The following email was sent to students considering studying abroad in fall 2021 on February 8, 2021.
This update provides the most current information regarding study abroad for Fall 2021. At this time, students may apply to study abroad for the fall semester; however, conditions affecting international travel remain very fluid, and the university has not yet approved fall travel. Approval will be based on a variety of factors, and conditions will be monitored continuously leading up to and throughout the fall semester.
Worldwide conditions
The Office of International Affairs continues to closely monitor worldwide conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we anticipate travel to some regions of the world will likely resume in fall, we cannot predict how travel and border restrictions will impact Fall 2021 study abroad programs. Should conditions allow, Lehigh will support student travel abroad. As of today, there are many restrictions. Note that many countries are not allowing US Citizens to enter, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of State (DOS) warnings remain high worldwide. Some individual partners overseas have cancelled their fall programming for health, safety, and/or logistical reasons; others are making adjustments in response to developments in the host country. Additional information on travel abroad risk management is available here: Covid-19 and Study Abroad in 2021.
If conditions in certain countries or regions improve, student travel may be a possibility for Fall 2021. Two main indicators are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of State (DOS) alert levels. Students will not be approved for travel to countries with a State Department alert level 4 or a CDC alert level above 2. Lehigh will continue to monitor conditions worldwide.
Fall 2021 Study Abroad
We anticipate some travel will be possible for the fall 2021 semester. Our semester program options have been modified based on program withdrawal policy and Covid response planning. Lehigh is not permitting participation in multi-country programs. All programming remains under ongoing review based on ever-changing conditions worldwide. We are actively reviewing the health, safety, and risk management practices of our selected partners, which may result in further restrictions on program options for students. Students applying for direct enroll programs may be required to apply through an associated third party provider to ensure greater support and less financial risk. Study Abroad advisors will work closely with all fall 2021 study abroad applicants. Students with a compelling academic need that cannot be met in a future semester or by an approved program may submit a special request to participate in a program that is not on our Fall 2021 approved list. The program location must still meet the criteria described above. The request will be reviewed by Study Abroad and the LU International Travel Advisory Committee. Before beginning this process, students must discuss their plan and program with their study abroad advisor, who can provide additional details about the process and the factors under consideration. At this time, students may submit study abroad applications, but worldwide conditions must improve before travel is permitted. The list of program options is posted online here: https://go.lehigh.edu/fall2021abroad
Additionally, we are exploring options for virtual internships for Fall 2021 to allow students to have an international experience should travel not be permitted.
Students and families should review the following guidance when considering Fall 2021 study abroad travel: Considerations for Study Abroad in 2021. Students interested in and applying for Fall 2021 should work closely with their study abroad advisor.