The following email was sent on July 15, 2021 to students considering studying abroad in fall 2021.
Dear Students and Families,
Lehigh’s International Travel Advisory Committee met this week and conducted a detailed individual review of each fall program partner and each host country based on current information. The following list indicates the outcome of the review for each program.
Fall travel planning may move forward:
- CIEE International Business and Culture Program in Seville, Spain
- DIS - Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark
- IES Abroad Barcelona - Liberal Arts & Business, Spain
- IES Abroad London - Study London, United Kingdom
- IES Abroad Rome - History & Classics, Italy
- IES University College Dublin, United Kingdom
- IFSA London School of Economics, United Kingdom
- IFSA University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Syracuse in Florence, Italy
- Syracuse in Madrid, Spain
Additional review required (advisors will be in touch with details):
- Duke University in Rome - Intercollegiate School for Classical Studies
- IES Abroad Amsterdam - Business & Economics
- SIT Study Abroad Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender
Not Approved (advisors will be in touch with details):
- School for Field Studies - Costa Rica
In the coming weeks, Study Abroad will hold pre-departure meetings with all fall study abroad students. Students and parents will also receive an addendum to the student understanding and agreement signed during the application process, which will outline risks specific to travel during a global pandemic and must be returned to Lehigh prior to departure.
Lehigh continually monitors conditions in host countries, and approval may need to be revoked should conditions change significantly. All Lehigh fall study abroad students are also enrolled in a full course load at Lehigh as a contingency plan. Students will remain enrolled in their Lehigh courses until they arrive at their abroad destination. Students should carefully review airfare cancellation policies and are strongly considered to purchase cancellation insurance for all in-country costs.
A COVID vaccine is required for all Lehigh students and study abroad participants. Exemptions will not be granted for study abroad students. Students should update their vaccine record here.
While Lehigh carefully reviews the locations and academics of our approved study abroad programs, the university cannot guarantee the safety of our students while they are abroad. Travel of any kind during the unpredictable circumstances of COVID-19 carries additional risks.
In addition to following Lehigh’s guidance, students and families must determine their own comfort level regarding international travel. This informational page includes a section on “Considerations for abroad programming during the COVID-19 pandemic” highlighting some of the unique risks involved with travel during a global pandemic. Three main resources available to students and families include the Lehigh Study Abroad Office; International SOS - Lehigh’s medical and security assistance provider; and Lehigh’s Study Abroad partner program you are attending. These groups are available for individual consultation and to help answer questions.
We will remain in touch with updates, and we are available to meet with you to discuss any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Katie Radande
Director, LU Study Abroad