UCEAP monitors disease outbreaks worldwide 24/7 through the CDC and World Health Organization, partner universities, UC Study Centers, and host country resources. UCEAP works closely with the University of California Student Health Services and the Office of the President Risk Services. COVID-19 updates for UCEAP participants are found at:

https://uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu/coronavirus-notice

If a program has to be suspended pre-departure, UCEAP will reach out to students immediately. In the case of a program suspension, students will be advised on any potential program switches or will be withdrawn with no financial penalty.

Please follow these guidelines in your planning:

•Check immigration (visa) and travel restrictions for your country of participation. In an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, many countries (including the US) have implemented entry restrictions. Students should take this into consideration when deciding where they travel to before their program, including which airports to transit through.

•We strongly recommend purchasing refundable and changeable round-trip fares, which allow travelers to make changes to travel dates for a fee and provide trip cancelation protection.

•Do not make travel arrangements until program dates are posted in the Participants Portal. All students must arrive by the Official UCEAP Start Date. Program dates can change due to unforeseen circumstances. Students are responsible for making modifications to their travel itinerary to accommodate such changes.

•For UCEAP students, do not make travel arrangements until an admission offer from the partner university is received. Final admission is decided by the partner.

I am planning to study abroad but am concerned about my program running. What is campus doing and when will I be notified?

Study Abroad UC San Diego, along with our program partners across the U.S. and abroad, is closely monitoring the situation. Should additional program suspensions occur, students will be notified immediately by email and updates will be made to our website: https://studyabroad.ucsd.edu.

Campus is following advice and guidelines by the local and UC system-wide Offices of Risk Management, the U.S. State Department, and the National CDC. UC San Diego is fortunate to have top infectious disease specialists also providing guidance to all these entities.

If my program is cancelled before I depart, will I be charged any fees?

If your program is cancelled pre-departure, you will not be charged any fees and any fees you may have paid will be reimbursed to you.

If my program is cancelled before I depart, what happens to the study abroad scholarship I received?

We are currently working with the organizations funding scholarships to find out if scholarships can be deferred for a future study abroad program or if you will need to reapply with preferential consideration for a future scholarship. More information will be posted here as soon as it is available.

What happens if I withdraw from my program? Will I be charged fees?

Depending upon your program, you may withdraw before the withdrawal deadline and be charged minimal fees (administrative, non-refundable deposit). If you withdraw after the program withdrawal deadline, you will be subject to paying additional fees. If your program is subsequently cancelled after you withdraw, your fees will be reimbursed to you.

UCEAP withdrawal deadlines: April 1, 2020 for most Summer 2020 programs and May 1, 2020 for most Fall 2020 programs; check with your advisor to confirm

Global Seminar withdrawal deadline: March 1, 2020

OAP withdrawal deadlines: Vary by program; refer to the provider website or ask your advisor for assistance.

When should I buy my plane ticket? 

Because air travel around the world is continuing to be impacted by the spread of COVID-19, it would be prudent to hold off on purchasing your plane ticket until April 1. We should have a better sense in the coming days about the containment of this virus. If you do decide to purchase your plane ticket now, be aware of the policies regarding insurance and cancellation, especially if you purchase a non-refundable ticket. There will be specific clauses that state when and how you might be able to be reimbursed for a purchased ticket depending upon whether you cancel the ticket or the airline cancels the ticket.

How will transportation work abroad?

If programs run, there will be extensive pre-departure planning and precautions in place, as always, and depending upon the continued level of severity of the situation abroad.

Students will always have staff on the ground, in country, monitoring the situation and to whom they can go to with any questions or for any support.

Students should always follow guidelines and recommendations from their program staff and faculty on the ground.

I’m afraid to go on my program. Who can I speak with to help me make a decision? 

Your fears are understandable, and we are here to listen to you and guide you to the right and best decision for you based on the facts that we have. We work closely with counselors at CAPS and with your academic and student affairs advisors at your college. You may reach out to us in person, by phone, by virtual (Zoom or Skype) appointment, or through VAC and we will be happy to speak with you.

I am anxious about my plans and I am worried about my friends and family in affected regions.  Is there someone I can talk to?

Yes, if you are experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety and would like to access counseling services, there are resources available. Please call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 858-534-3755 or make an appointment to meet with their counselors. Counseling may be available in your native language if that is your preference.

Where else can I look for help and updated information?

Our Global Education partner office, the International Students and Programs Office, has a lot of good information on their Coronavirus Information page for domestic students as well as for international students.