The message below was sent to students who applied to study abroad during the Fall 2021 semester and Academic Year 2021-2022 on March 23, 2021.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has made the difficult decision to suspend study abroad through Fall 2021. Despite positive developments, uncertainty remains too high on several fronts, including vaccination progress (here and abroad), travel requirements, and host nation precautions. Although it may feel pre-mature, the timing of this decision supports student, campus, and partner planning that usually begins in April.
This suspension includes all outbound Academic Year and Semester programs starting before December 31, 2021. There are no waivers or exceptions. If you choose to study abroad, you must enroll directly with a program and will have no university support, including access to university study abroad programs, international insurance, financial aid, and pre-articulation of course credit. University staff are unable to sign approval statements for you.
The university values international experiences for students. International education is transforming the ways that students can access those experiences. More information is forthcoming, but the university is exploring and expanding some virtual opportunities that will be available in Fall 2021.
- Virtual Global Experiences provide a stand-alone virtual global internship or research project that students undertake alongside the 1-credit hour LAS 199: Global Perspectives Pre-Professional Seminar. Additional academic credit options are available through departments that offer internship courses or independent study.
- Global Classrooms expand upon Illinois courses taught by Illinois faculty. Courses may feature one or more faculty from international institutions who will pair international students with Illinois students. Content may include international partners providing lectures, cultural components, or case study examples from their national/regional perspectives into the Illinois course. Work may include joint projects within respective courses.
- Course offerings include: ABE 498, CHEM 104, CLCV 220, EURO 199, GER 101, HDFS 398, LAST 445/QUEC 410, IS 390, and UP 160
- Virtual Exchange/Study Abroad Courses allow you to take select online courses from approved exchange or study abroad program partners. Course offerings will include some of the courses that are available to Illinois students while abroad. Not all current partners will participate, and a complete list of availability is still to be determined. There may be an additional cost associated with virtual study abroad courses; details will be listed on program brochure pages.
If you specifically sequenced this opportunity to fit with your academic plans, we recommend discussing the impact on your academic plans with your academic advisor. You must also decide whether to withdraw your application or transfer your application to a future term. Please contact the sponsoring study abroad office to discuss your options. You will not be charged the $100 application fee if you withdraw.
We understand this is deeply disappointing news. The decision was not easy. However, the university remains committed to your well-being as its foremost priority.
