COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

IES Abroad requires that students participating in our study abroad programs, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and in-person internship programs abroad be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the original series prior to the start of their program unless they are granted an exemption by IES Abroad.

Booster Requirement for Programs Starting on or Before July 1, 2022

For programs starting on or before July 1, 2022, IES Abroad strongly encourages all eligible students be boosted and further requires all students to be boosted when host country laws, regulations, or mandates require. Students and interns will be required to demonstrate documented proof of being fully vaccinated and boosted (when required) pursuant to this policy. Additionally, it is likely that some airlines or countries may require a negative COVID-19 test for travel.

Eligible students who are not up to date with a booster may find travel restrictions and limited access to essential and nonessential services in many locations in their host country and on independent travel. Moreover, students who are eligible to receive the booster but have not should carefully research their flight arrangements, as they may be unable to connect through countries where boosters are required for travel.

Booster Requirement for Programs Starting After July 1, 2022

For all programs starting after July 1, 2022, IES Abroad will require all students and interns who are eligible to be boosted two weeks before the start of their program.

In addition to increasing protection for our students, faculty, staff, homestay family members, and community members in the host country and around the world, this policy aims to:

reduce the risk of contraction and transmission of COVID-19 and its variants;
reduce the risk of travel restrictions preventing our students from entering host countries;
help to reduce the risk of certain quarantine requirements for our students;
provide greater access for our students and interns to participate in events and more fully engage with the communities in which they are studying; and
acknowledge that some program components (e.g., field study, academic trips outside of the host country, internship, etc.) may not be possible without vaccination.

Each of our host country governments determine which vaccines are approved, available, and the duration of efficacy (or validity) of each vaccine. Each student’s vaccine status must comply with host country requirements. IES Abroad strives to follow applicable laws and regulations. Students will be required to share written documentation of their full vaccination status prior to the start of their program.

IES Abroad will continue to monitor advice from the CDC and other sources regarding boosters, requirements from host countries, and the definition of fully vaccinated status in our host countries and regions. Students are advised, predeparture, to look at the booster recommendations of the CDC; and, if their full vaccination status is expected to end during their IES Abroad program or internship, to discuss with their doctor whether they should or can obtain a booster shot prior to their departure and the start date of their program or internship. It is each student’s responsibility to consult with their doctor in a timely manner and to make sure they have the required vaccines and boosters for the entire term of their IES Abroad program.

Exemptions from Vaccination

Students may request an exemption from the IES Abroad vaccination requirement for documented medical or religious reasons utilizing a written IES Abroad form designed for this purpose.

Medical Exemptions

With respect to medical exemption requests, the student and their physician must provide written documentation from the student’s physician via an exemption request form provided by IES Abroad and signed by both the student and their physician. The form must set forth the specific medical or health condition(s) of the student in writing and the reason(s) for the requested exemption from the vaccination requirement. The signed form must be submitted to the IES Abroad Dean of Student’s Office in Chicago at least 8 weeks prior to the student’s program departure date. IES Abroad’s medical consultant, a licensed physician, will review the documentation submitted and render an opinion to IES Abroad on the requested exemption.

Religious Exemptions

With respect to religious exemption requests, the student and their religious or spiritual leader must provide written documentation and signatures on an exemption form provided by IES Abroad and signed by both the student and their spiritual or religious leader. The form must be fully completed in writing and must include the reasoning and religious or theological basis for the requested religious exemption. The completed form must be submitted to the IES Abroad Dean of Student’s Office in Chicago at least 8 weeks prior to the student’s departure date.

Host country authorities may or may not accept or recognize IES Abroad’s religious or medical exemptions. Students will still need to comply with host country and local vaccine requirements.

We are monitoring the rapidly evolving developments on these dynamic 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.