COVID-19 FAQs & Updates
Introduction Heading link
(Updated April 4th, 2022)
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 here.
UIC’s Office of Global Engagement (OGE) continues to monitor the global pandemic to determine if conditions in countries where our students have applied to study are stable enough to permit the university’s endorsement of participation in study abroad programs.
OGE consults a variety of sources, including:
-The U.S. Department of State
-The Centers for Disease Control
-Official governmental sources for host countries
-Information from our program partners
-Arthur J. Gallagher – UIC’s international health insurance providers
Based on this information, the university is using a multi-source risk analysis approach to make its decisions about which countries we can resume study abroad programming in. Programs in countries with a Department of State travel advisory of level 4 due to non-COVID-19 factors are not countries we are able to support. Other countries will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis upon consulting the aforementioned resources.
The CDC advises that travelers ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines before traveling internationally. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself from severe disease and slow the spread of COVID-19. All students who apply to study abroad will be asked to disclose their vaccination and booster status. Due to requirements by certain countries and/or program partners, there may be vaccination requirements for certain programs. Please speak with an SAO advisor to learn if your program has COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
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 to discuss questions or concerns.
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Study Abroad COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
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Is it safe to study abroad now?
While the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee safety, the safety and security of our participants is our primary concern. Consequently, we are monitoring updates and recommendations from official agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of State, the World Health Organization and more. In addition, we maintain partnerships with universities and organizations around the world who provide us with real-time information about conditions in their countries.
By following guidance regarding international travel by the CDC, we are confident that study abroad can safely resume in select countries around the world. Accordingly, we are using a multi-source risk analysis approach to make decisions about which countries we can resume study abroad programming in.
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When will we know if my study abroad program will run?
The Study Abroad Office will provide regular updates about the status of programs to all students who have submitted an application for a future term. Because of the unique and quickly-evolving conditions for different countries, decisions will be made on a program-by-program basis and are subject to change should conditions in a given country make it unsafe to study abroad.
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What should I be doing if I am considering studying abroad during a future semester?
- Stay in close contact with your Study Abroad Office advisor – make sure to review all information we send.
- Keep your academic advisor updated. We highly recommend identifying a back-up set of courses you can take at UIC in case your program is not able to run.
- Consider getting vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine and stay up-to-date with booster shots as you become eligible. Many countries and/or programs require travelers to be fully vaccinated and up-to-date with booster shots in order to enter a country or participate in a program.
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Do I need to have a COVID-19 vaccine and booster in order to study abroad?
The CDC advises that travelers ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines before traveling internationally. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself from severe disease and slow the spread of COVID-19. All students who apply to study abroad will be asked to disclose their vaccination and booster status. Due to requirements by certain countries and/or program partners, there may be vaccination requirements for certain programs. Please speak with an SAO advisor to learn if your program has COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
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What will happen to me and what should I do if I contract COVID-19 while abroad?
All students studying abroad will be covered by a comprehensive international health insurance policy, which includes coverage for students showing symptoms of COVID-19. Should you get sick while abroad, you will want to notify your onsite program staff as soon as possible, who can provide you with assistance in seeking medical help. Additionally, you will want to notify the insurance provider to open up a claim. Follow all information provided to you by your on-site program staff, local authorities, and the UIC Study Abroad Office.
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How will I be supported if I have to return home?
The Study Abroad Office will assist you in making plans to return home should your program end prematurely by helping you identify an appropriate flight and coordinating with your study abroad program provider and the relevant academic units at UIC to assist with the continuation of your studies and receiving credit. Please note that the Study Abroad Office is unable to provide financial assistance to students who have to change their flights to return home early so you may wish to look into trip insurance that includes coverage due to COVID-19. We will work with our program partners to refund any recoverable costs associated with the early termination of a program, but we are unable to guarantee any refund of fees once a program has commenced. You may wish to look for a Trip Cancellation/Interruption for Any Reason insurance policy that includes coverage for pandemics such as COVID-19. Please visit our insurance page to learn more about one potential provider.
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Will I be able to return home if the borders are shut down again due to COVID-19?
In the event of border closures due to COVID-19, it is likely that U.S. citizens and residents will be permitted to return to the United States and all students will follow protocols outlined by the U.S. government and the government of their host country. This may require a period of self-quarantine.
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Will my visa be processed in enough time for me to study abroad if the consulates are closed or operating at reduced capacity?
Processing times for passports and visas during the pandemic have been greatly impacted. Your study abroad advisor and/or program staff will advise you about applying for a visa should one be needed for your program. Make sure you follow all instructions as soon as you receive them if you do need a visa in order to have the best chance of securing one in time.
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Will I be charged if my program is cancelled?
Program fees are due prior to your program start date. In the event that your program is cancelled after it begins, the Study Abroad Office will work with our program partners to refund any recoverable costs associated with the early termination of a program, but we are unable to guarantee any refund of fees once a program has commenced. You may wish to look for a Trip Cancellation/Interruption for Any Reason insurance policy that includes coverage for pandemics such as COVID-19. Please visit our insurance page to learn more about one potential provider.