Study Abroad in 2021
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Something to Look Forward To
We want nothing more than for you to study abroad safely and happily. As we remain optimistic for the future, we are continuously and cautiously assessing how we can deliver safe, quality programming in 2021. Learn more about our plans for this upcoming summer and fall, and how you can join us in planning for your study abroad experience.
Fall Programs
Looking ahead to Fall 2021, we continue to cautiously assess how we can deliver the safe, quality programming you're looking for. Explore this list of the programs we plan to run this fall, as well as the dates in which we will pause to review whether or not that program can run.
Summer Programs
We are continously reviewing the viability of running our programs in a manner that meets our (and your!) standards. Ultimately, we're doing everything we can to make sure you get the study abroad adventure you're dreaming of—even if some details need to look a bit different—and can stay safe and healthy while doing so.
Health & Safety Protocols
Your safety is our #1 priority. Full stop.
In response to COVID-19, our Crisis Management Team is working 24/7 to keep students, staff, and faculty up to date with the latest coronavirus updates and has released enhanced safety guidelines. Our protocols and policies will continue to be revised based upon our continued learning and changing circumstances as we respond to the ever-changing landscape we are living in today.
Refund Policy
A core philosophy of our health and safety procedures is that we plan for the what ifs so that you don't have to. That includes the development of our refund policy for Summer & Fall 2021, which allows you to still plan to study abroad or intern, knowing that if for some reason you cannot participate, your money will be fully refunded.
Travel & Immigration Updates
As we consider what study abroad can look like in 2021, we’re closely monitoring travel warnings and student mobility options to ensure you can get where you need to go, safely! Using up-to-date information from various sources, we track travel and immigration updates in one holistic chart.
Virtual Orientation
COVID-19 has required educational institutions of all kinds to rethink the way they do things, including us! That why we’ve developed/are launching a virtual orientation to provide academic and student life information in advance of students arriving abroad. This format gives students a chance to meet Center staff and connect with program peers earlier than ever before (who doesn’t want that!), in addition to a live session with an alum to answer questions and offer advice in real-time. Our belief is that a virtual orientation before students get on-site eases predeparture anxieties by offering students a hub of information, a chance to foster connections, and a forum to ask their burning questions before take-off. It also saves students and staff time on-site (and we know that every minute of study abroad counts) so that once students arrive abroad they can more quickly jump into the experience of study abroad!
Vaccine Statement
IES Abroad strongly encourages that students participating in our study and intern abroad programs be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of their program. Please be aware that it is likely some countries may require proof of vaccination in order to gain entry. Some host institutions abroad, likewise, may require proof of vaccination for enrollment in their courses.
Students should get vaccinated to protect themselves not only against COVID-19 but also against the possibility of last-minute travel restrictions imposed by foreign governments. Students who are vaccinated may have greater freedom of movement and access to events and locations abroad.
IES Abroad recommends that students who are vaccinated carry written or digital proof of vaccination when traveling abroad. Additionally, students should expect that that some airlines or countries may require a negative COVID-19 test for travel.
Students who are not vaccinated may be subject to mandatory isolated quarantine for an extended period of time in a location not of their choosing. Additionally, unvaccinated students place their own health at risk, as well as the health of their fellow students, faculty, staff, and the people with whom they live. Each country has the right to establish their own policies, procedures, and regulations related to Covid-19. Students should be aware that each country’s local requirements may prevent unvaccinated students from visiting restaurants, museums, other cultural sites, and/or prohibit traveling on public transportation at any time. Per IES Abroad policy, unvaccinated students may not travel outside of their program host country.
We are monitoring the rapidly evolving developments on these issues very closely. As more country-specific information becomes available, IES Abroad will continue to update students and schools. Should you have further questions, please contact us at 800.995.2300.
Starting with our Spring 2022 academic term, IES Abroad will require that students participating in our study abroad programs, customized programs, and in-person internship programs abroad be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of their program. Read more in our Vaccine Policy.
Flexibility Is the Name of the Game
Please know that the details for 2021 study abroad can change at any time, whether that be in response to travel regulations, a change in your university's decisions, or another one of the moving pieces. We advise you to have a backup plan to study abroad and familiarize yourself with your home college/university policies and procedures in this unique time.
While we know that uncertainty can be uncomfortable, we hope you choose to give yourself the chance of going abroad and rest assured we'll be in communication throughout this process and will always keep your best interest at heart.
We'd love to chat! It's usually best to hop on a call to talk through the specifics of how our programs can work for you and your needs. That's why we have a dedicated College Relations Manager for your college/university.
