Unwilling to compromise the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, Education Abroad and Texas A&M University have had to make some tough decisions in regards to international programs.
Texas A&M University Education Abroad is lifting COVID-19-related travel restrictions where possible. Keep in mind that many countries, program providers, and international institutions are still implementing COVID-19 protocols. It may still be necessary to restrict certain activities within host countries and movement across borders. As they are subject to change frequently, please review local rules carefully and abide by them before any personal travel plans.
Should individuals wish to travel during periods of free time during their programs, they
must communicate their itinerary with their program director, host institution/organization, family. Carry your emergency contacts and insurance information with you while you travel in case those details are needed.
Faculty and program leaders, please note the following:
- Pre-program travel and personal travel during programs is permitted;
- Any Spring, Summer, and Fall programs that have already undergone a risk review should consult with Education Abroad in advance of making programmatic and logistical changes;
- Future programs may be planned with multi-country itineraries and with pre-COVID student rooming capacities;
- The requirement for there to be two trip leaders remains in place;
Should you have any questions, please contact our office directly.
The information below is out of date and kept as a historical record of previous risk management protocols. The most up-to-date information is provided in the section above.
April 14th, 2022 and prior guidance
In an effort to facilitate safe and rewarding international experiences, while also minimizing the risk from cancellation or delays due to COVID-19, the following protocols are effective as of October 15, 2021:
- Anyone interested in an international experience is encouraged to be fully vaccinated prior to traveling abroad due to the range of destination-specific entry requirements and restrictions for arriving travelers.
- All participants are required to meet all destination/program requirements by the program start date, including quarantine, testing, vaccination, etc.
- Texas A&M University will make every effort to proactively communicate these requirements; however, participants should also continually monitor requirements as conditions are fluid and rapidly changing worldwide.
- Each participant is responsible for meeting the destination/program COVID requirements prior to the program start date, including quarantine, testing, vaccination, etc.
- Unless otherwise included in the program budget, any costs associated with fulfilling destination/program requirements (i.e. quarantine lodging, testing, etc.) will be the individual participant’s responsibility.
- Multi-country/Multi-destination experiences are discouraged but will be considered on an individual basis in cooperation with the Office of Risk, Ethics and Compliance.
- Education Abroad will collect participant health information, including vaccination status, as required by the destination/program provider to ensure each participant’s ability to fully participate in the experience.
- Participants who fail to meet all destination/program requirements could be denied entry and forced to return to the United States.
- All costs associated with entry denial upon arrival will be the individual participant’s responsibility.
- Education Abroad will modify, relocate and/or cancel programs as needed based on the destination’s health and safety situation. Decisions will be made and communicated as timely as possible; however, it is important to note that the situation worldwide is fluid and changes regularly.
Faculty-led programs, field trips, and student group trips
Texas A&M University has
approved, with some possible exceptions, faculty-led programs traveling
through December 2021 that exceed four weeks in duration. Approval is contingent on COVID-19 specific mandates or restrictions in the host country, re-entry requirements, and an additional review and approval by OREC.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision to allow travel is subject to change and currently approved programs may be canceled at a later date.
We recommend that faculty and students refrain from making financial commitments until absolutely necessary.
Exchange, affiliate provider, and independent programs
Students participating in individual experiences through a provider or exchange partner are permitted to go as long as the host university or partner has confirmed that it is operational, and with the understanding that they do so at their own risk. Any financial loss incurred because of travel or health issues related to COVID-19 will not be reimbursed by Education Abroad or Texas A&M University.
A few things students should consider include:
- The ability to depart the U.S. and enter destination country based on current travel restrictions.
- Vaccination requirements and the likelihood that your host destination or program provider may require the COVID-19 vaccination prior to your departure or while you are abroad.
- That programs may be abruptly ended by the provider or host institution if conditions worsen.
- Travel restrictions may change while abroad, prohibiting students from returning to the U.S.
- There may be a need to self-isolate upon return to the U.S.
- Major delays in the processing of passports may prevent students from obtaining a passport and/or visa (or residence permit) in time for travel.
- Institutional and federal financial aid may not be awarded due to travel restrictions.
- Remaining enrolled in Texas A&M courses in addition to 1 credit hour of the appropriate placeholder course until closer to the departure date in the event travel is not possible.
Students who are still pursuing exchange, affiliate provider, and independent programs should notify Education Abroad of their decision by emailing
tcabroad@tamu.edu.
Voluntary withdrawal
If you choose to cancel your participation in an exchange, affiliate provider, or independent program, or defer your experience to a future term, please do the following:
- For provider programs, inform your provider that you would like to cancel or defer your program and ask about options for reimbursement and/or future programs. Many providers have extended their deadlines and withdrawal policies given the COVID-19 pandemic. Please CC: tcabroad@tamu.edu.
- Call and/or email your academic advisor to let him/her know your situation and to identify immediate academic needs due to no longer going abroad.
- Reach out to your airline carrier to cancel your flight. Please reference that it is COVID-19 related and you may be able to get a full or partial refund or a voucher for future travel.
- Email your education abroad advisor at tcabroad@tamu.edu to let us know if you are canceling or deferring your program. If you wish to defer your provider program, let us know the new term you intend to go abroad and we’ll update your application in the portal accordingly. If you wish to defer your exchange program, let us know your desired term and we’ll help you liaise with our exchange partner to see this can be accommodated.
Future Education Abroad Programs
Education Abroad at Texas A&M University continues to closely monitor federal and international travel advisories and restrictions, as well as guidelines from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the
World Health Organization (WHO), and the
U.S. Department of State.
For more information about Education Abroad opportunities, please visit the Education Abroad website at
abroad.tamu.edu, call 979-845-0544, or email
abroad@tamu.edu. Virtual appointments can also be scheduled with an Education Abroad advisor by visiting
tx.ag/EducationAbroadAdvising.
We’re still here to serve you!
Education Abroad is open for limited, appointment-based advising and services. Our staff is here and ready to serve you, however, visitors will not be allowed to enter without a scheduled appointment. Here’s how you can schedule yours:
Virtual
Avoid coming in and schedule a virtual appointment that will be conducted over Zoom during normal business hours. Visit our
Meet with an Advisor page to select an advisor and schedule a time.
In-Person
By appointment only. Face coverings are strongly encouraged
* for those not vaccinated. To schedule an appointment, please call 979-845-0544 or email
abroad@tamu.edu.
*Not required
Passports
Passport services and photo operations are open and accepting appointments. For more information, visit the Passport Services website. Appointments can be made at https://swan.tamu.edu/educationabroad. Click on a specific date to see availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information presented in these FAQs is updated and accurate as of December 9, 2021. Because of the fluid nature of the pandemic and its effect on international travel, however, the information is subject to change.
Decisions about University-sponsored travel will be made in consultation with the University's Office of Risk, Ethics and Compliance (OREC) and will be based on the considerations listed below. All travel must route through OREC for review, risk mitigation, and subsequent recommendation to the Provost for approval. Decisions about future abroad programs may be communicated by the University and shared by Education Abroad through email. Updates to information will also be available on the
Education Abroad website.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAMS, FIELD TRIPS, AND STUDENT GROUP TRIPS
Texas A&M University has made the decision to cancel TAMU-led programs with travel itineraries that are less than four weeks through August 2021, and will determine if this restriction is necessary for future programs based on the program location. The decision to cancel experiences under four weeks is primarily due to complications and concerns surrounding quarantine and isolation requirements and testing protocols and availability.
TAMU-led programs that exceed four weeks can proceed pending COVID-19 specific mandates or restrictions in the host country, re-entry requirements, and an additional review and approval by OREC.
Because crossing a border usually triggers additional quarantine periods or requires further COVID-19 tests and implementation of new COVID related measures, all approved TAMU-led program itineraries are restricted to one country unless the program leader applies for and receives an exemption from Education Abroad.
Other considerations for TAMU-led program approval include:
- A requirement for all programs to have at least two responsible leaders, which can include an approved TAMU employee (a second faculty, graduate assistant, or TAMU staff). In some cases, a second leader may be an in-country program partner. Spouses, dependents, or visitors do not qualify as second leaders.
- A full assessment of the host location, including the availability, accessibility, and expense of healthcare and COVID-19 testing. We will examine:
- Entry and exit requirements and the likelihood that existing measures will become more stringent (the new variant is a concern);
- Testing protocols;
- Vaccination requirements;
- Quarantine requirements – length of, test out scenarios, and any tracking requirements;
- Quality of the in-country experience such as movement restrictions in host city and from one city to another, access to meals, ability to engage in field visits and cultural activities.
EXCHANGE, AFFILIATE PROVIDER, AND INDEPENDENT PROGRAMS
Students participating in individual experiences through a provider or exchange partner are permitted to go as long as the host university or partner has confirmed that it is operational, and with the understanding that they do so at their own risk. Any financial loss incurred because of travel or health issues related to COVID-19 will not be reimbursed by Education Abroad or Texas A&M University.
A few things students should consider include:
- The ability to depart the U.S. and enter destination country based on current travel restrictions;
- Your COVID-19 vaccination status in the event that your host destination or the sponsoring provider/institution implements vaccination requirements prior to the departure date or while abroad;
- That programs may be abruptly ended by the provider or host institution if conditions worsen;
- Travel restrictions may change while abroad, prohibiting students from returning to the U.S.;
- There may be a need to self-isolate upon return to the U.S.;
- Major delays in the processing of passports may prevent students from obtaining a passport and/or visa (or residence permit) in time for travel;
- Institutional and federal financial aid may not be awarded due to travel restrictions;
- Remaining enrolled in Texas A&M courses in addition to 1 credit hour of the appropriate placeholder course until closer to the departure date in the event travel is not possible
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE (DOS) ADVISORY LEVELS:
Response to the change in U.S. Department of State (DOS) Advisory levels impacting a large percentage of countries worldwide
As stated by the U.S. DOS, “This [increase] does not imply a reassessment of the current health situation in a given country, but rather reflects an adjustment in the State Department’s Travel Advisory system to rely more on CDC’s existing epidemiological assessments.” Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOS assigned a Level 4 advisory to a small number of countries that posed risks to travelers such as extremely high crime rates, widespread civil unrest, unstable governments, serious security threats such as kidnapping or hostage-taking, recent natural disasters, or frequent acts of terrorism. Thus, we will continue to provide a thorough risk assessment of locations and communicate risk mitigation strategies to students and faculty rather than rely solely on the DOS to approve travel.
Per the fluid nature of the continued pandemic and regulations for entering host destinations, students should:
- Review withdrawal and refund policies carefully. Any financial loss incurred because of travel or health issues related to COVID-19 will not be reimbursed by Education Abroad or Texas A&M University.
- Obtain in advance required travel documents, as processing times are taking longer than usual.
- Considering being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in case your host destinations or the sponsoring provider/institution implements vaccination requirements close to the departure date or while abroad.
- Verify whether your program/provider/institution has a contingency plan in the event that your program abruptly cancels, or conditions worsen.
While no one can guarantee the safety of students, faculty, or staff in any location (on campus, in the United States, or abroad), or eliminate all risks from traveling and studying abroad, the University is committed to taking reasonable steps to ensure that it does not place Aggies in situations that expose them to undue risk.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues, TAMU Education Abroad will:
- Communicate the risk of travel abroad to students, faculty, and staff before departure;
- Require all student, faculty, and staff to register with the US Department of State through the STEP program;
- Restrict crossing borders while abroad for TAMU-led programs, limiting program itineraries to one country;
- Enroll all TAMU students, faculty, and staff on TAMU-led Education Abroad experiences in CISI international insurance, require CISI enrollment for students on exchange programs, and require enrollment in an international insurance policy for students on provider programs;
- Provide 24/7 emergency assistance for TAMU students, faculty, and staff abroad;
- Provide COVID-19 related training and information to students, faculty, and staff;
- Require international vendors and partners to provide risk mitigation and emergency plans;
- Regularly review and assess host country requirements or restrictions related to COVID-19 and communicate updates to faculty, staff, and students;
- Provide students, faculty, and staff with details on locating resources and assistance in their host country.
We are working with the University's Office of Risk, Ethics and Compliance and our in-country partners regarding additional risk mitigation measures due to COVID-19. As there are Education Abroad programs in many countries, each with different program designs, and evolving impacts of COVID-19 in host locations, measures will vary by program and may need to be adjusted multiple times before departure or while abroad. Examples of recommended measures are:
- Limiting student accommodations to no more than two students per room and no more than four students per apartment or suite;
- Including a second program coordinator to accompany and provide support for overnight excursions on programs with one program leader;
- Minimizing the use of public transportation;
- Restricting program and independent student travel outside the primary host country; and
- Requiring all students, faculty, and staff to have a working international phone/data plan.
While Texas A&M does not require COVID-19 vaccinations for students participating in Education Abroad experiences,other countries, international partners, program and travel providers, as well as businesses, governments, and institutions involved in aspects of education abroad and global travel may require the COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, it may be necessary to demonstrate that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter a country or access various sites and services during your education abroad experience.
Entry requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as testing, quarantine, and vaccination status continue to change quickly. As such, Education Abroad strongly recommends the COVID-19 vaccination for all students selecting to travel abroad.
It is your responsibility to keep up with the vaccination, testing, and documentation requirements in your host destination and as set forth by your program provider or vendor.If you are not permitted to enter a host country or participate fully in your program due to failure to comply with COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or documentation requirements, you will be responsible for any financial penalties and out of pocket expenses incurred as a result. Failure to comply with vaccination or other travel requirements may result in the inability to travel or participate in the program, which could result in financial loss, lack of academic progress, or incomplete grades.
Students will be provided with an informed consent document prior to participating in Education Abroad experiences. We ask that you disclose health conditions in the Medical Information questionnaire section of the Education Abroad portal and schedule a travel health assessment with Student Health Services or your primary care provider before your departure. You may also be asked to participate in additional predeparture trainings related to COVID-19 and travel abroad.
The protocol for traveling to and from international destinations, and for reporting information on COVID-19 is country-specific. The best place to find information on COVID-19 in a specific country is through that country's Ministry of Health and government websites, US Embassies and Consulates overseas, The Center for Disease Control Travel Health Notices, and the US Department of State.
It will depend on the country you are visiting. The protocol for traveling to and from international destinations, and for reporting information on COVID-19 is country-specific, however, you should plan to get tested with a
viral test 1-3 days before your trip. The best place to find information on COVID-19 in a specific country is through that country's Ministry of Health and government websites, US Embassies and Consulates overseas, The Center for Disease Control Travel Health Notices, and the US Department of State.
Effective December 6th, all air passengers traveling to the United States, including US citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 24 hours prior to the flight’s departure.
You must make arrangements to get a viral test and keep a copy of your test results with you during travel in case you are asked for them.
For additional information about the testing requirements and COVID-19 vaccinations, please visit the CDC website.
No, TAMU Education Abroad will not pay for a COVID test to enter your host country or to return to the US. You can get a test at the Student Health Center and should reach out to your insurance provider with questions about covering the cost of testing. Before returning, visit your
state, territorial,
tribal, and local health department’s website to look for the latest information on where to get tested.
It is likely that personal travel will need to be restricted while abroad and students should prepare accordingly. Each country and program will be different, and may depend on the program model and host country protocols. Some excursions and other co-curricular events may need to be restricted, rescheduled, or cancelled, depending on local and global conditions. Students will need to check with the faculty director, host institution, or program provider for specific information related to personal travel. Crossing borders while abroad is prohibited and programs itineraries are limited to one country.
While the current CISI policy does not cover global pandemics, it does cover testing and the treatment for students diagnosed with COVID-19. More information on CISI's policy related to COVID-19 is available at
https://www.culturalinsurance.com/COVID-questions.asp. and a copy of the TAMU CISI policy is available in the Education Abroad portal.
If you become ill with COVID-19 and a medical evacuation is necessary, that evacuation will be covered. Information on CISI's policy related to COVID-19 is available
at
https://www.culturalinsurance.com/COVID-questions.asp, and a copy of the TAMU CISI policy is available in the Education Abroad portal.
TAMU will not require you to purchase additional insurance; however, all students are strongly encouraged to purchase additional travel insurance that will cover you if your flight or program is canceled or if you are recalled to the U.S. because of COVID-19 since these events will not be covered by most international insurance policies, including the TAMU Education Abroad international policy. Additionally, TAMU will not be reimbursing those costs or refunding Education Abroad fees. You may also wish to search for additional coverage for other risks not covered by TAMU’s current international insurance policy or the policy utilized by your provider if on a non-TAMU program.
We recommend that you thoroughly read the plan you are considering and review the fine print closely. Many policies may have a “pandemic exclusion.” Look for plans that allow you to cancel for any reason, often called Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) or Interrupt for Any Reason (IFAR) plans.
If a TAMU-led program is canceled after it is confirmed to run, but before departure, Education Abroad or the department/unit managing the program budget will make every effort to recoup funds for payments or financial obligations made by the University on your behalf. However, we cannot guarantee that money will be returned. We strongly urge all students to purchase CFAR/IFAR insurance to protect their investment. Specific policies related to payments and refunds for fees charged by TAMU are available in the Texas A&M University Terms of Participation for Students on Education Abroad Programs. These policies remain unchanged as they pertain to COVID-19. Students on TAMU-led programs receive payment schedules and information in their program application portal and on their website.
Students not on TAMU-led programs are encouraged to reach out to their program provider or host institution for details pertaining to program cancelation and refund policies, to purchase additional CFAR/IFAR insurance, and to register in TAMU courses for their expected term abroad in the event they are not able to participate.
Education Abroad will work with University leadership, our insurance provider(s), host universities, and program providers to facilitate faculty, staff, and students' return to the United States as quickly as possible. If necessary, we will coordinate with local, state, and national governments to ensure the prompt return of Aggies abroad. Education Abroad will communicate with emergency contacts in the event of an abrupt, unexpected departure. Every effort will be made to ensure that students can maintain progress towards their degree and complete their academic work. Specific policies related to payments and refunds are available in the Texas A&M University Terms of Participation for Students on Education Abroad Programs. These policies remain unchanged as they pertain to COVID-19.
Each country and program will be different, depending on the program model, how far into the term the program is, and the contingency plans of program providers and host universities. TAMU Education Abroad will coordinate with academic departments to determine the best course of action and will communicate information to students.
If a program converts to remote learning due to COVID-19, it is important to follow the guidance issued by TAMU Education Abroad and your host university or program provider. If TAMU recalls a program due to COVID-19, you will be required to return. If your program is canceled by an external entity such as an international university or program provider, you should follow their recommendation. In deciding if to return to the US, you should consider,
- Infrastructure and capacity of the public health system in the host country including the availability of resources, testing, and ventilators;
- Accessibility of the healthcare system to Americans abroad;
- Ability to depart the host country promptly should evacuation be necessary;
- Restrictions in place for Americans returning from abroad; and
- Academic and financial risks to students if you choose to stay in the host country.
You will need to consult with your academic advisor, department, or program director to see what alternatives may be available to fulfill the requirements of your major. Each country and program will be different, depending on the program model, how far into the term the program is, and the contingency plans of program providers and host universities. If necessary, and where possible, we hope to be able to offer remote instruction for coursework so students can complete their term abroad with as many credits as possible.
University Information regarding Coronavirus
General Information regarding Coronavirus