Q: How is Portland State University’s Education Abroad office monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation worldwide?
A: PSU Education Abroad follows the CDC & Department of State (DoS) guidelines to determine what locations students may travel to. Travel is restricted by PSU to countries that have:
- Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 or higher
While students can petition to travel to DoS Level 3 countries, final assessments are made based on a review of communication from local authorities, including trending case rates, hospitalizations, availability of travel, quarantine and visa requirements, etc. Decisions are valid at the time of petition. Should the DoS Advisory level change to 4, or the ability to maintain the safety levels on site change, the University's International Travel Risk Assessment Committee reserves the right to recall students back home.
Q: Are PSU students allowed to travel abroad right now?
A: There are some PSU students on Study Abroad programs during Academic Year 2020-21. University policy requires students traveling to, and faculty/staff leading students to countries under a U.S. Department of State Advisory Level 3 to seek special permission from the University's International Travel Risk Assessment Committee. Countries with a Level 4 Advisory cannot be petitioned. If you have a program or country that you are interested in, please contact us at edabroad@pdx.edu to set up an advising appointment. To read more about this policy in full, please visit this website.
Q: Is the Covid vaccine required for PSU students to study abroad?
A: The PSU Covid vaccine requirement policy applies to all PSU students and staff, including those studying or leading programs abroad. In addition, more and more countries are requiring proof of vaccination prior to entry, and/or program providers may require vaccination prior to travel. This may also include a Booster requirement to be considered "fully vaccinated", depending on the timing of your last dose.
Q: How does the Education Abroad Office determine if my study abroad program will be canceled?
A: PSU monitors the Department of State Travel Advisory levels, local news, partner insights, and a broad network of Higher Education International Education professionals for up to date information regarding on the ground developments. Working in collaboration with program providers and overseas university partners, an assessment will be made on the feasibility of offering programming prior to departure. PSU’s University's International Travel Risk Assessment Committee has established a travel policy linked to the Department of State Travel Advisory Levels. PSU Approved Programs running in Level 1 and 2 Advisory countries are currently cleared to run. Students wishing to travel to, or remain in countries at an Advisory Level of 3 will need to Petition to the Risk Management Team to continue with the program, if running. Travel to countries with a Level 4 Advisory is automatically cancelled.
Q: What happens if my program gets cancelled?
A: If your program is canceled for the health and safety of students, you will be contacted by the Education Abroad office with the details specific to your situation. You should carefully review the refund policies for your program prior to confirming. The Education Abroad Office will work closely with you to assist you in any way possible to ensure academic continuity so that you can receive credit for work completed. This may include transitioning to online coursework, partial credit, or deferring to another term, depending on the specifics of your situation. Any refunds will be based on the timing of the cancellation, the policy of the program provider, and the type of program you are enrolled in.
Q: What if I apply and I change my mind about my comfort level with travelling?
A: Most programs are working to provide as much flexibility as possible to allow students to assess the situation and their comfort level as close to departure as possible. As such, the program (and the Education Abroad office) will have clearly stated deadlines by which final decisions need to be made without incurring additional costs, and what happens if you change your mind after that time. This will, however, vary by program provider, by term, etc., so you should be sure to review the confirmation details and timeline specific to your program prior to submitting your confirmation.
Q: What if I get COVID-19 while abroad?
A: Each program that PSU Education Abroad works with has clearly defined protocols for managing emergencies and health and safety while abroad. All PSU students are required to receive comprehensive medical insurance for their time abroad, as well. Students should notify their program or university contact and follow the specific next instructions as designed for each location. If you would like to know the specific steps that your program will take should this happen prior to confirming your place, please reach out to your program provider for the details - your Ed Abroad Advisor can assist you with this, as well.
Q: Are there online options that have an international component but don’t require travel?
A: Yes, we have many online programs and internships available that can be viewed here.
Q: Should I register for classes at PSU during the term I am supposed to study abroad, just in case my program gets cancelled?
A: We recommend that you have a back-up academic plan during these uncertain times. Work with your Education Abroad Advisor about how to manage the timing for this, as you will also need to be enrolled in Placeholder Courses for your term abroad. In order to enroll in both, you will need to be approved for an overload until a final decision is required, and then ensure that the courses you will NOT need are dropped.
For additional information please see the other sections of this FAQ page. Visit the PSU website for general information from PSU.
Still have questions? Please email edabroad@pdx.edu
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