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COVID-19 & Study Abroad

Study Abroad applications are open for summer 2022, fall 2022, and beyond, and we strongly encourage students to apply!

The RIT Education Abroad office is constantly monitoring how COVID-19 is affecting international travel, with student safety as our top priority. As of Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, a small cohort of RIT students are participating in study abroad programs. As transmissions rates abroad continue to decline and restrictions ease, we anticipate an increase in study abroad participation, however, some locations or programs may still be limited. Students will be required to be vaccinated, follow all applicable CDC and/or state/international travel guidelines when traveling, and may need to take additional precautions. All study abroad locations will need to be approved by the RIT Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

As you plan for future study abroad, these FAQs can help you better understand how your program may be impacted. Check these resources often, as the situation is continuing to evolve. Or email [email protected] with any additional questions.

 



General FAQ's

Will I need to receive the COVID-19 vaccination prior to studying abroad?
All faculty, staff, students and others participating in RIT study abroad/international travel must be fully vaccinated against COVID or have a valid RIT exemption. 

If you have a valid RIT exemption to the vaccination requirement please be advised that your ability to participate in RIT study abroad/international travel will be subject to any requirements imposed by a host country. RIT may be able to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with a valid RIT exemption, provided that they do not alter the nature of the educational experience for others participating in RIT study abroad/international travel, but it cannot change host country COVID requirements.

Please visit the RIT COVID-19 Vaccination Information website for more information.

Can I still plan for study abroad and meet with an advisor?
Yes! The Education Abroad office is open and our advisors and staff are available to help you plan for future study abroad. Study abroad planning can take 6-12 months, so continuing to explore programs and learn about application steps will set you on a future path to study abroad. Schedule an appointment. In-person or zoom meetings are available.

How should I prepare for an upcoming meeting with my study abroad advisor?
The RIT Education Abroad office offers both in-person and virtual Zoom meetings with study abroad advisors. 

If you have a scheduled in‑person meeting, please be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, maintain social distancing and follow RIT mask guidelines. When you arrive at our office, check in at our front desk. Please bring a laptop if you can. If you need Access Services support, please reserve in advance at myaccess.rit.edu.

If you have a scheduled Zoom meeting, we suggest logging into the meeting about 5 minutes early to test out the sound and camera and make sure that all of the technology is working as it should. If you need Access Services support, please reserve in advance at myaccess.rit.edu.

Is it worth still applying for a study abroad program when international travel is so uncertain?
As study abroad and international travel slowly opens up, we still encourage you to apply if there is a program or location you are interested in. Some things to keep in mind:

  • Many programs are offering more flexible cancellation and refund policies to minimize financial risk. 
  • RIT and our partners have your safety as our main priority, are constantly monitoring the situation and will communicate any changes with you accordingly.
  • If your chosen program ends up being cancelled, you could choose another location or defer to a later semester.
  • Being flexible and understanding the situation is constantly changing and evolving is important during these uncertain times.
  • Have a back-up plan in place so if you can’t travel you can still take classes at RIT, do a co-op or continue with other personal, academic or employment plans.
  • Wait to purchase any flights until you have a better idea if your program will run and consider purchasing refundable tickets.
  • Your study abroad advisor can talk through concerns or questions you have.

Will I be able to get a passport or renew my passport?
According to the U.S. State Department you can now apply for routine passport service and expect to receive a passport in 10-12 weeks. If you need a passport, we recommend starting this process immediately to give yourself ample time. Learn more about the current state of passport operations and plans to reopen in phases on the U.S. Passport COVID-19 Update page and their Frequently Asked Questions page. 

How is RIT determining whether or not it will be safe to travel abroad?
Your health and safety is our highest priority. RIT Global Risk Management services regularly receives travel briefings and travel warnings from our global security consult agency, On Call. In addition, we follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the State Department travel warnings and guidelines to further evaluate and assess risk. All international programs have to be approved by RIT Risk management and Provost for Academic Affairs.

In addition, all students and faculty are required to attend a pre-departure orientation, which includes health and safety preparedness and emergency response information and resources.

How can I better understand the current COVID-19 status of a country I'm interested in traveling to?

Taking some time to familiarize yourself with the current state of COVID-19 in your potential host country will make you a more responsible and informed traveler. It's important to understand infection rates, vaccination rates, and guidelines around COVID-19 safety in the country you plan to travel to. Some resources to help you stay informed:

Is there a way I can engage globally without traveling? 
There are many ways to engage globally without traveling, including taking a culture or language course here at RIT, participating in a class project with international students, participating in a virtual internship, or participating in a virtual volunteer opportunity. Learn more about virtual intercultural experiences.