CORONAVIRUS FAQs
for Education Abroad & International Students

EDUCATION ABROAD

Q: I am planning to participate in a Summer 2021 UMW Approved Provider (non-Faculty-Led) study abroad program. How does this affect me?
A. Independent and approved study abroad programming will be permitted under the following conditions: a. current trends with the virus, state and federal regulations regarding travel as well as UMW-CIE’s policy on education abroad permit international travel, b. there are no restrictions by the host country, and c. students who travel do so at their own risk.

Students deciding against UMW-CIE’s policy as stated above, who still decide to participate in a study abroad program in a destination for which U.S. Department of State and U.S. Center for Disease Control levels remain at a Level 3 or 4, will do so at their own risk and as fully independent student travelers. Students who choose this option will not be able to use any UMW study abroad scholarships or institutional aid for their programs. Furthermore, these students will have to work with an external credit evaluator to transfer any credits earned abroad to UMW, and UMW-CIE will not assist or support these students in any part of the study abroad process.

NOTE REGARDING DEPARTMENT OF STATE TRAVEL WARNINGS: In accordance with UMW’s Travel Policy, “the University of Mary Washington strongly advises against and does not in any way support international travel to any country which the U.S. Department of State categorizes as Level 3 – Reconsider Travel or Level 4 – Do Not Travel and which the U.S. Center for Disease Control categorizes as Level 3 – Avoid Nonessential Travel.” Currently, almost the entire world is listed as a Level 3 or above by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Center for Disease Control due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CIE continues to monitor the situation and will communicate with students who plan to participate in summer 2021 study abroad programs as more information becomes available. It will be critically important for participating students to adhere to all policies laid forth by their program provider and/or host institution in terms of withdrawal and refunds in case student travel is disallowed due to the Travel Policy conditions. We also strongly encourage you to consult the CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination map, for a better idea of the risk assessment level by individual country.

Q: I am planning to participate in a Fall 2021 UMW Approved Provider (non-Faculty-Led) study abroad program. How does this affect me?
A. CIE is continually monitoring the status of our approved programs and is in constant communication with our international partners. Please note that many programs are having to make changes, postponements, and cancellations as the situation continues to evolve. Students are encouraged to reach out to CIE (cie@umw.edu) with any questions or concerns about their plans.

Q. I was planning to participate in a study abroad program for a future term but am reconsidering. What do I do?
A. If you decide to cancel or postpone your study abroad experience, please email cie@umw.edu with your changes. CIE will follow-up with you individually about your plans and can alter your registration information as necessary.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Q. I am an international UMW student on a J-1 or F-1 visa in the US or starting in Fall 2021. Is there anything I need to do?
A. Please contact your PDSO/RO at CIE for any questions you may have regarding your immigration status and benefits.

Q. Does my international student insurance plan through iNext Insurance cover me should I contract the coronavirus?
A. Currently, all international students enrolled in CIE’s recommended service provider, iNext, are covered like any other illness would be. If a student goes against the travel recommendations and contracts the virus, the student will be denied coverage.

Q. Will offices on campus, including CIE, remain open?
A. Essential services continue. Many university support offices, including the CIE office, will be operational via telework. CIE staff can be reached via email and phone during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm), and via the 24/7 emergency number after normal business hours. Information is subject to change, and we will update our office availability as new information becomes available.

Center for International Education: cie@umw.edu or Text/WhatsApp (540) 419-9781
UMW Campus Safety 24/7 Emergency Phone Number: (540) 654-1025

Please direct additional questions or concerns to cie@umw.edu

(updated 4:02pm; 3/8/2021)

Education Abroad

Dreaming about study abroad? Ready to increase your self-confidence and cross-cultural skills while enhancing your resume? CIE offers a wide variety of UMW Faculty-Led Programs and seven Exchange Programs. You can also intern, volunteer, conduct academic research, or choose from a host of UMW Approved Programs offered by both education abroad providers and international universities. UMW students can study abroad for a semester or academic year, over the summer, or during the spring and winter breaks to earn academic credits toward their graduation requirements. You can get there from here! We can help.

International Services

Welcome International Students and Visiting Language Coordinators & Instructors! CIE issues I-20s and DS-2019s to our F-1 and J-1 visa applicants, assists with pre-arrival preparations, and serves as your point of contact for any questions you may have. CIE is responsible for programming the International Arrival and Orientation services to assist you with practical matters about life in the U.S., employment eligibility, and maintaining your visa status. We also organize a variety of on and off-campus events that provide opportunities to experience American culture and facilitate cross-cultural experiences with the UMW students.

Follow CIE

Get connected! Follow us on social media to see photos, updates, and stories from UMW students studying all over the world – and don’t forget to get pro tips from UMW Abroad veteran travelers on our Peer Advisor Blog.