Study Abroad Update
Study Abroad Update for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022
The SLU International Travel Advisory Committee supports SLU students studying abroad at the SLU-Madrid campus for the Fall 2021 semester. Students should work with their study abroad counselor to complete their necessary pre-departure items. Participation in non-Madrid programs has been limited to select programs for Fall 2021.
For Spring 2022, programs will be evaluated based on multiple aspects: travel restrictions and the possibility to obtain a student visa (if necessary); the preparations and resources of individual programs; and the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evaluations will also be based on travel advisories (U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control).
The health and safety of our students is our highest priority. SLU also knows how important study abroad is for students to become a better thinker and compassionate individual while gaining understanding of other cultures.
As a Jesuit institution, SLU also must consider the well-being of communities abroad. This means to put the great good over our own preferences.
We do ask students and their guardians to keep in mind:
- Students will be asked to demonstrate understanding of the program environment, the risks and necessary preparations.
- COVID-19’s global impact will still be evolving during the 2021-22 academic year. Study abroad during Fall 2021 will be a different experience from peers who went abroad prior to the pandemic. It will also vary country to country.
- Although no decisions have been made yet, fewer programs will likely be offered and capacity may be more limited than usual as the university identifies programs and locations suited to provide the most comprehensive study abroad experience.
- There is no way to avoid the risk of a COVID-19 infection. The risk will always be present, no matter where a student studies/amount of preparation.
- A vital component to study abroad is exposure to foreign cultures through personal interaction. Any personal interaction will bring opportunities for the spread of COVID-19.
- Travel opportunities may be greatly diminished based on government travel restrictions and quarantine periods. Unlike in the U.S., precautionary measures are routinely enforced by fines in other countries.
- As we have learned, situations during a pandemic remain fluid. There may be changes on short notice. Such changes may include program cancellation, changes to program dates and precautionary measures enacted by the host country.
- Coursesmay also shift to a hybrid of online and in-person classes.
- Students will be expected to account for all associated costs of program interruptions related to COVID-19. This would include program disruption, quarantine, COVID-10 testing, change of travel plans, etc.
Withdrawing
If you no longer wish to participate in Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 study abroad, please contact the study abroad counselor for your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. passport processing is currently delayed. U.S. citizens can check for updates here. Depending on the host country, you may also need a student visa. Processing times for visas vary from country to country.
This will be something that needs to be discussed with your physician and family. You will need to make an informed decision about your specific concerns related to COVID-19.
When it’s time to consider purchasing airfare, be sure to look at if the flights are refundable, offer change of dates and if the airline offers travel insurance.
This will vary by study abroad program. You will most likely be required to quarantine. GeoBlue international health insurance will pay for medical treatment or hospitalization for COVID-19. However, it will not cover costs associated with self-isolation outside of a hospital.
The international health insurance will not pay for travel due to COVID-19. The only exception is if you are hospitalized in a location that cannot provide adequate treatment based on your condition.