CGIS is aware of and closely monitoring the new variant of the coronavirus, called Omicron, that has recently been identified, and labeled as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO).
At this time, very little is known about this new variant. For this reason, infectious disease experts have advised travelers to take a “wait and see” approach for the next two weeks as the situation evolves. During this time, CGIS will remain in contact with our program partners, on-site staff, public health experts, and University officials as we collect information and determine next steps.
Please see below for updates that were sent to all accepted (and currently abroad) CGIS students on November 30, 2021.
We strongly recommend that all students also read carefully through our COVID FAQ for more information.
For students who have applied to study abroad Winter 2022
As you undoubtedly know, a new variant of the coronavirus, called Omicron, has recently been identified, and it has been labeled as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO). CGIS is closely monitoring the situation, paying particular attention to the entry requirements, local regulations, and other new measures being implemented around the world to further prevent the spread of this variant, including:
Full travel bans of all foreigners
Extensive quarantines upon arrival for those who have traveled to specific countries in Africa within the last 14 days
New testing requirements upon entry and/or quarantines for all travelers (regardless of vaccination status or travel history)
Closure of all borders to foreigners (regardless of vaccination status or travel history)
Implementing new COVID-19 local regulations such as mandatory indoor mask wearing, proof of vaccination to be in public spaces, and/or capacity limitations
At this time, very little is known about this new variant. For this reason, infectious disease experts have advised travelers to take a “wait and see” approach for the next two weeks as the situation evolves. During this time, CGIS will remain in contact with our program partners, on-site staff, public health experts, and University officials as we collect information and determine next steps. At this time, we are moving forward cautiously with our winter 2022 study abroad programs as we wait for guidance from public health experts.
We will inform students if and how their program may be impacted by the Omicron variant. Please keep in mind that while no changes are being made today, there is still the possibility that your study abroad program will be modified or canceled in the coming month if the public health situation in your host country deteriorates.
In the meantime, we recommend that students move forward with their planning for winter 2022, but have a backup plan in the event that things change. This backup plan may include registering for courses here on campus, exploring housing options on campus if needed, and refraining from making any further non-refundable financial commitments until more is known about the new variant.
Please note that students who intend to move forward with their winter 2022 study abroad program will need to be registered for 15 credits using their program-specific STDABRD number, and drop all on-campus courses, by January 4th. We have worked with the registrar’s office to push this deadline as far back as possible, but please note that if you have not registered correctly for your program’s STDABRD credit by January 4th, we will have to withdraw you from your study abroad programs on January 5th so that tuition can be billed correctly.
Finally, we ask that you watch your email closely for updates from our office, monitor the State Department and CDC COVID-19 pages for your host country, and share this information with your family and friends. We understand how stressful and frustrating this news is, and we encourage you to reach out to your study abroad advisor and/or your UM academic advisor if you need additional assistance or guidance. Please note that our office will be closed during winter break, so if you would like to connect with an advisor to weigh your different options so you are prepared to make a final decision before January 4th, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us before the end of the fall semester.
For students currently studying abroad (Fall 2021 / AY 2021-2022)
As you undoubtedly know, a new variant of the coronavirus, called Omicron, has recently been identified, and it has been labeled as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO). CGIS is closely monitoring the situation and the associated entry requirements and local regulations being implemented by countries around the world. We anticipate that nations will continue to respond to the new variant in different ways, and because new guidelines can be issued and implemented with little to no notice, we strongly recommend the following:
Do not travel outside of your host country during the remainder of the program
Plan to return to the US immediately after your program ends
Follow any and all COVID-19 related guidance from your host country’s public health officials
Remain cautious and stay vigilant in protecting yourself against COVID-19
It is important to remember that students will be responsible for any and all costs associated with testing positive for COVID-19, including testing, quarantining, and travel delays. Additionally, if you were to end up stuck outside of your host country during the program, there is no guarantee that you would be able to make up any academic work that you may miss, which could have a negative impact on your academic success.
You all have been navigating this pandemic for the last several months in your host countries, and meeting new challenges each and every day which we know has not been easy. If you would like to connect with your CGIS advisor, we are happy to set up a time where we can talk via phone, zoom, etc.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to your CGIS Program Advisor or me with any questions/concerns and we wish you a safe and healthy rest of your semester!
