COVID-19 and Upcoming Travel FAQ
 

How does Susquehanna make decisions about its study abroad programs?
A Travel Risk Assessment Committee reviews program locations for final approval for travel. As part of normal protocol, we continuously review information from the U.S. Department of State, Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Risk Management and Security Advisors, news accounts, and our local partners in all countries where our students travel. GO staff receives real-time updates regarding health and safety within the countries where we send students. GO is also in at least weekly contact with our in-country partners. 
 
When will GO make a decision about postponing a program?
The timing of decisions will be based on a balance of global health news, public health and safety advisories, travel restrictions, visa application dates (when applicable), and program deadlines (when applicable), as well as feedback from on-site contacts. Once a decision has been made to postpone a program, GO will promptly notify students directly with details about alternative options. GO reserves the right to rescind approval for a program in a region with a level 4 U.S. Department of State Travel advisory – the travel advisories are just one aspect of program approvals. 

GO Short/GO Your Way: 
We will be monitoring each country and travel recommendations closely in the coming months in hopes that we will be able to travel. Information about travel will be directly communicated with students accepted into GO Short/GO Your Way programs.

“GO Short” programs are study-away options offered during winter and summer breaks in which students attend programs that are directly managed and administered by the GO office.

“GO Your Way” programs are options during winter and summer break. Students typically attend programs through study abroad providers.
 

 

GO Long:
Decisions to postpone or cancel programs are made by each program provider; therefore, the timing may vary. If a program is cancelled by the provider, GO will work with students to help them find alternatives. For SWSB London, GO office makes postponement and cancellation decisions for this program. We are watching travel advisories very closely and reserves the right to rescind approval for a program in a region with a 4 advisory.
 
“GO Long” programs are options during the semester in which students attend programs not directly managed or administered by the GO office.

I have been accepted into a program, now what happens?
We have had successful in-person GO programs already and we are still planning for approved students to be able to participate in in-person programs in accordance with host country regulations. Prep courses will start during the second 7-weeks of the semester.
 
Students will receive information directly from GO about their program via email. 
 
Do I need a passport?
Yes. For international programs, you should have a passport valid for 6 months after your anticipated return date. Additional information can be found on: https://travel.state.gov/passports
 
Will I need the COVID Vaccine?
Depends on the program type, the program provider and the host country.  

Effective May 1, 2023, students with a Susquehanna exemption for the Covid-19 vaccine can participate in international GO Long or GO Your Way programs that allow unvaccinated students and are in countries that do not have vaccine requirements. Students are responsible for knowing the program/host university requirements as well as the host-country requirements. All GO Short program participants must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination at the time of commitment to the program. 

Vaccines help safeguard the students’ health, as well as that of the local community. Each country sets its own requirements for entry which have included a proof of negative test or proof of vaccination. Countries that do not require vaccination may still require mandatory quarantine which could add to the students’ financial obligations. Circumstances surrounding COVID-19 are developing and it is the student responsibility to stay informed of all risks, recommendations and required practices. 
 
Is GO/Susquehanna able to assist me in getting the vaccine before my program?
You can search for a nearby vaccination center using this link: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/

How do I know the entry requirements for my program's location?
You should review the US Embassy for international programs. Each embassy website includes information for entry - you can get to those websites on the US Department of State Travel Advisory site. Select your host country and you will link the country's main advisory notes, which will include a link to the embassy. Your program provider/host institution advisor may also share specific information with you. 

For domestic programs, please refer to the state's websites. 

Am I required to be tested prior to departure?
This will depend on your program, and the country you are visiting – and potentially your airline. The best places to find information on COVID-19 testing requirements in a specific country include: host country's Ministry of Health and government websites, U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Health Notices, and the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories.
 
When should I book my tickets? 
For GO Long and GO Your Way students: We would recommend waiting until 1-2 months prior to departure. It is best to book your tickets directly with the airline, and we urge you to know what the refund policies are for the flights before booking. 

Each airline has their own policy regarding refunds and cancellation waivers due to the coronavirus. These are being updated regularly as the situation is changing minute to minute. While airlines that have cancelled flights directly into areas with coronavirus outbreaks may provide refunds, many airlines only offering flight vouchers. All of these airline-specific policies apply to tickets booked directly with an airline and through travel agencies.
 
GO Short programs include the flight. Students do not coordinate their own travel to the host location.

Should I buy flight insurance?
We recommend looking into fully refundable tickets bought directly from the airline. You should review what is included in any insurance that is offered to you. While providing the most flexibility, the “cancel for any reason” plans are costly. Unfortunately, many flight insurance plans are restrictive and do not assist if you need to cancel your travel yourself. 
 
Am I able to take side-trips to visit other countries/cities once I am at my program?
On GO Long and GO Your Way programs yes - but you should review the restrictions and requirements for any other country you visit or transit through as to not get stuck. GO Short programs have a full itinerary already planned without time for side-trips. 

Does international insurance cover COVID-19?
The emergency international insurance that is provided for all Susquehanna students, EIIA, covers treatment for students diagnosed with COVID-19 or symptomatic students directed by a medical provider to receive a test and/or undergo treatment. An official PCR test is required for the coverage of non-symptomatic students requiring isolation or quarantine. If you become ill with COVID-19 and a medical evacuation is necessary, that evacuation will be coordinated by and covered by the EIIA policy provided by Susquehanna.  
 
Students for GO Long/GO Your Way programs may have an additional insurance plan provided by the program – in that case students should review the plan to understand coverage. Students can also choose to purchase CISI which also covers COVID-19 treatment for diagnosed individuals.
 
Are there different withdraw policies because of COVID-19?
No. The withdraw policies that are outlined in the students’ post-approval paperwork on their GO application still apply. There is a $500 withdraw fee after committing to a GO program, in addition to any non-refundable expenses made on behalf of the student. Withdraw policies are outlined in the student signature documents in the application. 
 
Will I be required to sign an additional waiver related specifically to COVID-19?
Yes, part of the GO application includes a COVID-19 waiver. 
 
Students are also required to download the AlertTraveler app and register their account as part of our increased health and safety measures. Instructions for this are on the students’ GO application.
 
Am I required to be tested when I return to the US?
Not currently. As of June 2022 the US suspended the requirement to show proof of a negative test for US citizens. Please review the CDC guidance and Department of State for any updates. It is your responsibility as the traveler to understand and follow the regulations - including any changes that may occur. 
  

Return to the main GO response to COVID-19 page
​updated 1/20/2023