The Illinois State Study Abroad Team aims to provide high-quality international education programs to Illinois State students by serving as a liaison between the campus community and learning opportunities abroad. The health and safety of program participants is of top priority.

COVID-19 Updates and Policies

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic, OIE and the Study Abroad Team alongside Illinois State University (ISU) leadership continue to monitor and assess current risk levels utilizing information provided by the U.S. Department of State, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as state and local health officials. In addition to following local, national, and international guidelines, the Study Abroad Team remains in communication with partners abroad to stay up to date on any changes to policies and/or procedures regarding health and safety abroad.

Compliance to updated guidelines and standards may result in modifications to policies, procedures, and/or program details (program locations, dates, cost, course delivery, housing accommodations, transportation, activities, etc.). Any modifications are intended to limit, to the greatest extent possible, disruption to academic progress and financial hardship, as well as maintain health and safety standards for all Illinois State students participating in study abroad programming.

Note: This situation is continually evolving, and modifications may occur with little notice.

Considerations for Upcoming Terms

OIE plans to offer study abroad programming for future academic terms, taking into account any necessary health precautions and/or program modifications. Program viability will be determined in partnership with University leadership. Should a decision be made to cancel a specific study abroad program or programming term, program applicants will be notified by the Study Abroad Team via their Illinois State email account as soon as possible. 

Academics

The Study Abroad Team encourages program applicants to work with their academic advisor to establish two plans of study for their intended term abroad: 1) a plan for your academics abroad including relevant ISU course equivalencies, assuming you will be able to participate in your selected study abroad program, and 2) a backup plan to complete your studies at ISU in case you are not able to go abroad due to program cancellation. Students should also discuss ISU registration procedures and add/drop timelines with their academic advisor when planning for the upcoming terms. 

Housing 

The Study Abroad Team encourages program applicants to establish two housing plans for their intended term abroad: 1) a plan assuming you will be able to go abroad, and 2) a backup plan in case you are not able to go abroad due to program cancellation.

Note: OIE and the Study Abroad Team are unable to assist students with ISU on-campus and off-campus housing processes. Students should work directly with University Housing Services or their off-campus leasing agency.

Program Viability

The viability of study abroad programming is impacted by a multitude of factors including, but not limited to international travel restrictions in place at ISU, travel advisories established by the U.S. Department of State, health and safety guidance from WHO and CDC, international border control, parameters set by program partners, and overall program structure/administration.

In conjunction with ISU leadership, OIE and the Study Abroad Team monitor and assess risk levels associated with international travel. Compliance affiliated with guidelines and standards may result in modifications to policies, procedures, program details, and/or overall program viability. Any program modifications or cancellations are intended to limit, to the greatest extent possible, disruption to academic progress and financial hardship, as well as maintain health and safety standards for all Illinois State students participating in study abroad programming.

The Study Abroad Team aims to provide timely communication to program applicants/participants; however, extenuating circumstances may not always allow for ample notice of program modification or cancellation.

Financial Implications

OIE and the Study Abroad Team are acutely aware of the role of which finances play in study abroad participation. When determining program viability, program-specific cancellation policies and financial implications are carefully reviewed in order to mitigate financial burden.

In the event of program cancellation or interruption, the Illinois State Study Abroad Withdrawal and Refund Policy applies.