The message below was sent to students on programs considered for resumption in Fall 2021.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is evaluating limited resumption of study abroad programs for the Fall 2021 semester. The university values study abroad as an enriching experience, but student well-being is our foremost concern. The pandemic’s global trajectory remains unpredictable due to surges, emerging mutations, and associated governmental responses. This presents a significant challenge to resuming study abroad in 2021 and the possibility remains that no programs will proceed.
Note: To facilitate program evaluations, most university Fall 2021 application deadlines have been extended to March 15. With few exceptions, notification of program decisions will not occur before late March 2021. For questions regarding deadlines, please communicate with the Study Abroad Office managing your program.
While the university is evaluating potential programs, you should know:
- No study abroad experience can avoid the risk of COVID-19 infection.
- All study abroad experiences will differ significantly from those before COVID-19 and will vary by program and country.
- Precautionary measures may limit personal and academic travel opportunities.
- You are expected to cover additional costs that may arise from COVID-19, including program or travel disruption and quarantine.
- Short notice changes (cancellation, adjustments to dates, and host nation precautions) are possible.
The university’s Fall 2021 evaluation will last through spring and summer 2021. While the initial decision in late spring is an important milestone, the university will continuously monitor developments and may make changes at any time. Evaluation criteria remains the same as Summer 2021; you can read about the criteria on the Safety Abroad announcements blog.
The university will also consider the impact of students traveling abroad. This is more than evaluating your ability to enter the host country. We have an obligation to consider the well-being of host communities and limit risk and impact to them.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. Study abroad staff are committed to keeping you informed throughout the decision-making process. For more information, please see the Safety Abroad FAQ at https://safetyabroad.illinois.edu/covid19/faq/.
If you no longer wish to participate in study abroad during Fall 2021, please contact the study abroad office that manages your program. You may also log onto My Study Abroad to withdraw your application. No matter your application status, there will be no application fee assessed if you withdraw.