Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Disruption

• Will study abroad programs be running in Spring and Summer 2023, considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
  With only a few exceptions, yes.  The Office of Overseas Study continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follow guidance from national and international organizations, such as World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. We also are in touch with our study abroad partners and providers to determine if they are able to host IU students in Spring and Summer 2023.

  Students can expect to receive specific COVID-19 mitigation information for their program environment.

• Can unvaccinated students participate in Overseas Study Programs?
  Per Indiana University policy, given the current status of the global pandemic, IU requires individuals who are studying abroad to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling internationally. If you have been granted an exemption to the IU COVID-19 vaccination policy, and hope to travel as an unvaccinated participant, please email Overseas Study staff at overseas@iu.edu.  Each case will be considered individually. 

  Some countries' policies currently require that your most recent vaccination shot be no longer than 6 months prior to your program's end date. You may be advised to schedule a booster shot prior to your departure. 

  While international travel may be possible for some unvaccinated individuals, the policies of many IU program providers and partner institutions increasingly require vaccinations. The details of some program models may not support participation. Additionally, some countries have instituted distinct requirements for unvaccinated travelers, including a mandatory quarantine period, routine compulsory testing, restrictions on eating in restaurants, and limitations on access to government, corporate and university facilities. Participation may be untenable for unvaccinated students.

Should I get a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster?
Yes!  We recommend that all eligible students get a vaccine booster prior to departure for their program since some location abroad will consider vaccine validity as expired after six months (Pfizer and Moderna) or two months (J&J), the protection from your original vaccines will decrease over time, and not all countries will provide boosters for non-citizens. People who got the Pfizer or Moderna immunizations are eligible for a booster six months after their second shot. People who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a bosoter two months after their first shot. 

To schedule an appointment in Indiana, visit ourshot.in.gov, select the county you want to schedule in and then select your preferred vaccine site. Outside of Indiana, use vaccinefinder.org to search for vaccine clinic sites across the country.

I have been accepted to a Spring or Summer 2023 study abroad program. If I decide not to go, can I get my $500 prepayment back? Can I defer to a future semester?
This will vary.  Generally, students who withdraw from their program at least 14 days prior to the program start date or whose program is cancelled will be refunded their $500 prepayment, but details vary by program. Students should check program-specific fee and refund/withdrawal policies carefully. Those interested in deferring to a future semester (and who are still eligible for that semester) should speak with their study abroad advisor.

Should I purchase an air ticket for travel to my program destination?
Students are advised to avoid incurring any financial commitments until 60 days prior to program start date.

If I withdraw from my program, what happens to any study abroad scholarships I received?
Students should not expect to receive any study abroad-related scholarships, if their program abroad is cancelled.

Can I study abroad on a Non-IU program in Spring or Summer 2023?
For many locations abroad, yes. While Indiana University remains committed to promoting the health and safety of students traveling abroad, the regular policy that limited travel to only those countries under Department of State Travel Advisories 1 and 2 has been temporarily lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may choose non-IU programs in countries categorized as Level 3 and 4 if the public health situation is cited as the primary reason for the advisory as long as their programs have appropriate virus mitigation strategies. Students should follow standard Non-IU Procedures. 

• Will study abroad programs be running in Fall 2022, considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
  With only a few exceptions, yes.  The Office of Overseas Study continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follow guidance from national and international organizations, such as World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. We also are in touch with our study abroad partners and providers to determine if they are able to host IU students in Fall 2022.

  Students can expect to receive specific COVID-19 mitigation information for their program environment.

Should I get a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster?
Yes!  We recommend that all eligible students get a vaccine booster prior to departure for their program since some location abroad will consider vaccine validity as expired after six months (Pfizer and Moderna) or two months (J&J), the protection from your original vaccines will decrease over time, and not all countries will provide boosters for non-citizens. People who got the Pfizer or Moderna immunizations are eligible for a booster six months after their second shot. People who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a bosoter two months after their first shot. 

To schedule an appointment in Indiana, visit ourshot.in.gov, select the county you want to schedule in and then select your preferred vaccine site. Outside of Indiana, use vaccinefinder.org to search for vaccine clinic sites across the country.

I have been accepted to a Fall 2022 study abroad program. If I decide not to go, can I get my $500 prepayment back? Can I defer to a future semester?
Generally, students who withdraw from their Fall 2022 program at least 14 days prior to the program start date or whose program is cancelled will be refunded their $500 prepayment, but details vary by program. Students should check program-specific fee and refund/withdrawal policies carefully. Those interested in deferring to a future semester (and who are still eligible for that semester) should speak with their study abroad advisor.

Should I purchase an air ticket for travel to my program destination for Fall 2022?
Students are advised to avoid incurring any financial commitments until 60 days prior to program start date.

If I withdraw from my Fall 2022 program, what happens to any study abroad scholarships I received?
Students should not expect to receive any study abroad-related scholarships, if their program abroad is cancelled.

Can I study abroad on a Non-IU program in Fall 2022?
For many locations abroad, yes. While Indiana University remains committed to promoting the health and safety of students traveling abroad, the regular policy that limited travel to only those countries under Department of State Travel Advisories 1 and 2 has been temporarily lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may choose non-IU programs in countries categorized as Level 3 and 4 if the public health situation is cited as the primary reason for the advisory as long as their programs have appropriate virus mitigation strategies. Students should follow standard Non-IU Procedures. 

 Will study abroad programs be running in Summer 2022, considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
While planning to continue with Summer 2022 programs, the Office of Overseas Study continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follow guidance from national and international organizations, such as World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. We also are in touch with our study abroad partners and providers to determine if they are able to host IU students in Summer 2022. Students can expect to receive specific COVID-19 mitigation information for their program environment.

I have been accepted to a Summer 2022 study abroad program. If I decide not to go, can I get my $500 prepayment back? Can I defer to a future term?

Generally, students who withdraw from their Summer 2021 program at least 14 days prior to the program start date or whose program is cancelled will be refunded their $500 prepayment, but details vary by program. Students interested in deferring to a future term (and who are still eligible for that term) should speak with their study abroad advisor.

Should I purchase an air ticket for travel to my program destination for Summer 2022?

Students are advised to avoid incurring any financial commitments until 60 days prior to program start date.

If I withdraw from my Summer 2022 program, what happens to any study abroad scholarships I received?

Students should not expect to receive any study abroad-related scholarships, if their program abroad is cancelled.

Can I study abroad on a Non-IU program in Fall 2022?
For many locations abroad, yes. While Indiana University remains committed to promoting the health and safety of students traveling abroad, the regular policy that limited travel to only those countries under Department of State Travel Advisories 1 and 2 has been temporarily lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may choose non-IU programs in countries categorized as Level 3 and 4 if the public health situation is cited as the primary reason for the advisory as long as their programs have appropriate virus mitigation strategies. Students should follow standard Non-IU Procedures. 

Will study abroad programs be running in Spring 2022, considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
While planning to continue with Spring 2022 semester-long programs, the Office of Overseas Study continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follow guidance from national and international organizations, such as World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. We also are in touch with our study abroad partners and providers to determine if they are able to host IU students in Spring 2022.

Students can expect to receive specific COVID-19 mitigation information for their program environment.

Decisions about spring break 2022 programs will be made later in the fall.

Should I get a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster?
Yes!  We recommend that all eligible students get a vaccine booster prior to departure for their program since some location abroad will consider vaccine validity as expired after six months (Pfizer and Moderna) or two months (J&J), the protection from your original vaccines will decrease over time, and not all countries will provide boosters for non-citizens. People who got the Pfizer or Moderna immunizations are eligible for a booster six months after their second shot. People who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a bosoter two months after their first shot. 

To schedule an appointment in Indiana, visit ourshot.in.gov, select the county you want to schedule in and then select your preferred vaccine site. Outside of Indiana, use vaccinefinder.org to search for vaccine clinic sites across the country.

I have been accepted to a Spring 2022 study abroad program. If I decide not to go, can I get my $500 prepayment back? Can I defer to a future semester?
Generally, students who withdraw from their Spring 2022 program at least 14 days prior to the program start date or whose program is cancelled will be refunded their $500 prepayment, but details vary by program. Students interested in deferring to a future semester (and who are still eligible for that semester) should speak with their study abroad advisor.

Should I purchase an air ticket for travel to my program destination for Spring 2022?
Students are advised to avoid incurring any financial commitments until 60 days prior to program start date.

If I withdraw from my Spring 2022 program, what happens to any study abroad scholarships I received?
Students should not expect to receive any study abroad-related scholarships, if their program abroad is cancelled.

What should I do about housing at IU, if my Spring 2022 program gets cancelled?
Students should consult IU Classifieds or be in touch with Residential Programs and Services about housing options.

Can I study abroad on a Non-IU program in Spring 2022?
Per IU policies, IU students may not study abroad with IU approval and support on a Non-IU program during Spring 2022.

 Will study abroad programs be running in Fall 2021, considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
IU officials have approved a limited set of semester-long study abroad programs. The Office of Overseas Study continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follow guidance from national and international organizations, such as World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. We also are in touch with our study abroad partners and providers who will host IU students in Fall 2021. Students can expect to receive specific COVID-19 mitigation information for their program environment.

Can I study abroad on a non-IU program in summer 2021?
Per IU policies, IU students may not study abroad with IU approval and support in any country for which there is a Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory. Students planning to study in other countries can follow standard Non-IU Procedures. 

 Will study abroad programs be running in Summer 2021, considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
While planning to continue with Summer 2021 programs, the Office of Overseas Study continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follow guidance from national and international organizations, such as World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. We also are in touch with our study abroad partners and providers to determine if they are able to host IU students in Summer 2021. Students can expect to receive specific COVID-19 mitigation information for their program environment.

Can I study abroad on a non-IU program in spring 2021?
Per IU policies, IU students may not study abroad with IU approval and support in any country for which there is a Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory. Students planning to study in other countries can follow standard Non-IU Procedures.

 Will study abroad programs be running in Spring 2021, considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
While planning to continue with Spring 2021 semester-long programs, the Office of Overseas Study continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follow guidance from national and international organizations, such as World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. We also are in touch with our study abroad partners and providers to determine if they are able to host IU students in Spring 2021.