Office of Study Abroad

Students are currently permitted to study abroad in the spring 2022 semester if they applied during the application process. We work closely with our international partners who are assessing on-the-ground conditions and the ability to run programs around the world. We will continue to work closely with them and monitor international health orgnaizations and guidelines throughout the spring semester and are continuing to monitor the Omicron variant closely.

Yes, Brandeis University required all students to be vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the start of the fall 2021 semester except those who receive a religious or medical exemption. Students who are eligible are also required to receive a COVID-19 booster by February 15, 2022. We advise that if possible, students should get this before departing for abroad. For students who would be eligible after arriving abroad, please work with your program on how to obtain the booster while abroad.

If you are no longer comfortable studying abroad, please contact an Office of Staff member as soon as possible at 781-736-3483. We can talk through all options available to students. Students can still begin Brandeis courses as long as they register within the first 2 weeks of classes, but on-campus housing is very limited. Students should also check with their programs on refund policies.

The Office of Study Abroad will continue to work with our international partners to monitor health and safety conditions abroad. We encourage students to connect with their program directly to learn about plans should students need to return home from abroad, including course and credit options, financial reimbursement, and overall logistics. Most programs have plans in place to switch to virtual learning if necessary. Please note that tuition refunds would not be available if programs change mid-semester. Additionally, each program will have various financial impacts which may not include housing refunds.

Studying abroad is always a very personal decision but comes with more factors to consider when studying abroad during a pandemic. We recognize that each student and family's comfort level may vary. Some scenarios students may have to face while studying abroad are:

• varying cultures around testing or wearing a mask
• testing positive and/or being required to quarantine during your time abroad
• a national or local lockdown
• programs shifting to online courses
• or, in worst case scenarios, country evacuations (which may have new travel costs for which you would be responsible)

Please reach out to your advisor to discuss any questions or concerns that you are considering when planning your semester abroad.