & Criminology, Business & Economics Programs)
      The Vrije Universiteit announced that there will no teaching or exams will take place on the VU Campus from March 13-31. For courses in Block 4, slated to end March 27, any exams scheduled in the week of March 16-20 will be postponed. For the exams in the week of March 23-27 or later, alternatives are being researched. Students will receive information about this from the VU via Canvas on Tuesday, March 17. The VU is also exploring options for Block 5, which starts March 31, though we have no information yet.
    • Conservatorium von Amsterdam (Music Program)
      The CvA announced that there will no teaching or exams on their campus from March 13-31. Because of the specialized musical instruction at the CvA, the University is carefully discussing and investigating options with their faculty and will share information as soon as decisions are announced.
  • IES Abroad Course Update: Online Instruction
    As previously shared, we will conduct all IES Abroad classes online from Monday, March 16 through March 30th. Our faculty and staff are prepared for this contingency. There will be no in-person classes offered during this time period.
    • Students should expect communications from their instructors with specific instructions regarding how each of their courses will be organized relative to online courses.
    • We will be sending out online instruction guidance shortly for students’ reference.
    • Students in Amsterdam and students who have returned home the U.S. will be able to access recordings of the IES Abroad courses via Moodle and Big Blue Button.
  • IES Abroad Center Access
    • During this time, we will limit our staff presence in the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center. The Center will be open 9-5 p.m. Staff will be available by email and phone, and we are always available via the IES Abroad Emergency Phone and email.
  • Ongoing Safety and Prevention
    • We urge students to continue to follow the safety precautions sent at the beginning of the virus outbreak to help prevent the unlikely possibility of infection. We strongly discourage you from attending large events in public, avoiding public transportation to the extent practicable, and remaining in your IES housing as much as possible during this time.
  • Independent Travel Update
    • IES Abroad strongly discourages independent travel at this time. If an IES Abroad student engages in independent travel to a country with more COVID-19 cases than there are in their IES Abroad host country; and a member of the student’s residence hall staff or residents, or one or more of the student’s roommates are not comfortable living with the student upon their return, then IES Abroad will not require them to accept the traveling IES Abroad student back into their housing. If an objection is registered with IES Abroad, the student returning from travel will be moved to other IES Abroad housing. If no surplus housing is available through the Center, then the traveling student must find their own alternative housing at their own expense for 14 days; or, for the remainder of the IES Abroad program if no alternative housing is available.
  • In addition, following the request of the Dutch government, please note that most museums in the Netherlands will be closed until the end of March, and any gatherings of more than 100 people will be cancelled (concerts, sporting events, etc).
  • Communications were sent to Amsterdam students, their parents, and home schools.

BUENOS AIRES

  • The Argentine government has issued a decree suspending flight arrivals from the United States, Europe, and several countries in Asia for 30 days.
  • In response, the U.S. Embassy in Argentina released an advisory recommending that U.S. citizens arrange their return flight before the ban impacts travel.
  • For LASC and ASI students currently staying on-site through the program end date in June or for those finishing the Emerging Economies Program in Chile, this 30-day ban should not impact students’ original itinerary. Both programs end well after the ban expires.
  • Students who plan to depart their programs early and finish their programs online from the U.S. should consider the impact. If students decide at a later date to leave the program early, they should still have access to flight routes with layovers in another Latin American city before connecting to the United States.
  • We still have no plans to discontinue our programming and are continuing our courses and operations at IES Abroad Buenos Aires.
  • Those who have been told to depart the country by their university please know that we will continue to offer most of our classes online, which will allow students to engage and complete their coursework. This includes PEL courses from our partner university, Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA).
  • Communications have been sent to all Buenos Aires students, their parents, and their home schools.

FREIBURG

  • We are writing to students with important programmatic updates:
    • Field Trip Updates: We have decided to cancel the optional field trip to Berlin for ESS and LAS students. We are working to arrange alternate activities in or near Freiburg during should circumstances permit and will be in touch next week with details. With greatest reluctance, we have also decided to cancel the Member States Trip. We will inform students soon about the resulting changes in the schedule of the EU Program.
    • Online Learning: We are actively working with faculty to facilitate online learning options for students who are required to return home, or who receive their home school’s authorization to do so. If this applies to students, please refer to the “Online Learning” message sent by IES Abroad for next steps.
    • Continued Support: As a reminder, our staff are available should students need to speak with us regarding any questions or concerns. We can also arrange for students to speak with a counselor if they would like additional support. Please reach out directly to a member of our staff for details.
    • Revised Independent Travel Policy: If students engage in independent travel to a country with more COVID-19 cases than there are in Germany, and a member of their residence hall staff or residents, or one or more of the student’s roommates are not comfortable living with them upon their return, then the student will be required to move out of their IES Abroad-provided housing and secure alternative housing for 14 days, or in some cases for the remainder of the term, at the student’s expense. Students’ independent travel not only puts their health at risk but also the health of those people with whom they live.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Freiburg, their parents, and their home schools, with health updates and precautions.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

  • The Ecuadorian Minister of Education addressed the nation last night, announcing that all schools and universities must discontinue in-person instruction starting today, in order to help reduce the risk of Coronavirus exposure to citizens. No end date to the closure was announced.
  • Our partner university, USFQ, subsequently announced that they would suspend in-person classes at the Cumbaya Campus in Quito, as well as at their GAIAS Center in the Galápagos Islands. The GAIAS Center is committed to the continuity of students’ academic experience; and, as such, faculty will offer courses online when Module 4 begins on March 23rd. Some courses may require changes in assignments because fieldwork will be limited.
  • Because of the limited internet bandwidth on San Cristobal, GAIAS is requiring all students to relocate to the Quito area until in-person course delivery is suspended.
  • Spring break will still take place next week, and IES Abroad students may still participate in the Island Hopping Excursion. However, GAIAS will arrange for students’ transfer to Quito on March 21st or 22nd (original return date was April 10th), depending on available flights. Housing will be provided for the full-time students are in Quito.
  • Students who are required to depart Ecuador by their home universities may participate in their courses from the United States. We expect that USFQ will have online options for Modules 4 and 5, even if the program resumes in-person classes, but not all courses may be offered.
  • USFQ plans to send students a message providing additional details about the plan described above.
  • Communications were sent to Galápagos Islands students, their parents, and home schools.

LONDON

  • For the week of March 16-20:
  • All Standard IES Abroad London Courses: We have decided to suspend all formal lectures for the coming week. This decision was made based on the following:
    • For students who have gone home, we feel it important to give them a little time and space to get more settled and prepared to resume their IES Abroad academic programming.
    • For our faculty, who have obviously had little warning and time to prepare their course in a different format, another week of consultation, training, and discussion will result in a better conceived transition.
    • For those students still on-site, we will be meeting with faculty members during the normally scheduled class time to work on making content and course materials available online. Although there won’t be any lectures next week, students are welcome to contact any professor and confirm a time to meet during the class time window and when they will be on location.
    • For students also taking a single course at City University or Queen Mary, both have committed now to pursuing possible ways for students to complete their courses regardless of location.
    • For those internship/service learning students who have left London, the IES Abroad internship/service learning team will be working with students individually regarding remote work and/or new projects.
  • All Direct Enrollment Students at British Universities: While policies are evolving, we are advocating a path for full course completion, regardless of whether students are in London/Oxford or have gone home. While we are working with these schools and will serve as an appropriate liaison between all parties, it is essential that students read and follow all instructions/directions coming to them directly from the universities.
  • Online Courses via Big Blue Button: Starting the week of March 23rd, students’ standard IES Abroad courses will be available on Moodle through the use of various tools, and primarily with Big Blue Button (BBB).
  • Group Work/Presentations for Standard IES Abroad Courses: We are aware that some students have expressed concerns regarding required group work and presentations. Please note students will not be penalized if they are unable to participate in such activities, and that alternate forms of assessment may be organized. The same holds true for final exams/assessments. Please don’t worry about this for now. We will simply need a bit of time to develop a plan.
  • Communications have been sent to all London students, their parents, and their home schools.

QUITO

  • The Ecuadorian Minister of Education addressed the nation last night, announcing that all schools and universities must discontinue in-person instruction starting today, in order to help reduce the risk of Coronavirus exposure to citizens. No end date to the closure was announced.
  • For Students Who Take All/Some of Their Courses at the IES Abroad Center:
    • In response to this decree, IES Abroad faculty will begin to offer IES Abroad courses online starting Monday, March 16. Our faculty are thoroughly trained and prepared to provide online instruction via Moodle and Big Blue Button for each IES Abroad course.
    • For IES Abroad classes in Quito on Monday and beyond, we ask students to log into their course using Big Blue Button in Moodle at the usual time, if possible. If students are in a time zone that makes it difficult to log in at the time of their class or if they encounter technical difficulties, a recording of the class session will be available. We also shared academic guidelines.
  • For Students Who Take All/Some of Their Courses at USFQ:
    • Our partner university USFQ also announced they will suspend in-person classes at the Cumbaya Campus, as well as at the GAIAS Center in the Galápagos Islands.
    • Like IES Abroad, USFQ will be able to deliver nearly all courses online (except for highly experiential courses, such as art- or sports-related courses). They have extensive experience with the use of educational technology.
    • The University will begin online learning on Monday, March 16, but some faculty may need additional time to begin delivering their courses online.
    • USFQ will email students directly with some additional information, and students can always reach out to their professors there.
  • The Center may have limited opening hours starting next week. Our on-site staff will share that information in future communications, but know our staff remain available to students when and as needed via phone and email.
  • Communications were sent to Quito students, their parents, and home schools.

SALAMANCA

  • We write with important updates about students’ academic experience and safety.
  • Local University Update
    • Universidad de Salamanca (USAL): The Universidad de Salamanca has announced a provisional suspension of all academic activities, until further notice from health authorities. We suspect that the university will allow each department/faculty member to make a decision as to how students can receive credit given the current situation, but do not have an official update on next steps and the feasibility of online learning at this moment.
    • Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (UPSA): Similarly, UPSA plans to suspend all in-person academic activities. UPSA is working to ensure all coursework is available in their online portal, allowing students to continue their academic experience online and receive credit for all coursework.
    • Both suspensions begin today, Friday, March 13. We do not have information on the duration of these suspensions but will update students when we hear more.
  • IES Abroad Course Update: Online Instruction
    • IES Abroad will conduct classes online starting Friday, March 13. Our faculty and staff are prepared for this contingency. Students should expect communications from their instructors with specific instructions regarding how each course will be organized relative to online courses.
    • There will be no in-person classes offered during this time period.
    • Please note that some courses that would normally be offered on Friday may not be offered until later in the week. We will ensure recovery of any cancelled or delayed IES Abroad courses.
    • Note: Should students’ home school mandate or approve their return to the U.S., please see the recent email from IES Abroad (Subject line “Online learning” with details on next steps and notify IES Abroad Salamanca staff immediately). Students will continue their courses online from the United States.
  • IES Abroad Center Access
    During this time, we will limit our staff presence at the IES Abroad Salamanca Center, and staff will work remotely as much as possible. Nevertheless, all staff will be available by email and phone, and we are always available via the IES Abroad Emergency Phone for any emergencies and to provide students with student health, safety, and academic support.
  • Communications have been sent to all Salamanca students, their parents, and their home schools.

SANTIAGO

  • As of March 12th, there are 33 coronavirus cases reported in Chile, including 14 cases in the Santiago metropolitan region. All the people with cases in the metropolitan region of Santiago are in isolation.
  • No IES Abroad student, faculty, or staff member has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • We have no plans to discontinue our programming in Santiago and are continuing our courses and operations at the IES Abroad Santiago Center. All university classes are continuing as scheduled.
  • Students whose universities require them to depart their study abroad program will be able to complete most IES Abroad-taught courses online. With home university approval, this option also is available for students who choose to depart voluntarily. Our faculty are trained and prepared to deliver this option. University courses and highly experiential courses, such as the Clinical Observation Seminar, may well not be available in this format.
  • All students are advised not to engage in independent travel out of the country for the time being. If students leave Chile, we cannot provide the same level of health and safety support that we can provide to them here. In addition, if students travel, we cannot guarantee that students will be able to return to participate in their academic work. In that regard, please keep in mind that some countries are introducing mandatory preventative measures (including quarantine or medical checks upon arrival in the country) for people arriving from countries that have cases of the coronavirus.
  • The IES Abroad Santiago Center is operating as normal. As mentioned above, the faculty have prepared to offer online courses to all students in case we need it in the weeks ahead. This means that, if it becomes necessary, students would be completing IES Abroad courses online. We are in close contact with our partner universities about their planning.
  • Communications were sent to Santiago students, their parents, and home schools.

SPAIN

  • The Prime Minister of Spain announced today that the Spanish government will declare a state of emergency, effective tomorrow (March 14), for up to 15 days.
  • Once the state of emergency takes effect, the government will have the authority to undertake, among other things,
    • limiting the circulation or location of people or vehicles during certain hours;
    • enforcing the observance of specific requirements;
    • intervening and temporarily occupying businesses;
    • rationing certain basic necessities and the use of certain services;
    • and issuing necessary orders to help ensure the supply of markets, products, and the operation of services.
  • Precautionary Measures
    • We are waiting for more specific details as this directive may be applied differently across cities within Spain. It is possible that restaurants, public transport, and other businesses will modify their hours or even temporarily cease operations, especially if required by the government in order to help prevent or limit the spread of COVID-19. Some cities have begun to close or modify hours, but basic services, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, remain open. Schools and universities have already suspended all academic activities in Spain.
    • At this time, we advise students to stay in their housing as much as possible. Should students have any concerns about acquiring necessary healthcare items or groceries, they should reach out to the IES Abroad on-site staff at their Center.
  • Academic Continuity
    • The IES Abroad Barcelona and Madrid Centers are currently offering all IES Abroad courses online, and the Salamanca and Granada Centers will begin to do so now. Students will receive more details about online course delivery from their professors and local staff as needed.
  • Staying in Spain or Returning to the United States
    • Some U.S. colleges and universities have required their students to leave Spain. Students may choose to depart Spain and complete their classes online if their home university requires doing so or approves it.
    • Our staff on-site will continue to provide on-site support to students who choose to stay in Spain, including health, safety, security and academic support. Our on-site staff also will provide students who choose to return home with academic support. We urge students to reach out directly to our on-site staff for assistance.
  • Please know that we are closely monitoring conditions on the ground in Spain and will continue to do so. If we deem it necessary, we will not hesitate to suspend the on-site portion of our programs.
  • In addition, we will continue to offer IES Abroad classes online for the duration of the semester. We will resume in-person IES Abroad classes, too, if and as conditions are appropriate for doing so.
  • Communications have been sent to all Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, and Salamanca students, their parents, and their home schools.

 

March 12, 2020

Important Update - Requesting Authorization for Online Classes

We are in the process of making IES Abroad Center standard program classes available online. If students want to study remotely, they may do so with their home college/university’s authorization. If interested, students should follow these fast and simple steps to request authorization to take their IES Abroad courses online remotely from home.

  • STEP 1: Go to www.IESabroad.org, and log into their MyIESabroad account
  • STEP 2: Click on the link for the Spring 2020 Online Learning Request Form
  • STEP 3: Complete the 5-question form and click submit
  • STEP 4: IES Abroad will contact their home college/university, and we will follow up with them once we receive their response.

Note: Direct enrollment, partner university courses, internships, service learning, and other experiential learning may not be available online. Please contact your IES Abroad Center staff for more information.

DUBLIN
This message applies to students on IES Abroad Dublin standard programs.

  • The Irish government has announced that universities must suspend in-person courses starting March 12th at 6 p.m.
  • In light of this decision, IES Abroad Dublin will offer IES Abroad courses online exclusively starting on Monday, March 16th.
  • Here are the most important points for students to be aware of:
    • IES Abroad Course Update: Starting on Monday, March 16th, students will need to access the classes via the Big Blue Button feature through Moodle. All of our faculty are training on the use of this feature, and we have been preparing for this contingency. Your faculty member will email you when next week’s class is available.
    • IES Abroad Center Access: As a result of a broad Irish government directive, the IES Abroad Dublin Center will be closed until March 30th. However, the IES Abroad Dublin staff will remain available by email and phone for all students, and we will be here to provide the same student health, safety, and academic support as always.
  • We also shared the wide-ranging measures that the Taoiseach announced, amounting to a general shutdown, to combat coronavirus. Measures, which will be implemented March 12-29.
  • Communications have been sent to all Dublin standard program students, their parents, and their home schools.

This message applies to students on IES Abroad Dublin Direct Enrollment programs.

  • The Irish government has announced that universities must suspend in-person courses starting March 12th at 6 p.m. The suspension period is currently scheduled to last for two weeks.
  • During this period the following institutions will operate as described here:
    • Trinity College Dublin: Classes will be available to students online starting from Monday, March 16.
    • University College Dublin: The University is currently on break, and classes will continue online starting from Monday, March 23.
    • Dublin City University: The University is suspending class for two weeks and classes will then resume online from Monday, March 30.
    • Gaiety School of Acting: The school is suspending class for two weeks. More information forthcoming.
  • As a result of a broad Irish government directive, the IES Abroad Dublin Center will be closed until March 30th. However, the IES Abroad Dublin staff will remain available by email and phone for all students, and we will be here to provide the same student health, safety, and academic support as always.
  • We also shared the wide-ranging measures that the Taoiseach announced, amounting to a general shutdown, to combat coronavirus. Measures, which will be implemented March 12-29.
  • Communications have been sent to all Dublin Direct Enrollment students, their parents, and their home schools.

GRANADA

  • Two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Granada.
  • Everyone in the IES Abroad Granada community is well.
  • We have no plans to discontinue our programming and are continuing our courses and operations at the IES Abroad Granada Center. IES Abroad Granada is operating as normal. However, our faculty have been put on alert that they may need to prepare for offering online courses using distance learning in the weeks ahead. This means that, if it becomes necessary, students would be engaging with and completing academic content online.
  • If students engage in independent travel to a country with more COVID-19 cases than there are in Spain, and a member of their residence hall staff or residents, or one or more of the student’s roommates are not comfortable living with them upon their return, then the student will be required to move out of their IES Abroad-provided housing and secure alternative housing for 14 days, or in some cases for the remainder of the term, at the student’s expense. Students’ independent travel not only puts their health at risk but also the health of those people with whom they live.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Granada, their parents, and their home schools, with health updates and precautions.

MADRID
This message applies to Spring 2020 Madrid Engineering students.

  • UC3M has notified us of their policy for international students in light of the recent academic activities suspension and current situation in Madrid.
    • UC3M is extending online learning options for the period of the suspension, through March 25th, as a temporary measure.
    • They currently recommend that all international students stay in Spain for the remainder of the term. In justified cases, they will offer continued online learning and remote exams when possible for the remainder of the term. We cannot guarantee this for all classes, but are pleased to see they are open to review and providing flexible solutions.
    • We have been in touch with the UC3M administration to advocate for our students and believe this is a reasonable response to the current situation.
  • In addition, students’ UC3M tutorial support will continue during the suspension. Students’ tutors will be in touch with them with details.
  • While our IES Abroad courses are offered online for all students during the required suspension, we will keep our IES Abroad courses offered online until the end of the semester for students who are required to or receive home school approval to leave Madrid.

NANTES

  • President Macron addressed the nation this evening, announcing that all schools and universities will close, starting Monday, March 16, with no end date specified.
  • The scheduled mid-terms will take place normally tomorrow, as will the Nantes Green Capital: A Model for Understanding the Green Economy class.
  • Starting Monday, March 16, IES Abroad Nantes will teach all IES Abroad classes online. We are fully prepared to offer online instruction via Moodle and Big Blue Button for each of your IES Abroad courses, except for the Practicum Theatre class.
    • We are working closely with Nantes students’ home institutions to help seek approval for online instruction.
    • We are also working to gather information from Université de Nantes and Ecole des Beaux-Arts on how faculty plan to proceed, in order to assess and evaluate your courses, to grade you and give you credits.
    • Guidelines for online learning were shared.
  • Following the measures that President Macron outlined, we advise you not to travel outside of Nantes and to limit your movements within the city.
  • Communications have been sent to all Nantes students, their parents, and their home school.

NICE

  • President Macron addressed the nation this evening, announcing that all schools and universities will close, starting Monday, March 16, with no end date specified.
  • Starting Monday, March 16, IES Abroad Nice will offer online instruction via Moodle and Zoom for each of our IES Abroad courses.
    • We are working closely with Nice students’ home institutions to help seek approval for online instruction.
    • Course schedules may be modified to accommodate students in different time zones, to the extent practicable. If you are in a time zone that makes it difficult to log in at the time of your class, or if you encounter technical difficulties, a recording of the class session will be available.
    • Guidelines for online learning were shared.
  • Our partner university SKEMA will offer online courses for the remainder of the semester. More information will be shared with you as soon as it becomes available.
  • Following the measures that President Macron outlined, we advise you not to travel outside of Nice and to limit your movements within the city.
  • Communications have been sent to all Nice students, their parents, and their home schools.

PARIS
This message applies to Paris Business & International Affairs (BIA) and Paris French Studies students.

  • President Macron addressed the nation this evening, announcing that all schools and universities will close, starting Monday, March 16, with no end date specified.
  • Starting Monday, March 16, IES Abroad Paris BIA and French Studies Centers will offer online instruction via Moodle and Zoom for each of our IES Abroad courses.
    • We are working closely with Paris students’ home institutions to help seek approval for online instruction.
    • We are also working to gather information from our partner universities in Paris on how they plan to proceed with academics and course delivery.
    • Course schedules may be modified to accommodate students in different time zones, to the extent practicable. If you are in a time zone that makes it difficult to log in at the time of your class, or if you encounter technical difficulties, a recording of the class session will be available.
    • Guidelines for online learning were shared.
  • Following the measures that President Macron outlined, we advise you not to travel outside of Paris and to limit your movements within the city.
  • Communications have been sent to all Paris students, their parents, and their home schools.

 

March 11, 2020

Urgent Travel Directive for Spring 2020 Students in Europe (Including Customized & Faculty-Led Programming)

We’re writing to you in response to the new directive issued tonight by President Donald Trump.

As you may know, the directive prevents travel from Europe to the United States, but the directive does not appear to apply to U.S. citizens. 

However, individuals trying to return to the United States who are not U.S. citizens will be banned from doing so starting at midnight on Friday night.

We anticipate that U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. may be subject to inspections or examinations, but those details do not appear to have been fully defined as of this moment.

Both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens on IES Abroad programs can remain in their current location and stay in their current housing. Students who choose to stay where they are and can continue classes and receive the same student health, safety and academic support they have been receiving throughout the spring term.

If you wish to return to the United States, you have two options:

  • Option 1: Try to book a flight with the airline you already have a ticket with.
  • Option 2: Book your flight back to the US via AXA, a partner of our student health insurer, CISI.  

As a reminder, non-US citizens only have until midnight on Friday to arrive in the U.S.

Please inform an IES Abroad Center staff member of your plans, including any travel itineraries. If necessary, Center staff members are also available to talk about options for online learning, where possible.

Our Center staff members have been alerted to the new directive and are prepared to assist students to the best of their ability.

Should you have questions regarding this rapidly developing situation, please contact your Center staff.

LONDON

  • Starting this week for some IES Abroad classes and beginning on Monday, March 16th, for all IES Abroad lectures (where possible), courses will be recorded and made available to IES Abroad students who have received approval from their home schools and have returned to the U.S.
  • Recordings will be firewall protected, and only available to those U.S.-based students for one week.
  • Students in London are still expected to attend the lecture at the IES Abroad Center/Monticello House.
  • Several IES Abroad Centers in countries with higher infection rates have moved their courses completely online. Should this become necessary in London, students will be given full information on how to access this from their residence hall, etc.
  • If students engage in independent travel to a country with more COVID-19 cases than there are in England, and a member of their residence hall staff or residents, or one or more of the student’s roommates are not comfortable living with them upon their return, then the student will be required to move out of their IES Abroad-provided housing and secure alternative housing for 14 days, or in some cases for the remainder of the term, at the student’s expense. Students’ independent travel not only puts their health at risk but also the health of those people with whom they live.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in London, their parents, and their home schools.

VIENNA

  • The Austrian government has announced that universities must suspend in-person courses starting Monday, March 16th. As of March 9th, 43 cases have been reported in Vienna.
  • In light of this decision, IES Abroad Vienna will begin offering IES Abroad courses online on Monday, March 16th.
  • Here are the most important points for students to be aware of:
    • IES Abroad Course Update: Starting on Monday, online classes will be held at the usual class time, taught by the same professor and following the same syllabus. Students will need to join the classes via the Big Blue Button feature of Moodle. All of our faculty are training on the use of this feature, and we have been preparing for this contingency.
    • Internships: Students may continue to work at their internship placements. If there are challenges posed due to the government restrictions, our internship team will communicate with the placements to see what type of online assignments could be made available for students. This will be done on a case-by-case basis in order to achieve a more favorable and personalized outcome for each student.
    • IES Abroad Center Access: Though courses will not be taught at the IES Abroad Center, the Center will remain open for students who wish to get resources from the library, to use practice rooms, etc. Staff will be available by email and phone for students, as well.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Vienna, their parents, and their home schools.

 

March 10, 2020

Refund Policy for Summer & Fall 2020 Students

  • In response to the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus, for all upcoming Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 standard study abroad and internship programs only, IES Abroad will issue full refunds of program fees (including the $500 Confirmation Deposit) for any payment submitted directly to IES Abroad for students who decide to withdraw up to the day before the program’s official published arrival date.
  • This policy means that IES Abroad – not students, parents, or schools – will bear those costs billed by IES Abroad in the event of a last-minute withdrawal from Summer or Fall 2020 programs. We have updated our refund policy as a gesture of support for and assistance to students, parents, and schools in these uncertain times.

 

BARCELONA

  • The number of cases of coronavirus has increased rapidly in Spain in the last few days. Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to take the following actions starting tomorrow.
  • IES Abroad Course Update:
    • We will suspend in-class instructions for two weeks (March 11-25). During this period, we will conduct all IES Abroad classes online.
    • For those students who have already been recalled to the U.S. by their universities, there will be no change to their courses.
    • For all the students that are in Barcelona, classes will be held at the usual class time, by the same professor and following the same syllabus.
    • Students will be required to attend class online at the scheduled time when the course is offered in Barcelona, and join the classes via the Big Blue Button feature of Moodle. All our faculty have been trained in the use of that feature, and we have prepared for this contingency.
  • Local University Update:
    • No announcement has been made by local universities in Barcelona about offering their courses online.
    • We have been told by some that our students at local partner universities we work with may be able to setup and offer some of their courses online.
  • Internships:
    • Our internship team will communicate with the placements tomorrow and will speak to each company to see what type of online assignments could be made available for our students. This will be done on a case-by-case basis in an effort to favorably impact our students’ experience.
  • IES Abroad Center Access:
    • During this time period, Center access will be limited to faculty and some staff members. Staff will be available by email and phone.
    • Students will be able to reach our emergency after hours phone in the event of an emergency as usual.
  • Ongoing Safety and Prevention:
    • We urge students to continue to follow the health precautions previously shared with them to help prevent the possibility of infection.
    • We strongly discourage students from attending large events in public and using public transportation to the extent practicable.
    • We suggest that students remain in their IES Abroad housing as much as possible during this time.
    • Local authorities have discouraged people from using emergency rooms at local hospitals at this time.
  • Independent Travel Update:
    • If students engage in independent travel to a country with more COVID-19 cases than there are in Spain, and a member of their residence hall staff or residents, or one or more of the student’s roommates are not comfortable living with them upon their return, then the student will be required to move out of their IES Abroad-provided housing and secure alternative housing for 14 days, or in some cases for the remainder of the term, at the student’s expense. Students’ independent travel not only puts their health at risk but also the health of those people with whom they live.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Barcelona, their parents, and their home schools.

DUBLIN

  • We learned today from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) that starting Wednesday, March 11, all TCD lectures will be delivered online for the rest of the semester.
  • Tutorials, seminars, and laboratory practicals will all continue to be given at TCD in the usual fashion (i.e. in person) while using social distancing protocols.
  • TCD has stated that they made this decision out of an abundance of caution in regard to the current situation with coronavirus in Ireland.
  • Though TCD is moving its lectures online, the IES Abroad Center and all IES Abroad student housing remain open and functioning as normal.
  • Communications have been sent to students on our Trinity College Dublin Direct Enrollment Program, their parents, and all home schools who have students in Dublin.

MILAN
This message applies to students who are in Milan or have been transferred from Milan to Rome.

  • We have consulted with the US Consulate in Milan and legal counsel for clarification on the government of Italy’s newest decree restricting travel in Italy.
  • We have been advised that Milan students who are now in Rome are under a government-imposed quarantine of 14 days, based on their time in Milan.
  • In Milan, everyone is subject to the regional mobility restrictions. In both cities, everyone must comply with these terms fully.
  • Our staff in Milan and Rome will continue to assist students with food, toiletries, and other means of health and safety support.
  • Students should prepare for next week’s midterm exams and coursework online as earlier communicated to them.
  • Students should not visit the Center in person until further notice.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Milan and those who’ve transferred from Milan to Rome, their parents, and their home schools.

ROME & SIENA

  • To follow up on our message from last night regarding the expanded travel restrictions imposed by the government of Italy, the new measure is not a quarantine, but a restriction on movement on the premise that all residents should stay indoors at home as much as possible to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
  • Students can sign a form available online attesting that they need to leave to return home.
    • We understand that travelers with attestations may be checked for recent travel history and for the coronavirus.
    • If they are found to be positive for the virus, they will be quarantined and assisted medically.
    • Rome and Siena staff will send the form to students with instructions on how to fill it out in order to show the document to police officers or health officials
  • We strongly recommend students on the Rome and Siena programs leave Italy as quickly as possible.
  • If students choose to remain in Italy, please be aware that they may face some the following conditions:
    • An overwhelmed healthcare system
    • Limited access to food and medicine
    • Increased mobility restrictions both inside and outside of Italy for possibly extended periods of time
  • Our staff onsite will assist students in completing documentation required for their travel.
  • To arrange travel please work directly with your airline or call AXA Assistance.
  • Both our Rome and Siena programs will continue online courses for the remainder of the term. It is our intention to have all of our students successfully complete their courses and obtain related course credit.
  • Faculty and staff will be working with students so they can complete all assignments, midterms and final exams remotely.
  • All remote course sessions will be recorded and made available to students on Moodle Big Blue Button.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Rome and Siena, their parents, and their home schools.

 

March 9, 2020

AMSTERDAM

  • The first possible case of COVID-19 at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) was announced over the weekend: An employee of VU Amsterdam has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
  • Everyone in the IES Abroad Amsterdam community is well.
  • We have no plans to discontinue our programming and are continuing our courses and operations at the IES Abroad Amsterdam.
  • IES Abroad Amsterdam is operating as normal, and our faculty have been put on alert that they may need to prepare for offering online courses using distance learning in the weeks ahead. This means that, if it becomes necessary, students would be engaging with and completing IES Abroad academic content online.
  • If students engage in independent travel to a country with more COVID-19 cases than there are in The Netherlands, and a member of their residence hall staff or residents, or one or more of the student’s roommates are not comfortable living with them upon their return, then the student will be required to move out of their IES Abroad-provided housing and secure alternative housing for 14 days, or in some cases for the remainder of the term, at the student’s expense. Students’ independent travel not only puts their health at risk but also the health of those people with whom they live.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Amsterdam, their parents, and their home schools.

MADRID

  • Comunidad de Madrid and Ministerio de Salud have suspended all activity in academic centers, including both of our local partner universities, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (for Language & Area Studies students) and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Engineering students), in light of the recent COVID-19 situation.
    • This 15-day suspension will be effective Tuesday, March 10, through Monday, March 30.
    • Students should comply with this requirement and cease attendance at their partner university courses for the time being.
    • IES Abroad Madrid staff is actively working with the partner universities to understand the implications on course completion and academic credit for our students and will be in touch with updates. Specifically, we are checking on whether our partner universities will offer their courses online during the 15-day suspension.
  • We will conduct all IES Abroad classes online during the same time period. There will be no in-person IES Abroad classes offered during this time, and more information about online classes will come soon.
  • For students who have a part-time internship, all internship supervisors will be informed tomorrow that IES Abroad students will not come to the workplace this week. When possible, students may be asked to work remotely from home. Internship supervisors will provide more specific information.
  • During this time, we will limit our staff presence at both IES Abroad Madrid Centers. Staff will be available by email and phone, and we are always available via the IES Abroad Emergency Phone and email for non-urgent matters.
  • Continue to follow the previously sent safety precautions to help prevent the unlikely possibility of infection. We strongly discourage you from attending large events in public, avoiding public transportation to the extent practicable, and remaining in your IES Abroad housing as much as possible during this time.
  • If students engage in independent travel to a country with more COVID-19 cases than there are in Spain, and a member of the student’s homestay family, residence hall staff or residents, or one or more of the student’s roommates are not comfortable living with the student upon their return, then the student will be required to move out of their IES Abroad-provided housing and secure alternative housing for 14 days, or in some cases for the remainder of the term, at the student’s expense. Students’ independent travel not only puts their health at risk but also the health of those people with whom they live.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Madrid, their parents, and their home schools.

MILAN
This message applies to students who are in Milan or have been transferred from Milan to Rome.

  • Tonight, the Italian government extended its quarantine measures (which was originally imposed on the Northern regions) to the whole country. Students who have sojourned from Milan to Rome are under government-imposed mandatory quarantine and must comply with its terms fully.
    • The initial reports indicate that restrictions are government-imposed to limit movement within the country. People traveling for work or health reasons are required to provide written documentation authorizing their movement. We are consulting with the U.S. Consulate in Milan for further details and these will be shared with students promptly.
    • Please be advised that it is very important for students to comply with local restrictions and other terms of this mandatory quarantine because violation could lead to further sanctions by the Italian authorities.
    • IES Abroad Center staff in Rome and Milan will continue to assist students throughout this period, including obtaining food and necessary supplies during the period of quarantine.
    • The new restrictions ban large public gatherings and indicate that people must maintain a distance of 1 meter/3 feet when interacting with other people.
    • We have been in close contact with our staff in Rome and Milan to assess the situation.
  • We expect the government to share additional information in the morning. We will be able to fully assess the impact of these restrictions on students at that time.
  • Students should continue their coursework online as earlier communicated to them. They do not need to go to the Center in person until further notice.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Milan and those who’ve transferred from Milan to Rome, their parents, and their home schools.

ROME & SIENA

  • Tonight, the Italian government extended its quarantine measures to the whole country.
  • We will assist all students in departing Italy as soon as feasible. Students should pack their belongings in case they are asked to depart with short notice.
  • The initial reports indicate that restrictions are government-imposed to limit movement within the country. People traveling for work or health reasons are required to provide written documentation authorizing their movement.
  • It is not yet clear how this will impact students, and we are consulting with the U.S. Consulate in Milan for further clarification. We encourage students to stay home as much as possible.
  • Initial reports by the government suggest that restaurants and stores will remain open but under limited hours. It appears that restaurants will close at 6 p.m. Under these arrangements, students should be able to secure necessary food and toiletries.
  • If a student visited restricted regions in Northern Italy in recent weeks, they may be turned away from the airport and required to submit to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
  • The restrictions ban large public gatherings and indicate that people must maintain a distance of 1 meter/3 feet when interacting with other people.
  • We expect that the government will share additional information in the morning. We will be able to fully assess the impact of these restrictions on our students at that time.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Rome and Siena, their parents, and their home schools.

 

March 8, 2020

Important Update for Spring 2020 Students, Parents, and Home College/University Study Abroad Staff

  • Starting today, if an IES Abroad student engages in independent travel to a country with more COVID-19 cases than there are in their IES Abroad host country; and a member of the student’s homestay family, residence hall staff or residents, or one or more of the student’s roommates are not comfortable living with them upon their return; then IES Abroad will not require them to accept the traveling IES Abroad student back into their housing.
  • If an objection is registered with IES Abroad, then the traveling student will be moved to other IES Abroad housing.
  • If no such housing is available through the Center, then the traveling student in this situation will need to find their own alternative housing at the traveling IES Abroad student’s expense for 14 days or until the remainder of the IES Abroad program if not alternative housing is available.

 

Customized & Faculty-Led Programming: Important Reminder sent to Home College/University Study Abroad Staff

We write to you with an important reminder regarding the cancellation policy for IES Abroad’s Customized & Faculty-led Programming for Spring and Summer 2020.

As you may have seen in our previous messages, we are not cancelling any Spring or Summer 2020 Customized programs (other than those in China that were cancelled last month). This decision comes after consulting with representatives of IES Abroad consortium schools, the chair of the general conference, national and international health experts, Center Directors, representatives of the IES Abroad Board of Directors, senior management of IES Abroad, and others. We understand that policies differ greatly from school to school, so this plan is designed to meet the needs of as many of our partners and their students as possible.

Cancellation Policy for Customized Programs
We want to reiterate that the cancellation policy for customized and faculty-led programs will be as per the signed program agreements. For most programs, IES Abroad does not require any deposits to be paid in advance of the program. Should the School elect to cancel the program, for whatever reason, prior to the date that the student confirmation enrollment is due, the School shall not be responsible for any payments to IES Abroad. However, if an individual student cancels or is withdrawn from the Program, or if the School cancels the program on or after the student confirmation enrollment due date, the cancellation policy will apply. Most of our Customized & Faculty-led Programs follow the model in the table below, but timelines can vary depending on the program and the destination. Please refer to the “Program Price and Cancellation Fees” section of your program addendum for the exact dates of your program’s cancellation policy.

Date of Cancellation | Cancellation Fee for Customized Programs

  • 90 Days Prior to Arrival | 10% of the total per student program fee
  • 60 Days Prior to Arrival | 25% of the total per student program fee
  • 45 Days Prior to Arrival | 50% of the total per student program fee
  • 30 Days Prior to Arrival | 100% the total per student program fee

Decisions on Future Customized Programs
It is possible that the status of some upcoming programs will change. In the event of a change, we will not hesitate to reach out to you. We will continue to utilize the IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management as we navigate this ongoing, unprecedented situation.

We will continue to monitor each location individually, and base future decisions on the following factors, which include:

  • Advisory Levels (CDC and U.S. State Department)
  • Travel restrictions (airline, train, local, quarantines)
  • Mobility restrictions
  • College and university policies and decisions (sending and receiving)
  • IES Abroad staff and faculty capabilities
  • Local university shutdowns
  • Health care capabilities in host city

We thank you and your students for your ongoing support and understanding during this difficult period in the field of international education. As conditions evolve and further decisions are made, we will not hesitate to contact you. Please contact us at 800.995.2300 with any questions or concerns you might have.

 

March 7, 2020

MILAN

 

  • The Italian government has issued a decree that covers the Lombardy region, which includes Milan and a number of other provinces in Northern Italy.
  • The decree prohibits people from going into or out of the affected regions that the decree covers, and will remain in effect until April 3, 2020.
  • Because of the decree, we are requiring our students in Milan to leave Milan now.
  • For students currently in Milan:
    • We suggest taking the high-speed train, Frecciarossa, to Rome, where the IES Abroad Rome staff can assist students and provide housing.
    • It is possible that individuals arriving from Milan could be required to self-quarantine for 14 days or be screened by public hospitals.
    • If students leave Milan on their own, it is imperative that they let IES Abroad Milan staff members know where they are going. Flying to another country may involve more restrictions imposed on travelers coming from northern Italy.
    • If you leave Milan, students should pack several weeks of clothing, toiletries, and other items.
    • Our staff will be happy to pack and ship the rest of students’ personal belongings left in student housing at IES Abroad’s expense.
  • For IES Abroad students currently traveling outside of Italy:
    • We recommend that students book flights home to the U.S. from the nearest major airport.
    • Students will still be able to take their courses online.
    • We will ship students’ personal belongings from Milan directly to their home address.
    • We’ve asked students currently outside of Milan to call the IES Abroad Milan staff right away to let them know: (1) where the student is now; (2) where the student is planning to fly from; and (3) where the student is planning to fly to, when, and on what airline and flight number.
    • For students’ convenience, whether they are flying home from Milan, or flying home or to another airport, AXA, our assistance provider through CISI, can help students make flight arrangements home. They will assist in rebooking flights and/or other departure plans of the student. They are available 24 hours.
    • If students are unable to leave Milan and the regions around it, IES Abroad and other Milanese universities will continue to offer courses online, students can remain in their student housing in Milan, and our on-site student affairs staff will be available to help students at any time.
  • No matter which of the above options students choose, it is imperative that they call the IES Abroad Milan emergency phone as soon as possible to let us know their intentions, their current location, their travel plans and their flight information (if applicable).
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Milan, their parents, and their home schools.

 

March 6, 2020

GRANADA

  • IES Abroad is modifying its Semana Santa (April 4-11) housing policy in Granada, and will provide housing for students if they choose to stay in Granada during this time.
  • We cannot guarantee that students’ regular housing option will be available during this time, but we will work to find students a suitable alternative in Granada for this week.
  • Students will be responsible for any costs associated with cancelling their request for housing during this time if they cancel after the deadline.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Granada, their parents, and their home schools.
     

DUBLIN

  • There have been a number of new confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Ireland. As of this morning, there are thirteen cases.
  • Currently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Advisory Level for Ireland is at the lowest level, which equates to “practice usual precautions.”
  • IES Abroad Dublin is operating as normal.
  • For students taking IES Abroad courses: Classes will continue to be held at the IES Abroad Center. Faculty are taking next steps to prepare, should students need to take online IES Abroad courses.
  • For Direct Enrollment students: we are working with our partner schools in Dublin to determine what contingency plans they are putting in place in response to the coronavirus, including offering courses via online learning relative to their own university courses.
  • For Trinity students: Students should have already received a notice from Trinity stating a staff member there tested positive for the coronavirus on Trinity’s main campus. As a result, the fourth floor of the Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, where our students would not normally go, and the elevators at the TBSI are currently closed for cleaning. Notably, Trinity College is on spring break right now, and this building is not a part of the Trinity College campus where our students ordinarily go.
  • For all students: Independent travel is not advised.
  • Students have been reminded of the precautions to stay healthy.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Dublin, their parents, and their home schools.

ITALY

  • As of today, we plan to continue offering our programming on-site at our Milan, Rome, and Siena Centers. 
  • We will continue to monitor each location individually, and base future decisions on the following factors, which include:
    • Advisory Levels (CDC and U.S. State Department)
    • Travel restrictions (airline, train, local, quarantines)
    • Mobility restrictions
    • College and university policies and decisions (sending and receiving)
    • IES Abroad staff and faculty capabilities
    • Local university shutdowns
    • Health care capabilities in host city
  • At all three Centers, IES Abroad classes are being offered, whenever possible, online. 
  • One of our Milan partner universities, the Bocconi, has stated it will also offer its classes online. 
  • Many U.S. colleges and universities have required their students to leave Italy and students have the opportunity to complete their classes online if their home university approves. 
  • We will continue to offer IES Abroad classes online for the duration of the semester and will resume in-person IES Abroad classes if the conditions are appropriate.
  • Any student who chooses to leave Italy and complete their IES Abroad coursework online may do so as long as their home university study abroad office approves. Our staff on-site will assist students, both on-site and away (as much as feasible), with their academic needs. 
  • Students who remain on-site will continue to receive academic, students services, health, and safety support. 
  • We will not hesitate to suspend the on-site portion of our program, if we deem it necessary.

 

March 5, 2020

FREIBURG

  • There are six reported cases of coronavirus in the city of Freiburg. All have a mild progression, and the patients are in generally good condition and are quarantined in the University clinic.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control Advisory Level for Germany is at Level 1, the lowest level, which equates to “practice usual precautions.”
  • We have no plans to suspend or cancel our programming and are continuing our courses and operations in Freiburg.
  • IES Abroad Freiburg is operating as normal, and faculty are taking next steps to prepare, should students need to take online IES Abroad courses.
  • Students were advised not to engage in independent travel out of the country for the time being.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Freiburg, their parents, and their home schools.

MILAN

  • Spring 2020 Milan students were reminded that today is the deadline to share their plans for the rest of the term.
  • As mentioned in our message on February 27, 2020, we intend to run our programs in Milan as scheduled for Spring 2020.
  • We provided students with two options to consider. These include:
    • Option 1: Continue on-site in Milan taking their classes online or at the IES Abroad center and/or partner University for the duration of the program.
    • Option 2: Students may elect to return to their homes and complete their IES Abroad courses online from there for academic credit.
  • The coronavirus situation continues to very rapidly evolve. Students were reminded to check their email regularly for the latest information from IES Abroad, particularly as conditions change, and we have new information to share.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Milan, their parents, and their home schools.

NAGOYA

  • Today we received an announcement from the Director of the Nanzan University Center for Japanese Studies (CJS), informing us that CJS has made the difficult decision to ask students to leave the program and return home.
  • Students were given two options:
    • Option 1: To continue with an online version of the program from home or
    • Option 2: To withdraw and receive a partial refund and partial academic credit
  • The last day of in-person classes in Nagoya will be Friday, March 6, 2020.
  • Students should communicate with their parents about changing their flights home from Nagoya. The earliest students can depart is Saturday March 7, 2020, and they should return home by March 15, 2020.
  • Online courses will begin March 16, 2020. Most but not all courses will be available online. Details on those courses that will be available online will be sent by Nanzan University CJS to continuing students.
  • Students must contact their home institution study abroad office to discuss any requirements or restrictions about online course completion.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Nagoya, their parents, and their home schools.

TOKYO

  • Spring 2020 Tokyo students were reminded of the message we sent on March 1, 2020, regarding their intentions for the semester.
  • We provided students with three options to consider. These include:
    • Option 1: Studying in Tokyo on your IES Abroad Tokyo Program as planned
    • Option 2: Deferring attendance to the Fall 2020 term
    • Option 3: Withdrawing from your IES Abroad Tokyo program
  • Students should discuss these options with their school’s study abroad office before confirming their decision.
  • The deadline to share their places for the rest of the term is 12 p.m. CT on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
  • Communications have been sent to all Tokyo students, their parents, and their home schools.

 

March 4, 2020

SALAMANCA

  • IES Abroad is modifying its Semana Santa housing policy in Salamanca, and will provide housing for students if they choose to stay in Salamanca during this time.
  • We do not require students to stay in Salamanca, but understand that some students may prefer to stay.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Salamanca, their parents, and their home schools.

 

SANTIAGO

  • Two coronavirus cases have been reported in the city of Talca, which is approximately 160 miles south of Santiago.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control Advisory Level for Chile is at Level 1, the lowest level, which equates to “practice usual precautions.”
  • All students, staff, and faculty in the IES Abroad Santiago community are well.
  • At this time, IES Abroad has no plans to suspend or cancel our programming in Santiago.
  • IES Abroad Santiago is operating as normal, and faculty are taking next steps to prepare, should students need to take online IES Abroad courses.
  • All students are advised not to engage in independent travel out of the country for the time being.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Santiago, their parents, and their home schools, explaining that all Santiago programs will continue as planned, and sharing precautionary and preventative measures the students can take.

 

March 3, 2020

Important Update Sent to Home College/University Study Abroad Staff, as well as Spring 2020 Students and Parents

We write to you with an important update regarding IES Abroad’s programming for Spring and Summer 2020.

As you may already know, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently called for institutions of higher education to consider postponing or cancelling current or upcoming student foreign exchange programs.

IES Abroad understands the CDC’s concerns, but feels that for a variety of reasons, we would not be appropriately meeting the needs of our students, parents, and schools at this time to make wholesale cancellations of spring programs. Therefore, at this time, we are NOT cancelling additional Spring 2020 programs, beyond our Shanghai program, which was cancelled last month. We are also not cancelling any summer programs, beyond our Shanghai and Hong Kong programs, which also were cancelled last month.

This decision comes after consulting with representatives of IES Abroad consortium schools, the chair of the general conference, national and international health experts, Center Directors, representatives of the IES Abroad Board of Directors, senior management of IES Abroad, and others.

In addition, in a message to the study abroad field yesterday, the Forum on Education Abroad noted that the CDC guidance was not a directive, that students are not typically members of the population who may succumb to a virus like COVID-19, and that unlike typical travelers, our students are supported on the ground.

We will continue to monitor each location individually, and base future decisions on the following factors, which include:

  • Advisory Levels (CDC and U.S. State Department)
  • Travel restrictions (airline, train, local, quarantines)
  • Mobility restrictions
  • College and university policies and decisions (sending and receiving)
  • IES Abroad staff and faculty capabilities
  • Local university shutdowns
  • Health care capabilities in host city

We understand that policies differ greatly from school to school, so this plan is designed to meet the needs of as many of our partners and their students as possible.

Spring 2020
The following provides an overview of where we stand on a variety of issues surrounding coronavirus:

  • Our Spring 2020 Shanghai program has been cancelled.
  • Our Italian programs will continue, but we have offered students the options of staying in Italy and participating in their classes online, or returning home and participating in the online classes from the United States (with home school approval).
  • Our Tokyo students on standard programs have the option of attending the program as originally planned, deferring participation to Fall 2020, or withdrawing from the program, with a full refund.
  • Should schools require that students return home from any IES Abroad programs, we will offer online remote learning for nearly all IES Abroad-taught courses (except those that require practicum such as music instruction and experiential learning) so that students receive as much academic credit as possible.
  • Courses at local universities are not available online, but we continue to work closely with these universities to look for a solution for our direct enrollment students.

Students have been instructed to consult with their home schools to determine if they have a policy, a requirement, or if the school has issued a directive that requires their students to return to the United States. We have instructed students to talk with their parents and, if necessary, their financial aid offices about their decisions.

Decisions on Future Programs
It is very possible that the status of some upcoming programs will change. The changes could involve a move to online learning or, if warranted, suspension, or cancellation. In the event of a change, we will not hesitate to reach out to you, your students or prospective students, and their parents.

We will continue to utilize the IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management as we navigate this ongoing situation.

Working Together
Our students’ health and safety is at the forefront of all the decisions we have made over our entire 70-year history. We acknowledge the many uncertainties associated with the coronavirus outbreak for you, your students, and their parents. During this period, working together is more important than ever to help our students stay healthy and safe throughout their study abroad experience. We ask for your help with the following:

  • Please make sure your students understand the importance of following all instructions and guidelines provided by you and by IES Abroad.
  • Make sure they know the importance of using TripTracker, our online portal, which lets students report independent travel outside their program location.
  • Please discourage independent travel.
  • Encourage parents to reach out to IES Abroad promptly with concerns.

We thank you and your students for your ongoing support and understanding during this and difficult period in the field of international education. As conditions evolve and further decisions are made, we will not hesitate to contact you.

Please contact us at 800.995.2300 with any questions or concerns you might have.

 

March 3, 2020

BUENOS AIRES

  • A coronavirus case has now been reported in Buenos Aires.
  • All students, staff, and faculty in the IES Abroad Buenos Aires community are well.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Buenos Aires, their parents, and their home schools, explaining that all Buenos Aires programs will continue as planned, and sharing precautionary and preventative measures the students can take.
  • At this time, IES Abroad has no plans to suspend or cancel our programming in Buenos Aires.
     

MADRID

  • A number of coronavirus cases have now been reported in Spain, including 46 cases in Madrid.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Madrid, their parents, and their home schools, explaining that all Madrid programs will continue as planned.
  • All students, staff, and faculty in the IES Abroad Madrid community are well.
  • At this time, IES Abroad has no plans to suspend or cancel our programming in Madrid.
  • Precautionary and preventative measures students can take were also shared.
     

NAGOYA

  • A number of coronavirus cases have been reported in Japan, including 27 cases in Aichi Prefecture.
  • All students, staff, and faculty in the IES Abroad Nagoya and Nanzan University communities are well.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Nagoya, their parents, and their home schools, explaining that IES Abroad and Nanzan University are operating as normal.
  • At this time, IES Abroad has no plans to suspend or cancel our programming in Nagoya.
  • Precautionary and preventative measures students can take were also shared.
     

SALAMANCA

  • A coronavirus case has now been reported in Salamanca.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Salamanca, their parents, and their home schools, explaining that all Salamanca programs will continue as planned, and sharing precautionary and preventative measures the students can take.
  • All students, staff, and faculty in the IES Abroad Salamanca community are well.
  • At this time, IES Abroad has no plans to suspend or cancel our programming in Salamanca.

 

March 1, 2020

QUITO & THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

  • A coronavirus case has now been reported in Ecuador. The patient is hospitalized in Guayaquil, which is 260 miles away from Quito and 600 miles the from Galápagos Islands.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Ecuador, their parents, and their home schools, explaining that all Ecuador programs will continue as planned, and sharing precautionary and preventative measures the students can take.
  • All students, staff, and faculty in the IES Abroad Quito community are well.

TOKYO

  • IES Abroad intends to run the Spring 2020 Language & Culture Program in Tokyo as scheduled, but we also want to provide students with several choices to consider. These include:

Option 1: Studying in Tokyo on the IES Abroad Tokyo Program as planned

  • If students decide to continue with their plans to study in Tokyo, they will receive the full range of services IES Abroad has to offer. This includes our extensive student services, health and safety support, and crisis management support.
  • IES Abroad has extensive crisis management plans and protocols in place, which are overseen and implemented by a team with decades of crisis experience. We also have a medical consultant advising us. Our on-site staff members remain in close contact with local governmental authorities, as well as with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. All IES Abroad Tokyo students are registered by IES Abroad, predeparture, with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows the Department of State to better assist students in an emergency.
  • The IES Abroad Crisis Management Team will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation, and we will not hesitate to reach out to our students or their parents if new information becomes available.

Option 2: Deferring attendance to the Fall 2020 term

  • Students may defer attending their program to the Fall 2020 term. If they do so, their confirmation deposit and program fees paid will be applied to their Fall 2020 program. Before confirming this option, we recommend that students consult with their home school’s study abroad office to discuss billing, financial aid, and academic credit as soon as possible.

Option 3: Withdrawing from the IES Abroad Tokyo Program

  • Students not interested in or able to participate in the above options may be eligible to receive a partial refund from IES Abroad. Further information on the amount of the partial refunds will be coming soon. Students who voluntarily elect to withdraw from their program will not be eligible for academic credit.
     
  • Before making a decision, we ask Spring 2020 Tokyo students to carefully review and discuss these options with their families and consult with their school’s study abroad office. We request that they confirm their decision with us by 12 p.m. CT on March 10th.
  • Communications have been sent to all Spring 2020 Tokyo students, their parents, and their home schools.

February 29, 2020

ITALY

  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control raised its warning level for Italy to Level 3, which means “Avoid Nonessential Travel” to Italy.  The U.S. Department of State has raised its warning level to Level 3, which means “Reconsider Travel” to Italy
  • In response, many schools have decided to bring their students back to the United States, from Italy, as soon as possible.
  • We understand that this has raised concerns among students, parents and schools, so on Friday night in the United States, we communicated to students, parents and schools to let them know that we were aware of the new levels and to remind them that we are continuing to run our programs in Italy – Milan, Rome and Siena.
  • We plan to continue to run our programs, but students can return to the United States or to other parts of Europe, to continue their programs via online, which we will continue to make available.
  • Center staff will be available to assist students, but students will not be able to move to another IES Abroad Center in Europe.
  • Students should consult with their home schools to determine if their home school has a policy or a requirement that requires students to return.
  • Students should also consult with their parents and financial aid offices about their decision.
  • The options available to students to continue their studies are the same options students were provided last week:

Option 1: Students continue their program onsite in Milan, Rome, or Siena taking their classes at the IES Abroad Center, online, in-person and/or at IES Abroad partner universities for the rest of the program as planned

  • Students will continue to receive the onsite health, safety, and academic support of our staff on site in Italy.
  • Students would continue to reside in the housing IES Abroad has arranged for them.
  • Currently, courses are being conducted online. We intend to resume in-person classes when we believe conditions are appropriate.

Option 2: Students may elect to return to their homes and complete their IES Abroad courses online for academic credit for the rest of the academic term.

  • This option requires the prior written approval of a student’s home school study abroad office.
  • Students will be held to the same high academic standards as our on-site option.
  • Proctored final examination times will align with examinations in Italy to the extent practicable.
  • Students will be able to re-enter Italy at their own expense to finish their IES Abroad coursework during the semester if they choose to do so and return to their original housing.
  • Travel costs for students who elect the option to leave Italy and return to the United States also must be covered by the student.
  • This option requires students to participate in online classes using a laptop or desktop computer. Online classes are not compatible with handheld devices.
  • This option only extends to IES Abroad classes. Partner university classes in Italy are not available for online completion. Additionally, some specialized IES Abroad partner university courses such as those involving musical performance or instruction, internship placements, service learning or other similar coursework will not be available online.
  • The deadline to select this option is March 5th.
  • Full-time internships must be completed on-site.  Therefore, only option 1 is available to these students.
     

February 28, 2020

AMSTERDAM

  • Two coronavirus cases have now been reported in The Netherlands: one in Tilburg (110 km from Amsterdam), and one in Diemen near Amsterdam.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Amsterdam, their parents, and their home schools.

DUBLIN

  • A coronavirus case has now been reported. The individual flew into Dublin airport and is currently being treated in Belfast, which is approximately 100 miles from Dublin.
  • There are currently no reported cases coronavirus in Dublin, where our programs in Ireland are located.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Dublin, their parents, and their home schools.

FREIBURG

  • Three coronavirus case has now been reported in Freiburg.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Freiburg, their parents, and their home schools.

NANTES

  • A coronavirus case has now been reported in Nantes and throughout France.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Nantes, their parents, and their home schools.

NICE

  • A coronavirus case has now been reported in the region of Nice.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Nice, their parents, and their home schools.

 

February 27, 2020

Important Update sent to Spring 2020 Students, Parents, and Home College/University Study Abroad Staff

The following is an update on IES Abroad’s response to the coronavirus.

Here at our IES Abroad headquarters in Chicago, our Crisis Management Team (CMT) is proactively responding and has been very closely monitoring the situation for more than a month. IES Abroad has extensive crisis management plans and protocols in place, which are overseen and implemented by a team with decades of crisis experience. We also have a medical consultant advising us. Our on-site staff members also remain in close contact with local governmental authorities, as well as with local U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

As we are doing today, we will reach out to you again with additional information as circumstances warrant. Please make sure you are checking email regularly for the latest information from your Center and IES Abroad, particularly if conditions change and we have new information to share.

We are currently running all our Spring 2020 programs, with the exception of Shanghai. We are working under the guidance of our Crisis Management Team and information from the CDC, WHO, your home school, our Center Directors, and other leading organizations. If it is warranted, we will not hesitate to cancel a program. If that happens, we would work closely with you and your school on the process. Your health and safety is our highest concern, and we will always act with our students’ best interests in mind.

With tested protocols and a comprehensive plan already in place, we are prepared for any incidents that might occur around the world. We have cancelled IES Abroad field trips, field studies, and other IES Abroad-sponsored trips or excursions to locations where the coronavirus has been identified during this period.

Please know that the likelihood of contracting the virus is extremely low. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in every IES Abroad location worldwide using real-time safety and security alerts and regularly consulting US and overseas private and governmental health, safety, and security experts.

Protecting Your Health
Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, tightness of the chest, and difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this message, you should:

  • Inform the Student Affairs Coordinator at your Center, who will help you schedule a medical appointment for an examination if and as needed.
  • Remain in your housing until a medical appointment is confirmed by IES Abroad Center staff and to isolate yourself temporarily while waiting for a specialized healthcare professional to arrive. Some local authorities have discouraged people from using emergency rooms at local hospitals during this period in Italy. That may be or become the case in your country of study, as well.

There are a number of steps recommended by the World Health Organization that students should take to help limit exposure to the coronavirus, which include:

  • Frequently/consistently cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow
  • Avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs
  • Avoiding contact with live wild or farm animals

IES Abroad has a robust health insurance policy for our students through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Our plan has high levels of coverage for medical care and even crisis situations, including evacuation insurance coverage up to $100,000 per student, when the policy’s conditions are met. Staff on-site can also connect students with English-speaking health providers.

Travel
We encourage you not to travel to cities or regions where known coronavirus cases are present—we cannot provide health and safety support with on-site Center staff when you are outside your host city. In addition, we don’t want you to get stranded somewhere where you are unable to get back to your host city. When in doubt about your travel plans outside of your host city, please contact your Student Affairs Coordinator at the Center.

Communications
As you can imagine, this is a very fluid and quickly evolving situation. Should an event arise in your location, we will swiftly communicate with you, your parents, our Centers, and your home school so you have the most up-to-date information. Again, please check your email regularly for updates from your Center and from IES Abroad.

We want to reiterate that your health and safety is our highest priority. Any decisions we make will always be made with your health, safety, and well-being in mind.

If you have any questions, please contact your Center staff who are ready to assist you.

February 27, 2020

BARCELONA

  • Cases of coronavirus case have been confirmed in Barcelona.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Barcelona, their parents, and their home schools, with health updates and precautions.

VIENNA

  • A coronavirus case has now been reported in Vienna.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Vienna, their parents, and their home schools.

 

February 26, 2020

ITALY

  • Coronavirus cases continue to rise in Italy.
  • Communications have been sent out to all parents with students enrolled in an IES Abroad program in Italy, explaining program information, academic updates, travel advice, and more.

LONDON

  • Coronavirus cases have now been reported in Europe, most recently in the Lombardy and Veneto Regions of Italy, outside of Milan.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in London, their parents, and their home schools.

 

February 24, 2020

ITALY

  • Coronavirus cases have now been reported in the Lombardy and Veneto Regions of Italy, outside of Milan.
  • Communications have been sent to all students in Milan, their parents, and their home schools.
  • There are currently no reported cases coronavirus in Rome or Siena, where our other programs in Italy are located.
  • Communications have also been sent to our students in Rome and Siena, as well as their parents and home schools, as a precaution.

 

February 21, 2020

CHINA

  • IES Abroad has suspended the following Summer 2020 programs in Shanghai, including:
    • Shanghai Summer - Engineering
    • Shanghai Summer - Intensive Language
  • Communications have been sent out to all students interested or enrolled in these programs, as well as their parents and home schools.
  • We will assist students in finding an alternative summer program to meet their personal and academics needs, wherever possible.

 

February 14, 2020

CHINA

  • IES Abroad has suspended the following Summer internship 2020 programs in Shanghai, including:
    • Shanghai Summer - Internship
    • Shanghai Summer – Engineering Internship
  • Communications have been sent out to all students interested or enrolled in these programs, as well as their parents and home schools.
  • We will assist students in finding an alternative program to meet their professional and personal needs, wherever possible.

 

January 28, 2020

CHINA

  • IES Abroad has decided to suspend the following Spring 2020 semester programs in Shanghai due to concerns about student health related to the Coronavirus outbreak in China:
    • Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society
    • Shanghai - Engineering
  • Communications have been sent out to all students interested or enrolled in these programs, as well as their parents and home schools.
  • We will assist students in finding an alternative program to meet their academic and personal needs, wherever possible.

 

 

January 8, 2020

Important Update sent to Spring 2020 Students, as well as their Parents, and Home College/University Study Abroad Staff

Thank you for choosing IES Abroad for the Spring 2020 semester. We are delighted and grateful to host you on an IES Abroad program. Because your health and safety is our highest priority, we wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the many ways we support you before you depart and once you're abroad.

With more than 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Here are some of the many ways that we support our students abroad:

  • 24/7 Emergency Support & Highly Trained Staff: We provide thorough and on-going training of our U.S-based and on-site staff to proactively plan for, and respond to, emergencies and crises abroad. We have a dedicated Crisis Management Team made up of U.S. staff members, as well as on-site staff at every IES Abroad Center worldwide, who are on-call and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergencies and crises.
  • Crisis Management Plans & Protocols: IES Abroad maintains an extensive global crisis management plan and corresponding protocols. In addition, every IES Abroad Center around the world has its own specifically tailored local crisis management plan.
  • Monitoring of Local & World Events: Members of the Crisis Management Team receive real-time safety and security alerts for all of our locations worldwide, consulting both private and governmental global security sources and experts.
  • Mandatory Orientations: As you may already know, our students participate in a comprehensive mandatory orientation program that focuses on known health, safety, and security risks in the city or region and how best to avoid or mitigate them. During orientation, every student is provided with detailed information and written materials that include resources such as local maps, local emergency numbers, and specific instructions regarding various health, safety, and security issues. Each student also is given a small card to be carried with them at all times that contains the full contact information of the IES Abroad office and key on-site staff members, as well as the IES Abroad emergency phone number, and the local equivalent of “911” to reach local police, fire, and other emergency services.
  • On-going Communications: Should a serious event arise, we will consistently communicate with you, your parents and guardians, our Centers, and your school throughout the process so you have the most up-to-date information.
  • Required Health Insurance: All IES Abroad students are required to have international health insurance through CISI, which provides comprehensive coverage throughout their IES Abroad program. The policy is specially designed for students traveling internationally, and it includes coverage for physical and some mental health issues, counseling, medical and other forms of evacuation, a bed-side benefit for students hospitalized for more than a few days (which pays to fly family members to their bedside), and more.
  • Required Cell Phone: Students are required to have a cell phone that works where they will be studying abroad, in order to help our staff members and students stay in touch with you in an emergency or crisis. We ask that you keep your cell phone with you, charged, and turned on at all times, and to respond promptly to calls, emails, and text messages from IES Abroad.
  • TripTracker: Students going on independent travel are required to inform on-site IES Abroad staff of their specific travel plans before leaving. This system is designed to help on-site IES Abroad staff locate traveling students swiftly in a crisis or emergency.
  • Mandatory Crisis Drills: We conduct a mandatory crisis management drill at each Centers at the beginning of every term. The primary purposes of these drills are to educate students on our system for reaching them swiftly in an emergency or crisis, to test how long it takes for our students to respond, and to verify the accuracy of the cell phone number our staff has on file for you. Any students who fail to respond or are slow to respond are counseled by our on-site staff regarding the rationale underlying the drill and the reasons it is important for them to respond promptly.
  • In-Country Network: Our on-site staff maintains close relationships with local police and governmental authorities, as well as with the local U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

We want to reassure you that we are here for you from beginning to end. As we are doing today, we will reach out to you again with additional information, as needed.

 

Resources to Learn More About COVID-19
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What is the COVID-19 Coronavirus?

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Where have COVID-19 cases been reported?

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What can I do to protect against COVID-19?

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How can I manage my well-being during the COVID-19 crisis?

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