Safety During a Pandemic
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.
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.
IFSA is wholly committed to protecting the health and safety of our students and staff and respecting the wellbeing of the communities where we live and study. To this end, we have instituted a range of COVID-19 risk mitigation measures based on recognized best practices.
Vaccination is clearly the most important and effective way to prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19, as well as to minimize spread among students and communities. Beyond the primary goal of protecting student and community health, vaccination is crucial for students to thrive while abroad by enabling a richer overall experience with broader program options and avoiding additional quarantines, testing expenses, housing costs, and social restrictions. For these reasons, we require all participating IFSA students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, effective for our Winter and Spring 2022 terms.
We will continue to revise and improve our COVID risk mitigation measures as conditions and knowledge evolve.
COMMIT WITH CONFIDENCE
Future-Focused Guarantee
WINTER 2022 / SPRING 2022 – 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 Winter 2022 or Spring 2022 IFSA programs. We must receive your withdrawal notice by the date noted here:
Nov. 1, 2021 — Spring Programs in England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
Nov. 23, 2021 — All Winter Programs
Dec. 1, 2021 — Spring Programs in Australia, Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain
Dec. 15, 2021 — Spring Programs in Argentina, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Sri Lanka
Withdrawals that occur after the Future Focus Guarantee date but before the program start date will receive a refund of all recoverable costs minus the IFSA $500 confirmation deposit. Withdrawals that occur after the Program Start date will be assessed for recoverable expenses, however, it should be noted that recoverable expenses are unlikely at this late date.
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. If your home institution revokes your study abroad approval or cancels study abroad participation for your home institution due to COVID-19 after the Future-Focused Guarantee withdrawal date, IFSA will make every effort possible to refund all recoverable costs.
Once the program starts and you are on-site, if IFSA 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 percent of students received a refund, and the average refund totaled more than $2,200 per student.
If you are on an actively running IFSA program and your home institution suspends study abroad and requires you to return to your home country, it is unlikely that there would be any recoverable costs to refund.
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.**
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.
EVALUATING PROGRAM VIABILITY
The IFSA Health & Safety Matrix outlines how we evaluate program viability for upcoming programs. The Health & Safety Matrix for Winter and Spring 2021 programs will be updated every two weeks.
WINTER & SPRING 2022 PROGRAM INFORMATION
IS MY WINTER OR SPRING 2022 PROGRAM RUNNING?
AUSTRALIA
All Australia programs have been suspended for Spring 2022.
CHINA
IFSA Study in Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language
ENGLAND
Life Science Career Accelerator
Life Science Career Accelerator Plus
NEW ZEALAND
All New Zealand programs have been suspended for Spring 2022.
Given the nature of the global pandemic, please read the important details about Winter and Spring 2022 programs below.
PROGRAM DATES
ACADEMIC DELIVERY
COMMUNICATION & PREPARATION
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.
ARRIVAL CHANGES
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.
HOUSING
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.
TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS
PASSPORTS
WE HAVE A PLAN FOR YOU
WILL MY PROGRAM RUN?
IFSA is continuously monitoring the pandemic situation around the world where we host programs. As we all know, the pandemic is ever changing. This makes it difficult to predict the likelihood of specific programs running during a given term at any given time. To assist with this uncertainty, IFSA has created systems and policies to help:
- IFSA Health & Safety Matrix: A bi-weekly report from our Health and Safety Team of travel restrictions, number of cases and more, all listed by host country. This is a good indicator of program decisions to come, as our team will consider this information when making a decision about a program running or not. Please see the IFSA Matrix tab.
- IFSA Decision Dates: The date by which IFSA will make a final decision about a program running. See dates for upcoming terms on the corresponding tab.
- Future-Focused Guarantee: Our refund policy includes a withdrawal date by which you can withdraw from your program for any reason and IFSA will refund any money paid, including the $500 program deposit. Please see the Refund Policy tab.
- Contingency Plans: IFSA has identified contingency plans for programs around the world, so if your program can’t run, we’ll have a backup plan to present to you.
Most of all, it is IFSA’s goal to help you realize your study abroad dreams while managing risk as much as possible. Our students are our top priority!
I’ve been informed by IFSA that my program isn’t running for my desired term, now what?
It is IFSA’s goal to help you realize your study abroad dreams while managing risk as much as possible. When we let you know the news that your program would be unavailable, you were presented with some alternative options via email. Look at this communication and be sure to reach out to your IFSA program advisor with any questions. Your IFSA program advisor is happy to help you find a new study abroad plan that will fit your needs!
REFUND POLICY
IFSA has a Future Focus Guarantee refund policy in place. Please see our Refund Policy tab for complete details.
COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICIES
Vaccination is clearly the most important and effective way to prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19, as well as to minimize spread among students and communities. Beyond the primary goal of protecting student and community health, vaccination is crucial for students to thrive while abroad by enabling a richer overall experience with broader program options and avoiding additional quarantines, testing expenses, housing costs, and social restrictions. For these reasons, we require all participating IFSA students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, effective for our January and Spring 2022 terms.
Does IFSA require COVID-19 vaccinations for study abroad?
Yes. Starting with Winter and Spring 2022 programming, IFSA requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination from all students participating in IFSA programs.
Why is IFSA requiring COVID-19 vaccination?
IFSA is requiring vaccination because it the most important, most effective way to prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 and minimize the spread of the virus among students and communities. Our requirements align with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which includes this statement: “Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated.”
Our measures align with our top priority, protecting our students. In addition to helping reduce risks for students, requiring vaccines also helps us minimize disruption to academic programs. Finally, requiring vaccines is an important part of respecting our international hosts and minimizing the spread of the virus in the countries we visit.
Do I need a vaccination to enter my host country?
Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry. In almost every country where IFSA has programs, being vaccinated simplifies entry, eliminating strict quarantine requirements, and sometimes easing testing requirements. Quarantine may be required at a government designated facility and the cost of quarantine is not included in IFSA program fees. If your destination country requires quarantine, plan your travel accordingly so you can begin your program on time.
In addition, many countries are likely to start requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Much of the European Union has already implemented digital COVID certificates to facilitate travel. Entry requirements are constantly changing, and it is up to students to stay current on these updates before they travel.
Which vaccine do I need?
Requirements vary by country. Some countries require students to be fully vaccinated with vaccines that are recognized by WHO, the European Medical Agency, or the USFDA.
IFSA recommends vaccines that have been approved by the FDA and are also recognized by the EMA and WHO. These currently include Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Astra Zeneca is also approved by WHO and the EMA, and accepted in many locations.
Other vaccines may be acceptable on a case-by-case basis, depending upon destination and local requirements. Students should be aware that there may be requirements about where vaccines are administered. The U.K., for example, does not currently recognize vaccines administered in some countries outside the U.S., U.K., and E.U. When possible, get both doses in the United States.
What does fully vaccinated mean?
Currently, fully vaccinated means you have received either one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two shots of Pfizer, Moderna, or Astra Zeneca, according to the schedules set forth by these companies. Guidelines may change as more research is completed.
Can I get a booster shot abroad?
It is unlikely that students will be able to get booster shots while outside of the United States. Countries are likely to prioritize their own citizens and permanent residents for booster shots when they become available. Monitor the country you are traveling to for specific guidance.
Once I am vaccinated, do I need to follow pandemic management guidelines, such as wearing masks and physical distancing?
These are currently best practices whether you are vaccinated or not. IFSA requires masks in all its spaces. For more information, consult the student portal. In addition, students are required to follow all local laws and guidelines, which could differ from U.S. requirements and could include strict enforcement and penalties.
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend classes, restaurants, and social and cultural activities?
In many locations, yes. For example, in Italy, you must be vaccinated to access classes. In Ireland, proof of vaccination is required to access indoor campus dining facilities. In many countries, proof of vaccination allows you enter hotels, museums, and concerts and even use public transportation.
Do I need to be vaccinated if I have had COVID-19?
Yes. If you are unable to be vaccinated in time to attend your program because of a recent positive diagnosis, we recommend deferring your study abroad plans.
How do I show proof of vaccination?
Your CDC COVID-19 vaccination card is currently widely accepted as proof of vaccination. Photograph your card so you have a back-up, but know that many countries require original cards for proof. You’ll need to upload a copy of your vaccination card to the IFSA portal. When you travel and while you’re abroad, carry your card at all times.
Are roommates and host families required to be vaccinated?
IFSA requires all host families to be vaccinated. IFSA will place students who are unvaccinated due to medical exemptions in single housing. Please note this may involve a supplemental fee. Coming into contact with unvaccinated individuals is a risk students take both at home and abroad. IFSA can help minimize but not eliminate that risk.
Will IFSA consider medical or religious exemption?
IFSA will consider requests for medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement on a case-by-case basis. A three-member IFSA cross-functional team will review all requests. To be considered, all requests must first include a completed request form along with a note from the student’s physician or religious leader. If the request is determined to be legitimate, the committee will consider the following in their determination to allow the exemption:
- Can the site reasonably accommodate the student? Does it pose an undue hardship on the site and/or pose risk to staff and other students?
- Is the student prepared to pay charges for single occupancy?
- Is the student willing to quarantine?
- Is the student willing to pay for weekly testing?
- Is the student aware of the impact on their quality of life (i.e. the restrictions in a particular location).
- Will it impact academic requirements?
The agreement of two of three of the members will be required to approve or deny the request.
RISK MITIGATION
How will IFSA determine whether a program should run or be cancelled?
IFSA maintains a detailed program viability matrix which is published on our website at IFSA’s Matrix. The matrix tracks barriers to entry, infrastructure concerns, the ability to manage pandemic risk in particular locations according to our standards, COVID-19 trends and statistics, and the pandemic management policies in place in a local context. IFSA considers these and additional features such as the ability to deliver and mode of delivery of academics in a location, the nature and extent of project lockdowns, hospital capacity, resource availability, and others in making decisions to run a program.
However, once the decision has been made to run the program and students are on-site, it is unlikely IFSA would cancel the program due to COVID-19 related trends. IFSA would support students through all necessary lockdowns, quarantines, and shelter-in-place requirements until the end of the program.
What is IFSA’s COVID-19 health and safety risk mitigation strategy?
First and foremost, IFSA works hand in glove with our host institution partners and national hosts and follows all local guidance surrounding pandemic management and risk mitigation. This includes but is not limited to policies regarding social distancing, limits on gathering, testing and potential vaccines, self-isolation and quarantine, social distancing, and contact tracing.
How will IFSA’s risk mitigation strategy change in upcoming terms?
For Spring 2021 we developed a robust set of risk mitigation measures and policies that we will be revisiting for future terms to adjust as needed. However, we are adopting the stance currently that risk mitigation in Summer 2021, Fall 2021, and future terms will look much like spring and that we will re-evaluate as the terms approach.
Does IFSA require symptom monitoring and contact tracing?
As part of our social contract that students sign prior to going abroad, IFSA requires students to monitor their symptoms daily and report any symptoms to resident staff and appropriate local officials immediately while following local protocols for isolating and testing. This may impact other members of their household and their classmates as well. Contact tracing will be done per local resources.
ACADEMIC CONTINGENCY PLANS
What are the academic contingency plans if my program is suspended after I have arrived on-site?
IFSA will only send students to institutions that have assured us they will move to online teaching if in-person teaching is disrupted. In most situations, you would be expected to shelter in place and continue your studies from the host country. If your program involves all IFSA-taught classes, we will move to online teaching if in-person teaching is disrupted. In most situations, you would be expected to shelter in place and continue your studies from the host country.
What happens if my program is fully online?
IFSA will continue to operate programs on-site where it is reasonably safe to do so regardless of the delivery of the academic instruction. Check with your home institution’s study abroad office to ensure they will accept credit for coursework completed online. At this time, IFSA does not intend to offer programs comprised of solely IFSA-taught classes that are delivered online with students living in the host country.
What happens if my program goes online while I am abroad?
If it is safe to remain in the location, IFSA will continue operation and offer appropriate activities to supplement your experience. Your host institution will coordinate the academic delivery mode for your classes, and IFSA staff will provide co-curriculars and health and safety services to support you. If your program involves all IFSA-taught classes, you will have been using Canvas since the beginning of your program and will be prepared to continue with online studies.
What happens if my program starts online then moves to in-person teaching?
Great! Since you will already be living in country, you will be ready to make this transition. Our in-country IFSA staff will help you prepare for the differences between the U.S. educational system and that of your host country. If your program involves all IFSA-taught classes, our in-country IFSA staff and faculty will be prepared to welcome you back into our classrooms.
What is the expected class delivery method for my program?
Please see the Academic Delivery list for Fall 2021 programs. This list will be updated as host institutions provide additional information over the upcoming months.
STUDENT PRE-DEPARTURE
What happens if borders are closed and I can’t get in?
IFSA will not be able to operate programs if the borders for your host country are not open to accept study abroad students. If we have to suspend the program for this reason, you are covered by the Future-Focused Guarantee refund policy.
How will IFSA prepare students for study abroad during COVID-19?
Prior to the program students receive regular targeted information about travel during COVID-19 and the circumstances specific to their host country. These are pushed to the student and available for regular access in the IFSA Student Portal. In addition, we hold a webinar and our Health and Safety Team may personally reach out to students based upon responses to the medical form and to the COVID-19 quiz and/or COVID Wellness Plan.
Students also receive a risk mitigation newsletter and this material is presented in multiple formats throughout.
Portions of the health and safety orientation are delivered to students in advance of departure and reinforced upon arrival. Once on-site, all students will receive a weekly update that includes COVID friendly activities and resources as well as updates on pandemic management policies and COVID trends in their location.
Fundamental to pandemic risk mitigation is attention to student health and wellness in advance. Not only do we closely monitor hospital trends and access to healthcare, we also work with students to ensure they set up telehealth in advance if necessary, and students are required to return a COVID-19 Wellness Plan that prompts them to think through healthy strategies for any quarantine.
Finally, students participate in a dedicated COVID-19 training complete with a scenario-based quiz. They are required to complete the quiz and to answer each question correctly. It covers basic COVID-19 information, IFSA policies, and the social contract that students sign.
Has IFSA developed any additional legal agreements of waivers to support COVID-19 risk mitigation?
All students are required to sign a COVID-19 social contract which emphasizes that they are part of a community and as such have a responsibility to their fellow students and their hosts to follow all protocols and best practices outlined in the document and by local authorities. Students who put other students at danger may be dismissed from the program as per their participant agreement and the social contract.
Students also sign a COVID-19 Acknowledgement of Risk which ensures they understand there is always the risk of contracting COVID-19 regardless of the precautions when participating in a study abroad program. This acknowledgement includes students assuming all responsibility for the impact of a positive COVID-19 test on their ability to participate in the program as planned, as well as any costs and logistics that come from a positive test when departing at the end of their program.
Check out the free Essential COVID Travel Resources ebook.
GoAbroad, in partnership with IFSA, has created a free eBook called Essential COVID Travel Resources. It includes resources to help you plan, learn, and prepare for the changes the travelsphere has undergone over the past year. Download your free ebook here.
STUDENTS ON-SITE
Will students be covered by insurance?
Yes. All students must be covered by CISI. CISI insurance will cover all medical related COVID-19 expenses. Students have the option to purchase additional insurance to cover trip interruption and cancellation.
How will IFSA communicate with students on-site?
IFSA’s dedicated resident staff is prepared to support students virtually when required and in person when allowed by local circumstances. We also have a well-developed communication and check-in protocol in the event students must isolate or quarantine that includes a file on each student with medical form, applications, and wellness plan, a standard set of goals to guide check-in conversations and a regular video check-in to supplement shorter more regular phone check-ins.
How will IFSA handle arrival quarantines?
IFSA tracks these and other entry requirements as well as associated costs and ensures that students are informed of requirements. Some students, as noted, will be able to quarantine in their housing and some will be required to enter hotels or designated facilities.
IFSA will be delivering portions of orientation online, has established a regular check in and communication protocol and will provide virtual activity support to all its students. In addition, IFSA will ensure all students have access to needs, are connected to health care providers, and are able to receive regular food deliveries.
How will IFSA communicate confirmed cases to partners, emergency contacts, and other students onsite?
If a student tests positive, we will call our partner institution to inform them of the positive result and the follow-up actions for care. We will contact the student’s emergency contact in accordance with the information provided prior to the program by the student about doing so. All students onsite will be informed of positive tests so that we can determine who may or may not have been exposed.
How will IFSA manage pandemic housing, travel, and activities?
IFSA will not leverage homestays for Summer 2021. For Fall 2021 and beyond, IFSA will provide homestays in select locations, but placements will be optional and not guaranteed. Placements will be contingent upon you and/or your host family being vaccinated.
In addition, we will place students in singles and single ensuites, where possible. In some circumstances, IFSA students may be placed in apartments with shared bathrooms. Strict hygiene protocols are published and enforced for all shared spaces. Overnight visitors to housing and indoor social gatherings among households are forbidden. Travel outside of the program location is strongly discouraged and travel is prohibited in alignment with local policies.
Finally, all extracurricular / cocurricular activities have been modified in alignment with local pandemic best practices.
What is IFSA’s plan for isolating sick students?
IFSA has ensured that students can isolate in their own housing in most locations. In the event they are required to isolated in a hospital, this will be covered by CISI. Students may need to follow household isolation protocols based on local structures and housing conditions.
What happens if there is a lockdown in my city while I am abroad?
Our local IFSA staff as well as our Health and Safety Team will communicate with you regarding expectations if there is a mandatory lockdown while you are abroad. A lockdown can mean different things according to your host location. For example, business operations, regional travel, or even local movement may be restricted according to different levels of risk as defined by the local government. You will be expected to adhere to all local and national laws.
Will IFSA allow personal travel?
IFSA highly discourages all personal travel outside of the host city. This is due to the varying regional COVID-regulations that may be experienced in the host country as well as the potential for sudden border closures that could strand the student with no support.
Will IFSA pay for students who must quarantine due to personal travel?
Students who undertake personal travel or test positive for COVID-19 prior to departure may find themselves with a delayed departure and requirement to quarantine in the host country. The required quarantine period in a hotel will be at their own cost. The optional purchase of additional insurance may mitigate these costs.
How will IFSA support students who test positive prior to end of program?
IFSA is constantly working with its local partners to meet the changing needs of the pandemic. Currently, we are gathering information on procedures surrounding required testing prior to returning to the United States. If a student tests positive and must delay the return, the student is responsible for extra housing and airfare costs. To this end, the student has the option of purchasing additional insurance coverage. We will be providing regular information to students about best pandemic processes and encourage them to limit social contact 14 days before departure.
In the event that students have to return home early due to COVID, will IFSA cover their flight costs?
IFSA is unable to purchase tickets for students or make flight arrangements or ticket changes on their behalf. It is up to the student to secure their early return flight in the event that they are advised to depart the country. IFSA encourages students to secure flights that have flexible ticket policies so they do not have to pay a change fee.
HOW COVID-19 IMPACTED EARLIER TERMS
Fall 2021
Summer 2021
All sessions of the London School of Economics and Political Science summer program will take place as scheduled. All other Summer 2021 programs were suspended.
Spring 2021
All Spring 2021 programs were suspended in October, November, and December 2020.
Winter 2021
All Winter 2021 programs were suspended on Oct. 23, 2020.
Fall 2020
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.
Summer 2020
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.
Spring 2020
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.
REFUNDS
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.
Our Photos & Video
What Our Students Say
Sierra Buscher
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“I think about my time abroad ALL THE TIME, and believe it or not, it comes up in almost all of my conversations. It truly was the best experience of my life!”
Lisa Vetyuhova
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“The IFSA advisors were extremely communicative and made an effort to learn about my interests and career goals. I couldn’t be happier with my internship placement in Prague!”
Elizabeth Smith
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“I asked the study abroad office at my college which provider they recommended. My college mentioned that IFSA has done a wonderful job in the past with in-person internships and said they would be best.”
Sofia Boucher
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“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
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“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!“
Priscilla Guillen
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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
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“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
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“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
,
“I chose IFSA because of their standout dedication to immersion and their commitment to allowing students to explore with independence.“
Zoë Lynch
,
“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
,
“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
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“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
,
“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
,
“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.”
