Sign In / Sign Out
Navigation for Entire University
Study Abroad FAQs | Spring 2021 update | Novel coronavirus updates
Last Updated: November 4, 2020
Yes, in some cases. ASU and our partner institutions and study abroad provider organizations have cancelled a number of spring 2021 study abroad programs, including all spring break 2021 Global Intensive Experience programs. All affected students have been contacted through ASU email. However, ASU is currently moving forward with a number of other spring, summer and fall 2021 study abroad programs in destinations where student mobility from the United States remains possible. Students who wish to engage in an international activity, but who are unable to travel, may wish to consider our new Global Virtual Internships.
ASU has cancelled all Spring and Summer 2020 study abroad programs. Programs starting Fall 2020 and beyond are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All affected students have been contacted through ASU email.
ASU takes guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of State and our international security intelligence providers. When making decisions about specific programs, we also consider local conditions as well as input from peer institutions and our overseas partners. Prior to cancelling any study abroad program, we first explore all viable alternatives, including relocating the program to another destination.
If the Faculty Directed or Global Intensive Experience program is cancelled before the program’s official start date, students will receive a full refund of all Study Abroad Office (SAO) fees. If the SAO cancels the program after its official start date, refunds will vary depending on a number of variables. While ASU will do its best to provide refunds as feasible, ASU will not be responsible for any personal expenses or losses incurred as a result of program cancellation (including, but not limited to, airfare, passport and visa fees). In addition, we will provide as much support as we can to ensure the students’ ability to expeditiously depart the host country.
The SAO will work with all students who received a SAO Travel Grant, Study Abroad Diversity Scholarship, or Sun Devils at Work scholarship for a program that has been cancelled. Students should work with their International Coordinator for more specific details.
Partnership and Exchange program participants are permitted to proceed with their plans to study abroad with the understanding that they do so at their own risk. Any financial loss incurred because of program cancellation, travel or health issues related to COVID-19 will not be reimbursed by the Study Abroad Office (SAO). Students are strongly encouraged to review the Traveler Health and Safety Resources, COVID-19 Cancellation and Withdrawal Policies, and the Acknowledgment of COVID-19 Health, Safety and Security Risk(s) within their online application before making any decision to proceed.
The following is a list of important considerations for students still interested in participating in Partnership or Exchange programs during the fall 2020 semester:
The SAO will work with all students who received a SAO Travel Grant, Study Abroad Diversity Scholarship, or Sun Devils at Work scholarship for a program that has been cancelled. Students should work with their International Coordinator for more specific details.
The Study Abroad Office (SAO) will directly contact students with updates via email. The SAO reaches out to students’ designated emergency contacts only in very specific situations, such as when a student has been incapacitated or when we cannot reach the student. All members of the ASU community can find updates related to COVID-19 on this page, and at https://eoss.asu.edu/health/announcements/coronavirus.
ASU understands that personal tolerance for risk may vary, and that final decisions will be made between a student and his/her/their family. Fall 2020 study abroad participants will be subject to the terms of the COVID-19 Cancellation and Withdrawal Policies. Whether the decision is made before or after the program begins, students should contact the Study Abroad Office (SAO) for coordination assistance as soon as a decision has been made, and should notify their academic advisor of their choice as well. If a student chooses to leave a program already in progress and return home, we respect that decision. The SAO will work with our partners to try to support the student’s completion of their work with that program, but awarding of academic credit will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.
You can still apply for a new or renewed U.S. passport, but unless you have a life-or-death emergency, you will experience delays before receiving your passport. U.S. Passport operations were significantly reduced in March 2020, temporarily suspending expedited passport processing and restricting service to cases involving life-or-death emergencies. As global conditions evolve and U.S. states begin to reopen, they are resuming operations in phases. Due to anticipated delays, if you are planning on studying abroad during Spring or Summer 2021, you are strongly encouraged to apply for a passport as soon as possible.
Refer to the U.S. State Department Update on U.S. Passport Operations for the most current information, and visit their Passport Agency and Center page to check on the status of passport agencies and centers. To see the current wait times to receive your passport and the return of your citizenship documents (such as previous passports and birth/naturalization certificates), please see the U.S. State Department’s Processing Times page.
The Study Abroad Office (SAO) strongly recommends that students purchase fully refundable airline tickets and/or trip cancellation insurance to safeguard against losses or penalties associated with withdrawal or program cancellation. The SAO assumes no responsibility for such losses or penalties.
Students should anticipate that their experience abroad could be different than they may have originally imagined. Keep in mind the following as you set expectations for a term abroad:
For questions related to a specific study abroad program or student, contact the ASU Study Abroad Office. Media inquiries should be directed to mediarelations@asu.edu.