CORONAVIRUS FAQs
for Education Abroad & International Students
|
Q: I am enrolled in a spring 2020 semester study abroad program. How does this affect me? A: The Center for International Education (CIE) is in contact and working with each student who is currently abroad regarding their individual situation. CIE strongly recommends all students traveling abroad make plans to return home to the US as soon as possible. Q: I am enrolled in a summer 2020 UMW Approved Provider (non-Faculty-Led) study abroad program. How does this affect me? A: UMW Approved Providers are currently evaluating the status of their summer study abroad programs. Students should monitor their UMW email for communications from UMW, the Center for International Education (CIE), and their host program/university for guidance and instruction as the situation evolves. Q: I am enrolled in a summer 2020 UMW Faculty-led study abroad and/or Eagles Abroad Group Travel program. How does this affect me? A: CIE is evaluating each summer 2020 program individually and is communicating with host partners and institutions regarding their operating status as the pandemic situation evolves across the globe. Should any summer 2020 UMW Faculty-led or Eagles Abroad program be cancelled, changed, or postponed CIE will be in contact with the affected students and faculty directly. For J-1 and F-1 International StudentsQ: Since UMW has shifted to on-line instruction through the end of the spring semester, does that mean I am still in good immigration status? A. Yes. If you are enrolled in a full-time course load (12 or more credits for undergraduate students, 9 or more credits for graduate students) then you are still considered in good immigration status. This does not change even though courses will be delivered online for the duration of the semester. Due to the unprecedented situation, an exception is being made for international students to continue their courses online from within or outside the US. Q: UMW is telling all on-campus students to pack their belongings and leave campus by March 22nd. As an international student, I am unable to return to my home country or find alternate living arrangements off-campus. What should I do? A. We understand your concern and want to reassure you the University is allowing students to remain on campus through a petition process. Your status as an international student meets the University’s standard of “extraordinary reasons” for remaining on campus. Should you decide to depart the US, email cie@umw.edu your departure date and whether we can provide assistance. More importantly, please know there are worldwide travel restrictions and/or bans in place, and it is your responsibility to understand the risks inherent in traveling at this time. You may or may not be able to return to your home country. You may be quarantined upon your return. Q. Does my international student insurance plan through iNext Insurance cover me should I contract the coronavirus? A. Currently, if a student contracts the virus and did not travel to one of the countries under the Level 3 travel warning after the travel warning was issued, the student is 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. I’m an F-1 visa student who would like to return home over the summer and need to renew my visa. What should I do? A. Be mindful that some US Embassies and Consulates in some countries are currently closed and that we anticipate significant delays in renewing your visa. Remember, you can remain in the U.S. with an expired visa, as long as your I-20 is valid. Q. Will offices on campus, including CIE, remain open? A. Essential services will continue. For example, dining services will continue, although in a limited capacity, for the time being. Much of the University support offices, including the CIE office, will be operational via telework. This means we will NOT be on campus in our offices. However, 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 comes in.
Please direct additional questions or concerns to cie@umw.edu (updated 2:00pm; 3/18/2020) |
Education AbroadDreaming 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 ServicesWelcome 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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
  |
 |
 |