Carnegie Mellon University

Status of Study Abroad for Fall 2021

Published July 19, 2021

As a global institution, Carnegie Mellon values and supports students who choose to study abroad and their related opportunities for personal, professional and academic growth in a global context. As the global pandemic lingers, educational institutions around the world continue to be flexible and adjust plans as they seek to be able to operate in a safe, responsible manner. The Office of International Education (OIE) and our university colleagues are continuing to research the viability of CMU students engaging in study abroad opportunities, especially as we recognize that study abroad is an integral part of many students’ university experiences. We are regularly reviewing protocols and expert advice from numerous sources within the U.S. and across the globe as we consider future programming.

The university is pleased to announce that student requests to participate in semester-long study abroad during fall 2021 are being reviewed and considered using an expanded exceptions/approval process, with initial decisions to be communicated to students by early August 2021.

As we look to welcome Carnegie Mellon students and faculty back to Pittsburgh and prioritize the on-campus experience, the university will, unfortunately, extend the suspension of incoming exchange for fall 2021. Similarly, due to health and safety concerns, as well as the continued suspension of university-sponsored international travel, short-term study abroad will not be supported during the fall semester.

OIE values and supports study abroad and cross-cultural education; however, the ongoing pandemic still causes challenges that require constant monitoring and review, which may necessitate students making alternate plans.

Spring 2022 Study Abroad & Exchange Status

For spring 2022, OIE staff and university leadership will continue to monitor the global situation and, moving forward, will make decisions regarding semester-long study abroad in the same manner as decisions are being made for fall study abroad.

We all continue to hope that circumstances will improve and that opportunities for study abroad will increase as the academic year progresses.  Study Abroad Advisors in OIE are available to consult with students to help consider future options.