IFSA has been working closely with students, emergency contacts, and university partners since the beginning of the COVID-19 global pandemic in early 2020. We continue to monitor the global situation very closely, communicating regularly with our students and partners and providing guidance and updates.
The health and safety of IFSA students is our highest priority, and our decisions about program closures and cancellations reflect this commitment. IFSA evaluates program viability and overall safety based on a number of factors. Visit our IFSA Matrix tab for more information.
Along with the safety of our students, IFSA also works to make studying abroad something that will not be a financial burden. Our Future-Focused Guarantee refund policy is designed to help. View the details below.
Future-Focused Guarantee
SUMMER 2021 / FALL 2021
REFUNDS FOR PROGRAM DEPOSITS
IFSA will issue a full refund of any program fees paid, including the $500 non-refundable deposit, for students who withdraw for any reason for Summer 2021 or Fall 2021 IFSA programs. We must receive your withdrawal notice by the date noted here:
April 1, 2021 — Fall Programs at the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge
April 22, 2021 — All Summer Programs
May 7, 2021 — Fall Programs in Argentina, Chile, and Costa Rica
June 7, 2021 — Fall Programs in Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, and Peru
June 21, 2021 — Fall Programs in China, Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain
July 8, 2021 — Fall Programs in Cuba, India, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and the UK
REFUNDS IN THE EVENT OF Program Cancellation
If the situation changes such that IFSA determines a need to cancel the program prior to the start date, IFSA will issue a full refund of our program fees, including the $500 non-refundable deposit. Once the program starts and you are on-site, if we must cancel the program for any reason, we will issue refunds of all recoverable costs as we are able. This process can take some time and will vary greatly depending upon when in the semester cancellation occurs and the vendors and host institutions involved. For context, we refunded nearly $2 million to the Spring 2020 students who were initially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. More than 85% of students received a refund, and the average refund totaled more than $2,200 per student.
WINTER 2021 / SPRING 2021 – FUTURE-Focused GUARANTEE
IFSA will issue a full refund of any program fees paid, including the $500 non-refundable deposit, for students who withdraw for any reason for Winter 2021 or Spring 2021 IFSA programs. We must receive your withdrawal notice by the date noted here:
Nov. 1, 2020 — U.K., Ireland programs
Nov. 11, 2020 — University of Edinburgh and University of St. Andrews (Scotland)
Nov. 23, 2020 — Winter term programs
Dec. 1, 2020 — Australia, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain programs
Dec. 15, 2020 — Cuba, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka programs
Jan. 15, 2021 — Argentina, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru programs
SUMMER 2020 / FALL 2020 – Future-Focused Guarantee
IFSA will issue a full refund of any program fees paid, including the $500 non-refundable deposit, for students who withdraw for any reason for Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 IFSA programs. We must receive your withdrawal notice by May 1, 2020.
IFSA will issue a full refund of our program fees, including the $500 non-refundable deposit, for students who withdraw due to IFSA cancellation of the program or your home college or university’s suspension of study abroad activities up to the program start date for Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 IFSA programs.**
LOCK-IN PRICING
You may choose to apply all program fees and deposits to a future IFSA program. If you elect to transfer your application from Fall 2020 to Spring 2021, we will honor the Fall 2020 program fee in the Spring 2021 semester for the identical program.*
If you elect to transfer your application from Summer 2020 to Summer 2021, we will honor the Summer 2020 program fee for the identical program.
*Available for programs of similar length. For programs in the U.K. where spring programs are longer than fall programs, we will offer a discount of $500 on the spring semester. You must have an application started in the IFSA Student Portal by May 1, 2020, and alert your Program Advisor of your intent to defer to a future term no later than May 15, 2020.
**We will issue the refund to the original paying party, whether that is the student or the home institution. Students should contact the campus study abroad office to confirm any internal refund policies.
The IFSA Health & Safety Matrix outlines how we evaluate program viability for upcoming programs. Below is a sample Health & Safety Matrix we used to evaluate our Spring 2020 programs.
The Health & Safety Matrix will be posted for Summer and Fall 2021 programs beginning in mid-February, and we will update it every two weeks.
ENGLAND
University of Cambridge, Pembroke and King’s Colleges: Program suspended by host institution.
PERU
Community Building and Sustainable Development: Program suspended.
Given the nature of the global pandemic, please read the important details about Summer programs below.
Some countries require students to quarantine upon arrival. If this applies to your program, we will communicate details, such as the length of the quarantine, where you will live, and how you will acquire food. We are primarily working in countries that allow students to self-quarantine in their student housing where we are able to have food delivered. You should expect some portion of your orientation to begin remotely, and you may have some initial academics that begin during this quarantine period.
Students may choose to share a room with an IFSA roommate, and single rooms are available in nearly all of our program locations. All of our housing providers have facilities to isolate students who get sick. You should expect an increased focus on cleanliness, especially in shared spaces.
Given the nature of the global pandemic, please read the important details about Summer programs below.
Some countries require students to quarantine upon arrival. If this applies to your program, we will communicate details, such as the length of the quarantine, where you will live, and how you will acquire food. We are primarily working in countries that allow students to self-quarantine in their student housing where we are able to have food delivered. You should expect some portion of your orientation to begin remotely, and you may have some initial academics that begin during this quarantine period.
Students may choose to share a room with an IFSA roommate, and single rooms are available in nearly all of our program locations. All of our housing providers have facilities to isolate students who get sick. You should expect an increased focus on cleanliness, especially in shared spaces.
In addition to our normal pre-arrival series that addresses common country-specific questions, students will receive a series of messages with risk mitigation action items and information. Students are being asked to complete new application items which include reading IFSA’s extensive Risk Mitigation Newsletter; signing a COVID social contract; and filling out a COVID wellness plan. They will also be prompted to complete a mandatory Canvas module with COVID-19 preparation information and attend a webinar to discuss health and safety protocols.
Some countries require students to quarantine upon arrival. If this applies to your program, we will communicate details, such as the length of the quarantine, where you will live, and how you will acquire food. We are primarily working in countries that allow students to self-quarantine in their student housing where we are able to have food delivered. You should expect some portion of your orientation to begin remotely, and you may have some initial academics that begin during this quarantine period.
Students may choose to share a room with an IFSA roommate, and single rooms are available in nearly all of our program locations. All of our housing providers have facilities to isolate students who get sick. You should expect an increased focus on cleanliness, especially in shared spaces.
Over the course of early summer 2020, IFSA progressively closed all Fall 2020 in-person programs based on protocols outlined in the IFSA Health & Safety program viability matrix. We considered aspects such as ease of travel and ability to secure a visa, the public health procedures in the country, academic contingency plans, and COVID trends within the location.
We are proud to support a small group of students who opted to attend the fall semester remotely with the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford. These students will work with our London staff, individually and as a group, to engage around topics of British culture and academics. We are hopeful they can join the team in person in January to continue their studies.
We had to cancel most of our summer programs in late spring, communicating with partners and students that they would have the opportunity to lock-in the Summer 2020 prices if they opt to defer to the same Summer 2021 program.
The first indication of COVID-19 occurred in China, and since our Shanghai programs had not started yet, we quickly cancelled and diverted 75% of the students to a future semester or another program around the world. Students received a full refund of all fees paid if they were unable to divert to another program. At that time, no one understood that COVID-19 would become a pandemic causing the havoc that it ultimately caused.
COVID-19 spread to Italy, causing the closure of our Rome, Italy program. Students departed Italy no later than March 4 and the academic portion of the program shifted to an online format for the remainder of the semester.
Due to a suspension of classes at our host institution in Barcelona, we announced the closure the Spain program, effective April 3, 2020. Students were asked to depart Spain no later than April 4. We shifted the academic portion of the program online.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identified COVID-19 as a global pandemic.
In two short days, the COVID-19 virus quickly spread across Europe, causing IFSA to make the measured decision to close all of our Europe programs, effective March 15, 2020. We accelerated the Spain closure from two days earlier, asking students to depart the country by March 15. Given the large number of enhanced direct enroll programs involved, we began tracking how our host institutions were responding to student departures and whether they were making accommodations for online learning for the remainder of the semester.
Students on our Argentina program were in the process of arriving when the country implemented a self-isolation period and airlines began suspending flights. Home institutions began calling their students home, so we set up a collection of classes we could offer in an online format, beginning at the end of the month. Students opted whether to stay in country or return home, depending on their comfort level or the suggestions of their home school.
The situation escalated rapidly, and by March 16, 2020, we determined that we needed to close our Spring 2020 programs worldwide. Students in the remaining locations were asked to secure a flight home no later than March 20, 2020, and this urgency was fueled by the dynamic situation with airlines and the lack of pandemic risk mitigation information available at the time.
The Peruvian government closed the borders prematurely before U.S. citizens, including all but three of the 14 IFSA students studying there, could get their flights home. IFSA communicated with the consulate, our U.S. Representative and Senators from Indiana, and other international providers in similar situations trying to get U.S. citizens out of Peru. Students isolated safely with their host families while IFSA worked on their behalf to advocate for their return home.
All students studying in Peru safely returned home.
Given the unusual circumstances, we committed early in the COVID-19 situation to refund all recoverable costs to students or our U.S. colleges and universities, depending upon who initially paid. We started communicating with our host universities to advocate for partial tuition refunds if students were not able to complete their studies remotely. We worked with our housing partners to secure refunds for portions of unused housing, and we negotiated with vendors we use for excursions that were unused. In some cases, we were successful; in others, we were not. Much of this depended on the timing of the program closure and how much of the semester was underway at the time.
After the vast majority of refunds for Spring 2020 were processed, we returned nearly $2 million to students and partners. More than 85% of our students received a refund, averaging nearly $2,500 per student.
Recent health & safety alerts from our program locations.
Mon, 03/16/2020- Wear a facial mask.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue in the trash.
- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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What Our Students Say
Sofia Boucher
,
“I chose IFSA because they stressed not only the scholarly element of studying abroad but the benefits of cultural exposure.“
Karen Takemura
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“I chose IFSA because they had an independent study component implemented in the program. My Cultural Anthropology professor also recommended me the IFSA ISLE program because I could study primates there.“
Marisa Iannitto
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“I chose IFSA because I was impressed with how well it was organized, how accessible the staff was, and how immersive the program was. I also really liked that IFSA organized excursions, making it easier to see Costa Rica’s highlights and hidden treasures.“
Katie Steates
,
“I now have a new sense of independence that has certainly stuck with me, and it will continue throughout my life. I can finally cook for myself!“
Annie Ahn
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“IFSA Peru offered cool classes relating to my majors as well as a host family. I really appreciated having the ability to live in a city (it was a first for me) with a host family and learn how to navigate the wild transportation to the uni and other places in Lima.“
Annie Ahn
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“I chose to study abroad in Lima, Peru with IFSA because of its community-based research and volunteer opportunities. I thought it would be fascinating to see how social work functions in developing countries.“
Sarah Ratzlaff
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“I chose IFSA because of the interesting classes offered, the ability to hold an internship while abroad, and the organized group field trip to Western China. It was incredible to be able to learn both inside and outside the classroom!“
Claire Birk
,
“I chose IFSA for the comfort and security of knowing there are staff members there to help. I was impressed and surprised by the amount of support we had at orientation and throughout the semester and the opportunities the IFSA staff provided!“
Lucas Graden
,
“IFSA was there to support me along every step of my study abroad decision. Pre-departure resources made planning and preparing so much easier, while also working to support me in understanding how my personal identity might affect my time abroad.“
Madeleine Ross
,
“I chose IFSA because they did so much more than just send me abroad or provide basic services. They gave me innovative strategies and professional support for preparing to study abroad and understand my culture holistically.“
Danielle McKay
,
“While in Wales, take every chance you can to go to the countryside, explore the hills, learn about the miners, eat the foods. This was everyday life for most people.“
Zenith Rai
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“I chose IFSA for the freedom it gives to students as well as its emphasis on cultural immersion!“
Stacie Walsh
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“I chose IFSA because I was able to participate in computer science courses with a tight-knit group in a beautiful, central, and historic city. I also expanded my network with a professional internship. IFSA sets students up to be successful!“
Avery Allen
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“I chose IFSA because of their standout dedication to immersion and their commitment to allowing students to explore with independence.“
Zoë Lynch
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“Going abroad in London meant I had to conquer the city myself. London will forever be my city because I chose it and chose to conquer it to the extensive level that I did.“
Lauren Mauney
,
“I ultimately chose IFSA because of its unique option to study at University of Oxford, which I have wanted to do for a long time. Also, the level of support and guidance that I received throughout the application process was unparalleled.“
Ally Klein
,
“IFSA was super organized and helpful in my entire journey! It was so easy to go through IFSA’s program and I would highly recommend them! They quickly answered any question I had and made the whole process very smooth! “
Diala Abboud
,
“I chose IFSA because I wanted to live with a host family and direct enroll in university as well. I also wanted a more focused program that would be able to help and communicate closely with me as an individual.“
Ethan Ackerman
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“IFSA allowed me to take classes taught by Chinese professors from several local universities while also directly familiarizing us with urban China. I also got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel around central China through an IFSA-led trip!“
Danielle Lodge
,
“I don’t know what my abroad experience would have looked like if I hadn’t chosen IFSA, but I am confident that choosing IFSA helped to make my semester abroad the best it could be!“
Grace Smith
,
“IFSA simplified the process with stories from previous students, help with the application and class selection process. From the first information pamphlet, to the lifelong friends, and the comforting knowledge that there was always support available, IFSA was a gift to my time abroad.“
Rachel Fishman
,
“IFSA allowed us to have so much independence and flexibility, which allowed us to engage with the local culture and explore the city right from the start.”
Jackson Cannon
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“The biggest thing I learned is the value of immersing oneself in a culture unlike that which you come from. Even though Australia speaks English, the culture has taught me to relax and take everything one step at a time.”
Theo Prentice
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“I enjoyed the academic and personal freedom of my IFSA program. Being able to take whatever classes I wanted/needed in order to satisfy my requirements for major and what happened to interest me set the foundation for my study abroad experience.”
Sloan Livaccari
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“For two years, I have tried to manage and exist with depression and anxiety. Coming to New Zealand enlivened me and gave me the tools to function and create the life I want and need. I was able to live somewhere for the first time away from family and friends and thrive in it. It allowed me to realize my potential and ability.”
Taruni Donti
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“I think I’ve learned a lot about myself and my behavior—how I tend to act and react in situations. I’ve also become more assertive, courageous, and confident through this experience.”
Cole Wilsey
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“My IFSA program was amazing. They really do a great job making sure you adjust well and are well equipped for your time abroad.”
Wilnaphekie Taloute
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“Through IFSA, I learned to enjoy the small things in life, was able to better understand a culture different from mine, developed intellectually through independent study, and improved my Spanish.”
Anne Ridenhour
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“The connections I made during my time in Scotland was the most enjoyable aspect of my IFSA study abroad abroad experience. Being part of the St. Andrews basketball team really facilitated my relationship with the campus and its students.”
Erin Harris
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“Through my IFSA program, I volunteered at a travel startup where I initiated and developed a six-month lesson plan for the first English teaching program in a Mayan community, created a cost plan for program volunteers, and translated itineraries.”
Unpacked: Student Stories
Reach Out to Us
Get in Touch
- 6201 Corporate Dr., Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46278 - 800.858.0229
317.940.9336 - studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org
