The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is evaluating the resumption of study abroad for the Spring 2022 semester. The university recognizes the invaluable role study abroad plays in your academic experience and is doing everything we can to resume study abroad in a safe manner.
At this time, we do not have a final list of programs that will resume next spring. The university will conduct a detailed evaluation before resuming each program. Decisions may be announced on a rolling basis. As decisions are made, staff will contact applicants regarding next steps.
We know the following, regardless of the final list of programs available for university students this spring:
- COVID-19’s global impact will still be evolving in spring 2022. The study abroad experience will be significantly different from that of your peers prior to COVID-19, and may differ from your peers at other institutions.
- 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.
- Travel opportunities—personal and course related travel, especially outside the host country—may be limited as governments and programs continue precautionary measures due to COVID-19.
- Increased financial impacts associated with COVID-19 are possible, including program disruption, quarantine and COVID-19 testing, travel interruption, etc. You will be expected to bear all associated costs.
- The situation will remain fluid. Short notice changes (program cancellation, adjustments to dates, and implementation of host nation precautionary measures) are possible.
Considering these trends and concerns, more will be asked of you, including:
- As part of your application, you will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of the program environment, the risks, and preparations necessary to manage your well-being. You will be asked to identify alternative plans for academics, finances, and other logistics. More information on requirements will be forthcoming by the start of the fall semester.
- You will be required to communicate with campus and program staff more frequently and to respond quickly to increase the exchange of information.
- Flexibility and Responsibility. You will be asked to adapt to changes as they occur and commit to following all precautionary measures.
If you no longer wish to participate in study abroad, you may log onto My Study Abroad (app.studyabroad.illinois.edu) to withdraw your application. You may also contact the study abroad office that administers your program. No matter your application status, there will be no application fee assessed if you withdraw.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. The university is committed to keeping you informed throughout the decision-making process. For more information, please see our FAQ at https://safetyabroad.illinois.edu/covid19/faq/.
