COVID-19

Many students and families are excited to start traveling abroad once again. So what key factors is CGIS considering when deciding whether to run study abroad programs during the pandemic?

• Programming holds to CGIS’ standards of academic integrity and intercultural engagement

• Travel can be done ethically without an outsized risk of COVID transmission to the host country population

• Laws, regulations, and immigration requirements allow for travel

• Programs are modified to protect student health and safety

• Financial risk for the university and student travelers is limited as much as possible

• Changes to programs, such as cancellations, by our partners abroad

If CGIS cancels any or all of our programs this year, it will be because, in our judgment, it is not possible to run those programs while maintaining the health and safety, academic, and intercultural engagement standards that CGIS requires. 

As responsible global citizens, we also consider how our programs impact other communities around the world, which is especially important taking into account the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is our recommendation that if students do travel abroad, they do so through CGIS, as our programs have been vetted for academic integrity, health and safety, and more. However, in the event that CGIS cancels programs and students decide to assume this risk and responsibility on their own, CGIS cannot prevent students from enrolling directly through our partners. 

Will studying abroad look different this year in comparison to years past? Undoubtedly yes. Here are some ways in which things might be different:

• Excursions, especially out of country, may be cancelled or altered

• Experiential courses may operate differently

• Limits on personal travel in out of host city and host country

• Fewer course options available

• Classes could switch to hybrid/remote learning during term

• Quarantines required on arrival 

• Short-term visits from family/friends very unlikely

• Public transit could be altered or not running

• Restaurants/bars/museums/etc. may be closed

• Stricter local laws on social distancing than in the U.S.

• Changed program housing

All students, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes the COVID-19 booster shot. Students, faculty and staff must submit their vaccation and booster shot information by Feburary 4th, 2022 or as soon as they are eligiable thereafter. Thus, all students traveling internationally on a U-M managed program like CGIS programs are required to have an authorized COVID-19 vaccination series and complete the “Student COVID-19 Vaccination Self-Report Form” in Wolverine Access before traveling abroad unless they have an approved exemption. Students with questions should visit the Global Michigan page for more information on this University policy.

We understand that there are a variety of Covid-19 vaccines available all around the world. As a result, if you did not receive your vaccination here in the United States (i.e.. Sinovac, Astrezenaca, etc.), it is your responsibility to verify that your COVID-19 vaccine meets the entry requirements of your host country. In addition, it is imperative to check the eligibility requirements of any vaccine passport or other documentation that is needed to access public spaces in your host country such as the Green Pass in Italy.

The University of Michigan uses GeoBlue Health Insurance for all international travel. GeoBlue insurance will cover treatment for COVID-19 and testing for symptomatic individuals or those who have had close contact with someone who had COVID-19. However, the following are not covered under UM’s insurance:

• Precautionary COVID tests

• Expense of quarantine housing

• Evacuation due to pandemic worsening in country (medical evacuation is covered)

For more information on GeoBlue pandemic coverage, check out their COVID-19 FAQ page.

Students’ programs may or may not cover COVID-19 tests prior to departure, so students should anticipate the potential for paying out of pocket for COVID-19 testing prior to departure or upon arrival in their host country.

In addition to testing funds, students should plan to purchase these PPE items prior to departure, if not already on hand:

• Multiple cloth masks (3 minimum recommended)

• Hand sanitizer

• Sanitizing wipes

• Thermometer

If you are in the Ann Arbor area, check out the Washtenaw County Health Department for compiled testing information. For testing without symptoms, check out Walgreens, RiteAid, and CVS for appointments. Testing at these three businesses is often free with insurance or federal assistance.

For students who live outside of Michigan, it is recommended to check your county and state’s health departments for information on how and where to get tested.

Due to the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, students should consult with their academic advisor about alternative academic plans should their study abroad program fall through.

• U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Country Specific Information

• Travel and Social Impact Tracker (Deloitte)

• Global COVID-19 Trends from Johns Hopkins University

• European Center for Disease Control and Prevention

• World Health Organization

• International Air Transport Association

• DTW COVID-19 Updates

• Transportation Security Authority Updates on Covid-19

• Conlin Travel: Blue Skies Ahead

• Flying Was Once Routine. During the Pandemic, It’s a Feat.

• Where Can US Citizens Travel to During the Coronavirus Pandemic

• The Future of Travel

• UK Foreign Travel Advice

• GeoBlue COVID-19 FAQ

The University of Michigan international community has been working hard to advocate for expanded GeoBlue Coverage regarding COVID-19 impacts for students traveling,studying, or researching abroad. The University of Michigan has been successful in these efforts and GeoBlue now provides additional benefits to all students if they face additional costs regarding transportation, lodging, and incidentals that may be accrued due to a positive COVID-19 test. This new benefit covers students who are abroad and have been diagnosed with a positive COVID-19 test (or any other infectious disease where they must quarantine abroad). 

The U-M Study Abroad Post Departure Trip Interruption Benefit Includes:

Transportation Benefit - Maximum Benefit up for $2,500 per Coverage Year
Lodging and Incidentals Benefit - Maximum Benefit up to $3,750 per Coverage Year and limited to $250 per day for a maximum of 15 calendar days 

Both benefits assist students who may have to switch flights due to a positive COVID-19 test (to or from their host country) and help students pay for any costs associated with quarantine due to COVID-19 including food, lodging, and other expenses. This benefit is not available for the GeoBlue U-M personal/leisure abroad insurance.