Office of Study Abroad

Despite our strong hope that study abroad would be possible this fall, given the uncertain nature of the global health crisis’s continued effects on both public health and travel between countries, Brandeis University has made the very difficult decision to suspend all study abroad for the fall 2020 semester. 

This decision was made in consideration of a number of factors, including, but not limited to: student health and safety, rapidly evolving travel restrictions, cessation of visa services, country-specific entry requirements, impacts on academic calendars around the world, and potential consequences of international students’ presence to local healthcare providers’ capacity should there be a resurgence of COVID-19.

Yes, all students approved to study abroad in fall 2020 are eligible to defer their approval to spring 2021 or fall 2021. Please complete this form to notify us of your study abroad decision.

Please keep in mind that although spring 2021 study abroad programs are still slated to run as planned, the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic also means it is possible spring 2021 study abroad will not be permitted.

It is your responsibility to notify your program of your plans for deferral or withdrawal from study abroad. Brandeis has informed our program partners of the university’s decision related to fall study abroad and have let them know that you will contact them regarding your plans moving forward. Please contact your program and reach out to a member of the study abroad staff with questions or concerns.

Yes. As the Brandeis University travel ban currently applies to all University-sponsored domestic and international travel, we are unfortunately unable to approve domestic programs in the U.S. as well.

Brandeis is not approving online courses offered by study abroad programs abroad. Students may not participate in these programs and will not receive credit for doing so.

The Department of Community Living (DCL) has an updated list of all students who were approved to study off campus this fall. Students who wish to live on campus this fall should be in direct contact with DCL about next steps.

Students intending to study abroad in fall 2020 were encouraged to register for fall 2020 Brandeis courses in April. If you did not register for fall 2020 courses at Brandeis, general registration will re-open on July 15 and you are encouraged to register for courses then. More information on fall 2020 course registration can be found here.

Unfortunately, given the reasons listed above related to the risks associated with travel and residence in a new place this fall, Brandeis will not be approving any study abroad credit for the fall 2020 semester regardless of a student's citizenship status. This decision was made in consideration of a number of factors, including, but not limited to: student health and safety, rapidly evolving travel restrictions, cessation of visa services, country-specific entry requirements, impacts on academic calendars around the world, and potential consequences of international students’ presence to local healthcare providers’ capacity should there be a resurgence of COVID-19. 

Seniors who are interested in studying abroad in spring 2021, their last semester, are eligible to petition for approval to do so. Approval is contingent on your academic plan and your ability to complete the necessary requirements prior to graduation in May 2021. Seniors who are interested in this option should make an appointment with an advisor to discuss it further.

Please keep in mind that although spring 2021 study abroad programs are still slated to run as planned, the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic also means it is possible spring 2021 study abroad will not be permitted.

Students are encouraged to be in touch with their academic department to discuss requirements they had intended to complete while abroad. Office of Study Abroad staff are available as a resource but we encourage you to speak directly with faculty members as decisions regarding graduation requirements ultimately lie with the relevant academic department.

Juniors with a major in IGS who were intending to study abroad in fall 2020 are encouraged to defer their study abroad plans to spring 2021 or fall 2021.

Seniors with a major in IGS who were intending to study abroad in fall 2020 are encouraged to contact Professor Lucy Goodhart to discuss their options.

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for health and safety and for travel, Brandeis will continue to monitor the situation before making any determinations about study abroad for Spring 2021. We hope to have more information by mid-fall semester but as the situation changes, this may also need to adjust. In the event that study abroad for Spring 2021 is unable to move forward as planned, we will convey any decisions with as much advance notice as possible.

If you aren’t sure right now, that’s okay! We would advise that you continue with the study abroad process if you would like to have study abroad as an option. You can always decide to withdraw later. Please schedule an appointment with an advisor to talk through options and a timeline further.

As long as it works for your academic plan and progress towards graduation, you are welcome to defer your study abroad plans to fall 2021. Please make an appointment with an advisor to discuss the deferral process. We would also encourage you to speak with your academic advisor about this decision.

If you’ve already decided, that’s fine. Please make an appointment with an advisor and we can go over the withdrawal process. There's a simple form we'll have you complete to officially withdraw.

Your next step is to continue with your program’s external application. While we originally required this to be completed by September 1, we are now advising that you only need to follow your program’s deadline. Each program has a different deadline so please check yours -- some are as early as August 15 with most falling around October 1-15.