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Status of Study Abroad for the 2022-2023 Academic Year

Travel & Adapting to COVID

Published April 13, 2022

Carnegie Mellon University and the Study Abroad team were thrilled to see the return of study abroad for the 2021-22 academic year. While rules, regulations, and restrictions continue to remain in flux both domestically and abroad amidst the pandemic, our intention is to continue to support semester-long study abroad for the upcoming 2022-23 academic year. OIE’s support will be evaluated on an ongoing basis, and the university reserves the option to retract its support of study abroad at any time based on current situations.

Students studying abroad will be required to complete a COVID-19 Review Form through their registration in the CMU Study Abroad Portal. This new form replaces the Study Abroad Exception process put in place for the fall 2021 and spring 2022 terms, and will be:

  1. A useful tool for students to refer to while abroad, and
  2. An ongoing, editable form the OIE office can utilize as we move through the pandemic.

The following criteria will continue to be used by the OIE in monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to international travel:

  • Hospitalization rates
  • Vaccination rates
  • COVID-19 current mitigation procedures
  • Partners’/Institutions’ abroad ability to provide support/assistance to students
  • Partners’ ability to pivot (remote vs. in-person)
  • U.S. Embassy guidance/country (for U.S. citizen travel)
  • Utilizing the International SOS ISOS Assistance App
  • U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories

Please note: We rely heavily but not exclusively on the U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisories, especially ratings due to factors other than COVID-19 (conflict/unrest, natural disaster, terrorism, etc.). A Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory that is solely due to COVID-19 risks does not automatically exclude travel.

As stated in previous COVID-19 briefings, OIE values and supports study abroad and cross-cultural educational experiences. However, the ongoing global pandemic necessitates constant review, and there remains the possibility that students may need to make alternate plans. Individuals need to carefully weigh their personal travel risks, considering their own health situation and any underlying risk factors, and realize COVID-19 risks and restrictions may limit travel (and funding) options for the foreseeable future. Our hope is that circumstances continue to improve and that opportunities for study abroad will increase.

Study Abroad Advisors in OIE remain available to consult with students as they consider future options.

Vaccination

Carnegie Mellon requires all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID19 (including booster dose when eligible). This requirement applies to those studying abroad as well. Religious and medical vaccination exemptions permitted by CMU may not be applicable abroad. Students will need to follow guidelines for their intended country, city, and program abroad.

Fall Break, Winter Break & Spring Break 2022-23 Study Abroad

We anticipate that short-term study abroad and travel will be possible for the 2022-23 academic year. However, due to ongoing pandemic-related challenges, decisions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis (by program, course, and country) with appropriate stakeholders.

Fall 2022 Incoming Exchange

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, CMU is pleased to welcome incoming exchange students from our partner institutions for the fall 2022 term. With a larger than normal CMU student population on campus, however, we are alerting incoming exchange students that course enrollment will be challenging. Flexibility with regards to academic choices will be necessary. 

Communications: