Update – July 17, 2023
All students at all IU campuses, including IUPUI, all regional campuses, IUPUC and IU Fort Wayne can voluntarily report their COVID vaccine or booster. For the purposes of education abroad and international travel, students should become familiar with and adhere to their host country’s vaccination requirements for COVID-19 as well as all other infectious diseases. Certain education abroad programs, due to their structure and/or destination, may require certain vaccinations of students and faculty/staff leaders in order to participate. It is highly recommended that anyone engaged in international travel be up to date on their vaccinations and boosters, including those that are destination specific. To learn more about destination-specific vaccination requirements and travel health, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Program organizers must file their IU Education Abroad Health, Safety & Security Plan with the head of the department administering the program so that these officials are aware of the details of your plan. Programs sponsored by a regional campus should also submit this form to the assigned campus coordinator). All new education abroad program proposals will require that this documentation be submitted as part of the program proposal process.
Update - September 21, 2022
IU will support spring and summer 2023 programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the ongoing worldwide pandemic. IU continues to require individuals who are studying abroad to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling internationally unless those individuals have been approved by IU for a medical or religious exemption and their specific programs can support their participation. Program organizers need to file their program’s virus mitigation strategies with Education Abroad. Students need to abide by local virus mitigation strategies established by their programs, whether those are administered or co-sponsored through Indiana University or whether they are choosing other programs or traveling independently. Travel and public health policies in response to the pandemic continue to evolve.
Update – June 23, 2022
IU will support fall semester programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the ongoing worldwide pandemic. IU continues to require individuals who are studying abroad to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling internationally unless those individuals have been approved by IU for a medical or religious exemption and their specific programs can support their participation. Program organizers need to file their program’s virus mitigation strategies with Education Abroad. Students need to abide by local virus mitigation strategies established by their programs, whether those are administered or co-sponsored through Indiana University or whether they are choosing other programs or traveling independently. Travel and public health policies in response to the pandemic continue to evolve.
Update – April 19, 2022
IU will support summer programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the worldwide pandemic. Organizers need to file their program’s virus mitigation strategies with Education Abroad. Students need to abide by local virus mitigation strategies established by their programs, whether those are administered or co-sponsored through Indiana University or whether they are choosing other programs or traveling independently. Travel and public health policies in response to the pandemic continue to evolve.
Update – January 5, 2022
IU spring semester programs will be operating this semester, as planned, although students need to abide by local virus mitigation strategies in their host countries. Additionally, IU will continue to support short-term study abroad scheduled during spring semester 2022 for programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the worldwide pandemic. It is important to emphasize that travel and public health policies in response to the pandemic continue to evolve. It is therefore possible that some of the programs currently approved may be suspended prior to the program start date. In addition, limitations on air travel might disrupt some itineraries.
Update – November 30, 2021
Education Abroad, in conjunction with other Indiana University administration and campus health officials, continue to closely monitor information and advisories being issued by the WHO and CDC regarding developments associated with the COVID-19 coronavirus worldwide, including the reports on the new Omicron variant.
Indiana University is not considering suspending current fall semester programs or spring semester programs at this time. Should there be any changes to current or future programs, we will notify students immediately.
We recommend that all eligible students get a vaccine booster prior to departure for their spring semester programs. People who got the Pfizer or Moderna immunizations are eligible for a booster six months after their second shot. People who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a booster two months after their first shot. To schedule an appointment in Indiana, visit ourshot.in.gov, select the county you want to schedule in and then select your preferred vaccine site. Outside of Indiana, use vaccinefinder.org to search for vaccine clinic sites across the country.
Update – August 31, 2021
For spring semester 2022, IU will continue to support study abroad for semester-long programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the worldwide pandemic. It is important to emphasize that conditions due to the pandemic continue to evolve. Given that virus mitigation strategies, particularly mandatory quarantine periods, may create special challenges for short-term programs, some short-term programs planned for spring 2022 may not take place.
During global and local infectious disease events, Indiana University takes reasonable measures to ensure the safety of members of the university community and to mitigate the risk their travel presents to members of their host communities abroad. At this time, given the status of the global pandemic, IU requires individuals who are studying abroad to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling internationally unless those individuals have been approved by IU for a medical or religious exemption*.
*NOTE REGARDING UNVACCINATED STUDENTS: While international travel may be possible for some unvaccinated individuals, the policies of many IU program providers and partner institutions increasingly require vaccinations. Additionally, some countries have instituted distinct requirements for unvaccinated travelers, including a mandatory quarantine period, routine compulsory testing, restrictions on eating in restaurants, and limitations on access to government, corporate and university facilities. Participation may be untenable for unvaccinated students.
Please note that submission of the attestation form does not meet the overseas study requirement; IU must have access to vaccination documentation or student must be granted an exemption.
[For general information on COVID-19 vaccinations, see IU Resources Page on the COVID-19 Vaccine]
Update – July 29, 2021
For fall 2021, IU will support study abroad for a limited number of programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the worldwide pandemic. It is important to emphasize that conditions due to the pandemic continue to evolve.
During global and local infectious disease events, Indiana University takes reasonable measures to ensure the safety of members of the university community and to mitigate the risk their travel presents to members of their host communities abroad. At this time, given the status of the global pandemic, IU requires individuals who are studying abroad to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling internationally unless those individuals have been approved by IU for a medical or religious exemption.
Please note that submission of the attestation form does not meet the overseas study requirement; IU must have access to vaccination documentation or student must be granted an exemption.
[For general information on COVID-19 vaccinations, see IU Resources Page on the COVID-19 Vaccine]
Update - June 21, 2021
At this time, all IU study abroad participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling internationally unless they have been approved for an exemption.
During global and local infectious disease events, Indiana University takes reasonable measures to ensure the safety of members of the university community and to mitigate the risk their travel presents to members of their host communities abroad. At this time, given the status of the global pandemic, IU requires individuals who are studying abroad to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling internationally unless those individuals have been approved by IU for a medical or religious exemption.
Please note that submission of the attestation form does not meet the overseas study requirement; IU must have access to vaccination documentation or student must be granted an exemption.
[For general information on COVID-19 vaccinations, see IU Resources Page on the COVID-19 Vaccine]
Update - April 27, 2021
For summer 2021, IU will support study abroad for a limited number of programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the worldwide pandemic. It is important to emphasize that conditions due to the pandemic continue to evolve. It is therefore possible that some of the programs currently approved may be suspended prior to the program start date; in addition, limitations on air travel might disrupt some itineraries.
For these reasons, IU continues to encourage students to consider postponing their plans for study abroad to a future term, if feasible. We also encourage students to plan as flexibly as possible. Since last minute changes could result in cancellations, students should avoid incurring financial commitments for as long as possible.
During global and local infectious disease events, Indiana University takes reasonable measures to ensure the safety of members of the university community and to mitigate the risk their travel presents to members of their host communities abroad. At this time, given the status of the global pandemic, IU requires individuals who are studying abroad to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling internationally unless those individuals have been approved by IU for a medical or religious exemption. [For general information on COVID-19 vaccinations, see IU Resource Page on the COVID-19 Vaccine]
Each student will receive additional program-specific guidelines for their study abroad location.
Update - February 11, 2021
For summer 2021 and fall semester 2021, IU plans to continue supporting study abroad for a limited number of programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the worldwide pandemic. It is important to emphasize that conditions due to the pandemic continue to evolve. It is therefore possible that some of the programs may be suspended prior to their start date; in addition, limitations on air travel might disrupt some itineraries.
For these reasons, IU continues to encourage students to consider postponing their plans for study abroad to a future semester, if feasible. We also encourage students to plan as flexibly as possible, by identifying an alternate course of study on campus and by arranging for local housing. Since last minute changes could result in cancellations, students should avoid incurring financial commitments for as long as possible.
Before receiving final permission to engage in summer or fall semester study abroad programs, individual participants will be required to confirm through a written Commitment statement their understanding and acceptance of strict virus mitigation protocols. Each student will receive additional program-specific guidelines for their study abroad location.
Update - November 18, 2020
IU is one of the nation’s leading universities in the area of international education, and has long maintained a commitment to the international dimension of student learning. We recognize that study abroad is a central part of the undergraduate experience for many IU students; for some, it is a degree requirement.
For spring semester 2021, IU will support study abroad for a limited number of programs that have established appropriate protocols to address the worldwide pandemic. It is important to emphasize that conditions due to the pandemic continue to evolve. It is therefore possible that some of the programs currently approved may be suspended prior to the start of the spring semester; in addition, limitations on air travel might disrupt some itineraries.
For these reasons, IU continues to encourage students to consider postponing their plans for study abroad to a future semester, if feasible. We also encourage students to plan as flexibly as possible, by identifying an alternate course of study on campus and by arranging for local housing. Since last minute changes could result in cancellations, students should avoid incurring financial commitments for as long as possible.
Before receiving final permission to engage in semester-long study abroad programs, individual participants will be required to confirm through a written Commitment statement their understanding and acceptance of strict virus mitigation protocols. Each student will receive additional program-specific guidelines for their study abroad location.
Update - September 28, 2020
In light of ongoing fluctuations in COVID-19 transmission in locations around the world, and the associated unpredictability of travel restrictions, IU will defer determinations regarding spring program participation beyond the anticipated October 1 deadline. The decision, which we now expect by early November, will be made based on the public health situation, information from our partners, travel restrictions, and other variables.
We continue to encourage students to plan as flexibly as possible, by identifying an alternate course of study on campus and by arranging for local housing. Programs and students should avoid incurring any financial commitments until the final decision date. Those students who prefer to postpone their plans to a future semester should seek out assistance from Education Abroad staff regarding their options.
Update - June 24, 2020
- Fall Semester 2020
IU has suspended undergraduate study abroad programsfor fall semester 2020. This suspension encompasses all IU and non-IU undergraduate semester programs.
A number of factors relating to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect international mobility, including:
- The U.S. Department of State’s worldwide Level 4 Global Health Travel Advisory,
- Ongoing restrictions that bar travelers from the U.S. from entering a number of countries,
- Mandatory quarantines for all arriving travelers in a number of countries, and
- The risk that a second wave of contagion may develop in the fall/winter.
In addition, many of our external university partners and program providers have either canceled or significantly curtailed academic programs for the fall.
This decision was not made lightly. We understand that these program cancellations are disruptive to faculty and staff who have invested time and energy to make these activities possible, and disappointing to the students who have been making academic plans around them.
- Spring semester 2021
Education Abroad looks forward to offering programs abroad when the current pandemic subsides, and at this time is moving ahead with planning for spring semester 2021. However, we recognize that this planning will necessarily remain contingent on developments regarding the pandemic and international mobility.
We encourage students and program advisors to continue planning for these programs, and will announce decisions regarding winter term and spring semester programs abroad by October 1. Until that time, students should be advised to plan as flexibly as possible, including by identifying an alternate course of study on campus and by arranging for local housing. Programs and students should avoid incurring any financial commitments until the October decision date.
Update - May 21, 2020
In a statement issued today, Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie shared a set of recommendations about the medical and public health measures that will permit IU to begin a phased reopening of campus operations. Plans for the fall 2020 semester at IU Bloomington are now being developed in light of those recommendations, and we expect an announcement with details soon.
It is still unclear to what extent and under what conditions international travel might be possible in the coming months. Decisions regarding overseas study for fall 2020 will be made no later than June 30th, based on the advisories then in effect and prevailing public health conditions.
Update - March 23, 2020
IU officials have determined that IU study abroad programs cannot proceed this summer due to the current pandemic and the U.S. Department of State’s worldwide Level 4 Global Health Travel Advisory. It is impossible to predict when this Advisory will be lifted and more than 50 countries have implemented entry restrictions barring travelers from the U.S. while others have instituted mandatory quarantines for all arriving travelers. The duration of these restrictions is not clear, but may very well extend into the summer.
This suspension encompasses programs that were not previously cancelled—that is, programs with start and end dates that fall between May 16 and August 23.*
These program cancellations are disruptive to faculty and staff who have invested time and energy to make these activities possible as well as disappointing to the students who have been planning their summers around them. But a clear determination regarding these programs will now allow students who had planned to engage in summer study abroad to register for other summer courses or make alternative plans.
Education Abroad looks forward to offering programs abroad when the current pandemic subsides.
[*Note: semester programs that begin during the summer months will depend on our partner institutions and the evolution of the pandemic.]
Update - March 17, 2020
The first priority of Education Abroad is the health, safety and security of IU students abroad. Consequently, we partner with institutions and organizations around the world that have strong health and safety protocols.
The evolving virus situation is unprecedented and has resulted in the departure of most IU students from their program locations abroad due to the local conditions and various international travel restrictions.
Education Abroad is coordinating communication with impacted students and their programs. The majority of IU students have on-line options to complete their courses off-site. Education Abroad has supported decisions of students and families regarding the timing of program departures.
Please note that returning students are required to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days if they have been in a country under a CDC Level Three Travel Warning. When they leave their program location, all students will need to complete an on-line form. See the IU Public Safety Advisories for additional details.
We appreciate your patience at this stressful time as the world adjusts to this new community health situation.
Update - March 13, 2020
IU officials announced today the suspension of summer study abroad activities that start on or before May 15th. Students whose programs are impacted can expect to receive more details directly from either Education Abroad or the IU unit organizing the program.
Update - March 12, 2020
IU officials have advised students still in Europe to return to the U.S. as soon as possible, given the recent CDC Level Three Travel Alert issued late Wednesday night.
While the U.S. government has declared a 30 day travel ban on individuals entering the U.S. from a Schengen country (i.e. most of Europe), U.S. passport holders are not included in that ban according to the official policy: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/03/11/homeland-security-acting-secretary-chad-f-wolf-s-statement-presidential-proclamation. (Note: IU students who do not hold a U.S. passport should contact Education Abroad and the Office of International Services (ois@iu.edu) for special guidance).
Anyone remaining in Europe may find themselves facing other unpredictable travel restrictions so it is not advisable for IU students to remain in Europe right now. IU had supported individual student decisions regarding voluntary program departures until now but all IU students are now urged to plan to return to the U.S. as soon as they can arrange to do so.
Students should follow the instructions and advice of their programs regarding departure. Education Abroad advisors will be in touch with more information as course completion options are finalized for those programs where on-line instruction had not yet begun. Students should complete the secure IU Traveler Form once travel plans back to the U.S. are complete. Students will be expected to self-quarantine for two weeks prior to returning to campus which will not be fully operational until Monday, April 6.
Update - March 8, 2020
Given the recently announced decree of the Italian Government restricting travel in and out of the Lombardy region in northern Italy, Education Abroad is coordinating efforts with programs and students to ensure that any IU students still in that area depart the region before the restrictions go into place. They will be able to continue their studies via on-line course work.
Education Abroad is aware that two IU spring semester study abroad students have tested positive for coronavirus COVID-19 and are recovering away from their program sites. We are working with the IU Public Safety office and our partner organizations to support the impacted students and to provide information and guidance to other program participants who were at the original locations.
Update - March 5, 2020
Indiana University semester programs abroad continue to operate as described on March 4. However, Indiana University officials have today suspended short-term international spring break travel programs with the announcement below.
We recognize that this will be disappointing to the students and their faculty leaders. We continue to work with our partner institutions and organizations regarding students on current ongoing programs regarding both health and safety and academic issues impacted by the virus situation.
Update - March 4, 2020
The first priority of Education Abroad is the health, safety and security of IU students abroad. Consequently, we partner with institutions and organizations around the world that have strong health and safety protocols.
We recognize that the evolving virus situation is unprecedented and has created concerns among students and families as recommendations from the CDC and local public health authorities evolve with it. IU officials continue to monitor the situation worldwide through information and advisories being issued by the CDC and the WHO, as well as a variety of U.S. government sources.
During the current situation, our partner institutions and organizations are directly communicating with IU students and our office regarding the local environment of their programs. We rely on them to do so since they have up-to-date information necessary for students and families to make sound decisions. We have advised IU students to follow the recommendations of their programs and institutions. And, of course, we urge them to protect their health through following CDC prevention and treatment guidelines.
There are over 1,000 IU students abroad this spring in more than 80 different programs around the world. The university partners and providing organizations to whom we entrust our students are posting their statements about coronavirus on their websites (a few examples include, CIEE,IES, DIS). If there are questions about local advice directed to students, please contact us at edabroad@iu.edu.
Education Abroad is coordinating communication with impacted students. In cases where programs have been suspended, the majority of IU students have on-line options to complete their courses off-site. In cases where programs have continued to operate, IU students can choose to remain with the programs OR leave their programs and complete their courses on-line. There are a few programs in countries less impacted by the virus at the moment where a few providers are offering voluntary returns with on-line options. Education Abroad will support decisions of students and families to take advantage of those options and are in direct touch with students who have been offered those options.
Please note that returning students will be required to self-quarantine off campus for a period of 14 days before returning to Indiana University as per IU’s Public Safety Advisories should the country of origin be under a CDC Level 2 or 3 Advisory. Should they leave their program location, they will also need to complete an on-line form. See the IU Public Safety Advisories for additional details.
At this time there are no plans to restrict upcoming travel to any countries other than Italy, China and South Korea. IU study abroad programs scheduled for spring break will continue to operate.
We appreciate your patience at this stressful time as the world adjusts to this new community health situation.
Update - February 29, 2020
In accordance with guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the CDC, Indiana University has restricted all new travel to Italy at this time. Travel to China, South Korea and Iran also remain suspended.
The Office of International Affairs, along with Public Safety and Institutional Assurance, is closely monitoring the developments associated with this virus worldwide and communicating with the hundreds of IU students who are currently studying overseas in Italy. We are advising these students to follow the guidelines of their programs and the safety and public health measures they recommend.
Education Abroad is coordinating communication with impacted students. In cases where programs have been suspended, the majority of IU students will still have on-line options to complete their courses off-site. In cases where programs have continued to operate, IU students can choose to remain with the programs OR leave their programs and complete their courses on-line.
Please note that returning students will be required to self-quarantine off campus for a period of 14 days before returning to Indiana University as per IU’s Public Safety Advisories. Should they leave their program location, they will also need to complete an on-line form
There are no plans to restrict travel to any countries other than Italy, China and South Korea at this time.
No determinations have been made regarding summer travel at this time.
Update – February 28, 2020
In accordance with guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the CDC, Indiana University is immediately suspending all travel to South Korea for faculty, staff and students. Consequently, all IU study abroad programming in South Korea is suspended. Reinstatement of programs will be determined at a later date.
Education Abroad is coordinating communication with impacted students.
There are no plans to restrict travel to any countries other than China and South Korea at this time.
See Indiana University Public Safety Advisories here.
Update – February 24, 2020
Indiana University official continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation worldwide and are aware of recent decisions by officials in Italy to contain the spread of the virus as much as possible.
All IU students abroad are encouraged to follow the precautions issued by the CDC which are similar to annual flu prevention measures and to follow the advice of their program providers regarding safety measures.
IU officials have no current plans to suspend programs in Italy or elsewhere in Europe.
Update - January 31, 2020
In accordance with guidance from the Department of State and the CDC, Indiana University is immediately suspending all travel to China for faculty, staff and students. Consequently, all IU study abroad programming in China is suspended. Reinstatement of programs will be determined at a later date.
There are no plans to restrict travel to any other countries at this time.
See Indiana University Public Safety Advisories here.
Update - January 29, 2020
In cases where programs in China have been suspended, Education Abroad is coordinating with partner institutions and will work to facilitate alternative program opportunities for impacted students.
Update - January 28, 2020
Given updated travel advisories issued yesterday by the CDC and the U.S. Department of State, IU officials are re-evaluating plans for spring break programs scheduled to travel to China.
January 27, 2020
Officials of Education Abroad, in conjunction with other Indiana University administration and campus health officials, are closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) related illnesses in China and in individuals who recently traveled in East Asia or Southeast Asia. Sources include the CDC Travel Health Notices and the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories. We currently do not have IU students in Wuhan, China.
Given the current locations impacted by the virus, we have no plans to change study abroad programming at this time.
We will update this site as needed.
Find the Indiana University Public Safety Advisory here.
Education Abroad
Leo R. Dowling International Center
111 South Jordan Avenue
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN 47405-1223
Ph: 812-855-9304
Fax: 812-855-6452
edabroad@iu.edu