COVID-19 and Study Abroad FAQs

International and Off-Campus Education (IOCE) is continually monitoring the following for changes in advice and elevated risk warnings:

• Department of State
• CDC
• WHO
• On Call (our international travel assistance partner)
• Consultation with the leadership of peer institutions and program providers
• Advice from local host governments

IOCE meets regularly with the College’s International Risk Committee and the Incident Action Group to evaluate information, plan for changes, and make decisions when necessary.

A study abroad experience depends largely on the individual. We always encourage students to set goals before they go abroad and to consider the ways that they might be achieved. Students shouldn’t expect their abroad experience to resemble that of their friends, parents, etc., and there are some very tangible differences that we can tell students to expect.  

Programs may have requirements for testing and possibly for quarantine upon arrival. Programs and/or local governments may impose restrictions on travel that students will be expected to follow. Therefore, students may not be able to engage in as much, if any, international travel during their time abroad. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for entry into some countries.

During the semester, individual courses or the entire program may go online for a temporary period or permanently.

Most programs require a deposit for students to commit their participation. Students will want to understand the terms for those deposits before committing. Students should also understand the program’s refund policies. If courses are able to be completed online, there is usually no refund for tuition. Refunds for non-tuition costs will vary by program. In some cases, programs will pass along recoverable costs, if there are any. It is important that students read and understand the fine print when they commit to their programs.

If a program is suspended prior to completion, every effort is made by the partner institutions to provide a continuation of studies, usually by remote means, so that the student can successfully complete the academic component of the program and receive credit. Lafayette will support students through the transition.

Participation in study away is voluntary, and students may choose to leave at any time. Every student and family has their own level of comfort with risk. However, if students elect to withdraw from a program and therefore not complete their studies, they should ensure that they understand whether they will receive any credit. Typically, our affiliated programs will make every effort to accommodate students and would consider each case individually. 

In most cases, students may not move back into campus housing. Students may only move back to campus if they have a strong academic rationale for doing so. However, it may be too late in the semester for students to join Lafayette courses in progress.

It is always a good idea for families to plan ahead for potential changes in a student’s program of study, including the possibility of returning home. Families should monitor the sites we reference above, as US news coverage of international events is often incomplete.  

Students and their families should also follow communications from their programs in response to COVID-19.

Students are required to be in compliance with Lafayette COVID vaccination and booster requirements at least two weeks prior to departure for their term abroad. It may not be possible for students to obtain the vaccine or booster in their host countries. Students who have received an approved exemption to the College requirement should meet with an IOCE advisor to discuss considerations for studying abroad.

Students abroad should take the same precautions they would on campus:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Clean surfaces, doorknobs, and keyboards with germicidal wipes.
• Stay out of class/work when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Additional recommendations specific to your status as an international traveler include:

• Registering all travel with the Department of State or your country of citizenship’s equivalent (U.S. citizens enrolled in Lafayette-run programs will be registered by IOCE staff, but should register any travel plans independent of the programs.)
• Reporting any travel outside of your host city to your program.
• When traveling independently, monitor travel conditions through sites such as the CDC and WHO.
• If you do present with symptoms, you should let your program know immediately, so that they can assist with medical care. If this happens during independent travel, you should contact On Call to make arrangements.