Study Abroad Office

(Updated March 27, 2021)

COVID-19 has and will impact study abroad’s normal operations; however, our commitment to student mobility and access to international opportunities remains central to our operations.  Please be reassured that we are taking the necessary steps to keep our community healthy and safe. As new information is received, we will post up-to-date information on program statuses and any new policies or necessary safety measures at the link below.

We have been closely monitoring the global pandemic situation. While we had been hopeful that conditions would improve to allow the resumption of study abroad for Fall 2021, the situation continues to remain in flux as it relates to risk management for international travel. The U.S. Department of State maintains its travel advisories of Level 3 and 4 for most countries around the world and the CDC lists most countries’ COVID-19 levels at either Level 3: High or Level 4: Very High. Given this information UIC has made the difficult decision to continue the suspension of study abroad programming for the Fall 2021 semester. 

Students who have applied to a program in a country that currently has a Department of State travel advisory of either a level 1 or level 2 and that is allowing U.S. citizens entry may work through the University’s established petition process to seek approval to study abroad. Please find details about the University’s current policy on University-sponsored international travel and the process to request approval here. Individuals who would like to petition may do so beginning 3 months prior to their intended departure date and approval may be granted beginning 1 month prior to departure.

Our advisors are still available to meet with students interested in planning for a future term. Visit today.uic.edu/coronavirus for additional information, campus updates and support resources for the UIC community. Please contact us at sao@uic.edu or schedule an appointment with a study abroad staff member.