COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

IES Abroad COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

Starting with our Spring 2022 academic term, IES Abroad will require that students participating in our study abroad programs, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and in-person internship programs abroad be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of their program. These students and interns will be required to demonstrate documented proof of being fully vaccinated. Additionally, it is likely that some airlines or countries may require a negative COVID-19 test for travel. 

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.

IES Abroad follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) guidelines for determining full vaccination status. This means one is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series such as Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson. Each of our host country governments determine which vaccines are approved and IES Abroad strives to follow applicable laws and regulations. Students will be required to share written documentation of their full vaccination status at least 6 weeks 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 6 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 cleric, minister, rabbi, imam or other 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 6 weeks prior to the student’s departure date.  

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.