Coronavirus FAQs

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Coronavirus & UA Education Abroad: FAQs
updated 1/25/2023

Our students’ health and safety while abroad is of paramount importance to The University of Alabama (UA). The following information includes answers to some FAQs about COVID-19 and UA’s response as it relates to study abroad. The information here can be shared with UA students, faculty, staff, and family members. Please note that there are different sections – scroll down to the section most pertinent to you or your student.

• General Information
• While Abroad
• Current & Future Study Abroad (Spring 2023 & After)
• Additional Links

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Can I study abroad as a UA student? Yes, most study abroad programs have resumed, including UA faculty-led study abroad programs, exchange programs, affiliate programs, and direct enroll programs.
2. How is The University of Alabama monitoring the COVID-19 situation worldwide?
   UA is continually monitoring the situation, including consulting sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of State, the World Health Organization (WHO), and International SOS, our international travel assistance provider. We are also in touch with our affiliate and exchange study abroad partners both domestically and abroad.
3. How does UA make decisions about its study abroad programs?
   UA, including the UA System office, refers to guidance from the CDC, the U.S. Department of State, the WHO, and International SOS (UA’s international travel assistance partner). When making decisions about specific programs, we also consider local conditions, as well as information from peer institutions and our overseas partners.
4. Who will UA contact with updates?
   UA will directly contact students with updates that might specifically impact them. UA reaches out to students’ designated emergency contacts only in very specific situations, such as when a student has been incapacitated or when we cannot reach the student.
5. Who can I contact about study abroad and the coronavirus situation?
   Please contact Chad Berry, Associate Director of International Health, Safety, and Risk Management at studyabroad@ua.edu.

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WHILE ABROAD

1. What should students expect when studying abroad during COVID-19?
   Students’ experience abroad may be different than they may have originally imagined. Keep in mind the following as you set expectations for a term abroad:
   • Independent Travel: Independent travel outside of the city and/or country you are studying abroad in may be limited. Country borders may be closed, quarantine measures may remain in place, and there may be sudden changes to countries’ entry and exit requirements. Be aware of entry/exit requirements if you make plans to travel outside of your host country during the middle of your study abroad program.
   • Quarantine & Testing: Quarantine and testing requirements will vary by country and may change with little notice. Your time abroad may include a quarantine period upon arrival in your study abroad destination. You may have to be tested for COVID-19 prior to or upon arrival, or at other times while abroad. You also may have to quarantine if you or someone near you (student, faculty or staff member) are exposed to the coronavirus.  Make sure to consult your study abroad program provider and other official sources (see “Additional Links and Resources” section below) regarding any such requirements.
   • Academic Experience: Some programs and universities may implement a hybrid online/in-person format for classes; others will offer a fully in-person classroom experience. Be familiar and comfortable with both formats. There may be sudden changes to the academic format of your program and additional rules or restrictions within the classroom.
   • Social Experience: Depending on the restrictions in your location, you may have limited opportunities for in-person social interactions with others.
   • Program Excursions and Activities: Excursions or other extra-curricular activities offered on study abroad programs will vary by program. It is possible that excursions may be altered or canceled while you’re on-site to adjust to current health conditions and government regulations.
2. What precautions should I take to lessen the risks of contracting COVID-19 while abroad? As one precaution that travelers can take to lessen the risk of COVID-19, it is recommended to get vaccinated for the virus, You also may consider getting a COVID-19 booster shot prior to going abroad. Beyond that, the following advice about preventing the spread of COVID-19 is taken from the CDC’s guidance on How to Protect Yourself & Others web page. Go to that page for further details on the precautions listed below.
   • Wash your hands often.
   • Avoid close contact (with people).
   • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.
   • Cover coughs and sneezes.
   • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
   • Monitor your health daily
3. If the COVID-19 situation escalates in my study abroad location while I’m there, what should I do?
   • Follow the protocols established by your study abroad program and the local authorities.
   • Take appropriate precautions to minimize your risk of contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others.
   • If you need assistance with finding medical care or travel assistance to return to the U.S., please contact UA’s international travel assistance provider, International SOS by contacting them through the International SOS app (recommended if abroad) or calling +1 215-942-8478. Make sure to use UA’s International SOS membership number (11BCAM831609) when calling.
4. If I need medical assistance while abroad (whether due to COVID-19 or another issue), what should I do? If it is an emergency, get to nearest medical provider as soon as possible. If it is less urgent, contact International SOS via the International SOS app (recommended if abroad) or by calling +1 215-942-8478 to speak with a medical professional or to get recommendations on which local medical provider in your study abroad location to use. Make sure to use UA’s International SOS membership number (11BCAM831609) when calling.
5. Regarding academics, what will happen if my study abroad program is canceled at the last minute? Your options are dependent on the time that your program is cancelled (i.e. before UA’s semester start date, after UA drop-add etc.).
   • If your program is canceled prior to UA’s drop-add period, you may be able to register in UA classes and proceed with a “normal” UA semester. You will also work with the program provider on any cancellation protocols that need to take place.
   • If your study abroad program is cancelled after UA’s drop-add period, then you should contact the Education Abroad office as soon as possible to see if there could be any option of enrolling into UA.
6. Regarding academics, what will happen if my program switches to an online-only format? If your study abroad program switches to an online-only format, you can either (1) proceed with the online option possibly being offered through your study abroad program or host institution abroad or (2) choose to withdraw from the study abroad program. Please note that you may be subject to withdrawal penalties, and depending on the withdrawal date, you may or may not be able to re-enroll into UA.

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CURRENT & FUTURE STUDY ABROAD (SPRING 2023 & AFTER)

Current (Spring 2023)

1. Do I need to get a negative COVID-19 test before returning to the U.S.? No. As of June 12, 2022, the CDC no longer requires air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
2. Do I have to quarantine after returning to the U.S.? It is no longer required that U.S. citizens arriving from abroad quarantine. The CDC does, however, recommend the following precautions for returning travelers:
   • Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after arrival.
     • Find a U.S. COVID-19 testing location near you or use a self-test.
     • If you already had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, see specific testing recommendations.
   • Monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms.
   • Follow additional guidance if you know you were exposed to a person with COVID-19.
   • Follow all state, tribal, local and territorial recommendations or requirements after arrival.
   • If you are going to be around someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick with COVID-19, consider additional precautions

Future (Summer 2023 departure & after)

1. Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine prior to studying abroad? It is strongly recommended that you get one of the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines prior to travel. Doing so could protect your health, as well as those around you, while also possibly mitigating some of the entry requirements and restrictions as you go abroad, depending on your destination. Some countries (including the U.S.) have a quarantine requirement for incoming travelers, but will waive the requirement if a traveler has a negative PCR test and/or proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Some locations have created digital passes and other measures tied to a traveler’s vaccination status that can impact access to certain public spaces. If you do receive a COVID-19 vaccine prior to departure, make sure to take multiple copies of the proof of your vaccination (both hard copies and digital copies) with you while abroad. Check the current travel requirements and restrictions and entry requirements for your study abroad destination. Some third-party study abroad program providers and international universities and institutions are also requiring proof of vaccination in order to participate in the program.
2. Should I get a COVID-19 booster shot prior to going abroad? It is strongly recommended that, if eligible, you get a COVID-19 booster shot prior to going abroad. Some countries’ definitions of fully vaccinated are based on how long it’s been since a person completed their initial series of the vaccine. Know what the requirement regarding fully vaccinated status is in your study abroad location. You may need to receive a booster in order to meet the requirement before the end of your study abroad program date.
3. Should UA students purchase trip cancellation insurance and/or refundable airfare? Should I purchase travel insurance and/or “Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)” or “Interrupt for Any Reason (IFAR)” insurance? The Education Abroad office recommends that students purchase fully refundable airline tickets and/or trip cancellation (e.g. “Cancel For Any Reason” or CFAR) and/or trip interruption insurance (e.g. “Interruption For Any Reason” or IFAR) to safeguard against losses or penalties associated with withdrawal or program cancellation. UA assumes no responsibility for such losses or penalties. A student can purchase any CFAR/IFAR policy available on the market, or chose this Crum & Foster CFAR/IFAR policy that is being offered to UA students: http://bit.ly/UA_CFAR
4. What issues and questions should I be considering if hoping to study abroad in the near future? Please see the following lists of questions and issues to consider if planning to study abroad.

Program Questions

• Confirm your program is going – and follow the program’s protocols and instructions about steps to take in order to participate.
• What are the COVID-19 related policies for your program and institution where you’ll be studying?
• What impact does COVID-19 vaccination status have on your participation in the program?
• Do you need to get a COVID-19 booster shot for this program?
• What is their refund policy and deadlines to withdraw?
  • Before the program
  • During the program
• What are the academic and financial policies if the program has to go to online/remote learning ?
• When is the deadline the provider will make a decision about Summer (or other terms) programs?

Location Questions

• What are the entry requirements (i.e. PCR or antigen test, proof of vaccination, pre-arrival forms etc.), if any, to enter?
• What impact does COVID-19 vaccination status have on your entry into the country, quarantine requirements (or not) etc.?
• Do you need to get a visa to enter the country? If so, what are the steps to obtaining a visa? How is that affected by COVID-19?
• What steps will you need to take upon returning to the U.S. after your program?

Travel Questions

• Is air travel to/from your program location easily accessible?
• What is your airline’s flight refund and/or flight change policies?
• What is your airline’s COVID-19 protocols and requirements?
• What is your study abroad program’s onsite travel policy? Do they allow weekend travel outside your location?
• Should you purchase “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) or “Interrupt For Any Reason” (IFAR) coverage? A student can purchase any CFAR/IFAR policy available on the market, or chose this Crum & Foster CFAR/IFAR policy that is being offered to UA students: http://bit.ly/UA_CFAR

4. What are the important dates to be aware of regarding Spring 2023 and Summer 2023 study abroad and CIP placeholder course registration? Be aware of the following important dates for Spring 2023 registration:

Spring 2023

• November 18, 2022: UA Scholarships Request Form for Study Abroad due
• December 2, 2022: Last day to enroll in study abroad course (CIP or UA faculty-led course) and use UA Scholarship
  • If using a UA Scholarship to help fund your study abroad program, then this is the last day you can register in the CIP placeholder course and still have your scholarship funds released to you.
• January 5, 2023: UA Scholarship dispersal date for study abroad students
• January 18, 2023: Last day of Drop/Add at UA
• March 29, 2023: Last day to drop a course with a “W” grade at UA

Summer 2023

• April 15: UA Scholarships Request Form for Study Abroad due
• May 2: Last day to enroll in a study abroad course (CIP or UA faculty-led course) and use a UA Scholarship
  • If using a UA Scholarship to help fund your study abroad program, then this is the last day you can register in the CIP placeholder course and still have your scholarship funds released to you.
• May 26: UA Scholarship dispersal date for study abroad students (Summer)
• June 2: Last day of Drop/Add at UA (full Summer term)
• July 11: Last day to drop a course with a “W” grade at UA (full Summer term)

5. Will I have to quarantine or get tested for COVID-19 when arriving in my study abroad destination? Possibly. Check with your destination’s Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health or the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Country Information or your study abroad program provider for details about entry requirements and restrictions for arriving travelers. Also see the “COVID-19 Trip Planner” tool located in the International SOS app.

• Follow all entry requirements for your destination and provide any required or requested health information. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the U.S.
• If traveling by air, check if your airline requires any health information, testing, or other documents.
• Pre-travel testing: If you need a negative PCR or antigen test prior to travel, make sure to schedule a test that meets your study abroad destination’s entry requirements. If you will be in Tuscaloosa up to the time of your departure, then students needing a PCR COVID Test can obtain one through the Student Health Center. Call 205-348-2778 to make an appointment.
• Get vaccinated. Some countries are waiving quarantine requirements (if they have them) and other entry restrictions for travelers who can show proof of being fully vaccinated. If eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, it is recommended that you get one of those before going abroad as well.

Each country and institution has its own entry requirements and restrictions, which are subject to change. Please consult your program provider or host institution regarding the latest requirements. You may also consult websites such as the following that include information about entry requirements around the world:

• International SOS app (Use your UA email address and UA’s International SOS membership number when registering in the app)
• https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

6. Can I get a refund for my study abroad program costs if I decide not to go at the last minute? If a student is participating on a non-UA sponsored program (affiliate, non-affiliate, direct enroll etc.), then the possibility of a refund will depend on that program’s refund policy. A student may also consider purchasing a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and/or Interrupt For Any Reason (IFAR) policy available on the market, or chose this Crum & Foster CFAR/IFAR policy that is being offered to UA students: http://bit.ly/UA_CFAR.  Regarding UA faculty-led programs, please contact UA Education Abroad at facultyled@ua.edu.

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ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES:

1. UA website with general information about the coronavirus (COVID-19): https://healthinfo.ua.edu/.
2. UA System Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and resources: http://uasystem.edu/ua-system-coronavirus-information-and-resources/
3. Other official sources to consult with helpful information include the CDC, WHO, and the International SOS web pages devoted to the coronavirus (COVID-19):
   1. • • WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
          • WHO FAQs: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
        • CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
          • CDC guidelines for prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
        • U.S. Department of State’s Current Information for Travelers: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html
        • International SOS (UA’s Travel Assistance provider): https://pandemic.internationalsos.com/2019-ncov
4. Other COVID-related links:
   • Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Map : The latest statistics of COVID-19 cases provided by the Center for System Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
   • Our World in Data: Website collecting data, such as daily case rates, vaccination rates etc. about COVID-19 around the world
   • Travel information & entry requirements/restrictions:
     • International SOS (UA’s international travel assistance provider)
     • https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php
   • CFAR/IFAR insurance coverage: http://bit.ly/UA_CFAR