CORONAVIRUS FAQs
for Education Abroad & International Students
EDUCATION ABROADNOTE ON PASSPORTS: For students planning to participate in education abroad in a near future term, be advised that there are significant delays in passport processing. The latest statement from the US Department of State mentions that expedited processing will take up to 12 weeks. Regular processing up to 18 weeks. If you need to renew or apply for a new passport, you should do so as soon as possible. More information about US Passports and the application process can be found at the Department of State Passport website. Q: I am planning to participate in a Summer 2021 UMW Approved Provider (non-Faculty-Led) study abroad program. How does this affect me? 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? Q. I was planning to participate in a study abroad program for a future term but am reconsidering. What do I do? INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSQ. 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? Q. Does my international student insurance plan through iNext Insurance cover me should I contract the coronavirus? Q. Will offices on campus, including CIE, remain open?
Please direct additional questions or concerns to cie@umw.edu (updated 5:45pm; 6/23/2021) |
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. |
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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.
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