Greetings!
We hope you are enjoying a safe and productive summer break! The Study Abroad and World Scholars teams at the Center for Global Programs & Services (CGPS) are excited to join the University of Delaware in announcing the official restart of UD study abroad!.
As a participant in UD’s Fall 2021 travel study programs, you will be among the first cohort of almost 120 students to represent the University abroad and to benefit from the unique exchange of cultures and knowledge that comes with studying abroad.
During this exciting and challenging time, the CGPS team is working diligently to support a safe and healthy experience for you this fall. The University has granted CGPS permission to run a limited study abroad program that is closely aligned with UD’s fall reopening plans, meaning that travel study programs this fall will look a little different than they have in the past. New policy guidelines, articulated below, will help ensure your health and safety as the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fall 2021 study abroad guidelines for students:
-
In alignment with UD policy, students are required to be fully immunized against COVID-19 by August 15, 2021. Students must present a valid vaccination record and will also submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure as required by local and international guidelines.
- Students will not be permitted to reside in “Homestay” accommodations while abroad.
- Students are authorized by UD to travel to a single country of activity and are restricted from travel to other countries for the duration of their UD study abroad program except for travel to fulfill an academic requirement.
- Students will be required to review and sign an amended acknowledgement of risk that clearly articulates travel risks and mitigation measures abroad.
- Students will be expected to submit an international phone number and register their information with CGPS crisis management systems such as GeoBlue and Crisis24. Failure to comply with UD, host institution or local country regulations will result in a referral for failure to comply with UD’s Student Conduct policy.
The CGPS team is committed to supporting you throughout your study abroad experience, beginning with pre-departure this summer. Program orientation meetings will include site specific information including crisis management plans, housing details, options for academic travel, and an overview of local health and safety rules and regulations. In addition, online pre-departure orientation modules will ensure that you understand your international health insurance and emergency coverage provided by GeoBlue and Crisis24. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as facemasks and hand sanitizer will be provided to students as needed.
As a national leader in study abroad programming, we are excited to begin global exploration anew this fall. Please monitor your UD email for additional communications from your program coordinator and hosts abroad. Should you have any questions or concerns, we invite you to visit www.udel.edu/global/study-abroad/safety and to contact us at go-global@udel.edu.
Sincerely,
