All OSU Study Abroad Programs
Important Updates
The following information is intended as guidance for students considering study abroad program participation. Students should consult with the coordinator of their program or course for program-specific information.
The U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control continue to advise citizens to use an abundance of caution when planning any type of travel. Nations are implementing entry restrictions as new variants of the COVID-19 virus emerge. Access to vaccines for local, host-country populations is limited in some areas, and reliable information on local vaccination rates is difficult to find. Although numerous countries are beginning to open their borders to vaccinated travelers with vaccination boosters from the United States, these policies remain unpredictable. University officials are continually monitoring global developments and will update this guidance when warranted.
With these circumstances in mind, a reduced number of faculty-led study abroad courses are currently planned for the remainder of the 2021-2022 academic year. These programs are primarily during Summer 2022, with a few still scheduled for spring break pending outcomes of the recent spikes in COVID cases globally from the omicron variant. Programs to be run in 2022 are in countries and regions where health and safety conditions and local regulations allow for responsible travel. Faculty/Staff international travel, student exchange, and long-term study abroad programs have resumed on a limited, case by case basis considering a variety of health and safety parameters including current conditions in the destination country. The university asks that faculty planning study abroad programs carefully consider all risk-related variables, including the availability of testing in overseas locations.
As OSU joins our peers in resuming student international travel, travel policies are being reviewed regularly and students should be assured that their health and safety is a primary concern of the University. Those considering overseas travel should be aware that vaccination (including booster shot requirements), mask wearing, frequent COVID testing, and other health and safety precautions are expected of travelers. Most destinations and travel providers require vaccinations to enter the host country and have strict limits on access to public facilities and transportation based on vaccination and other factors. Because conditions remain fluid, both in terms of access to overseas destinations for US travelers and the evolving infection rates, students planning to participate in study abroad should be prepared for changes to the course or travel plans before and during their program. All travel involves some level of personal and financial risk, but OSU is continuously working to mitigate those risks as possible for travel courses. The university reserves the right to cancel previously approved programs if situations in the USA and/or the host country change.
Please contact the Study Abroad/NSE Office for more information on study abroad and the School of Global Studies and Partnerships for questions related to faculty/staff international travel.