COVID-19 Study Abroad FAQs

The U.S. Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory: Do Not Travel on March 19, advising all U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. According to the Undergraduate International Travel Policy, undergraduate travel to countries under a Level 4 Do Not Travel designation is prohibited.

Northwestern University has policies and procedures that govern whether undergraduate students are permitted to participate in programs in certain locations. These policies are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students, the broader Northwestern community, and our host communities.

Northwestern University continues to monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and has convened a group of senior administrators to manage and lead the University’s response to this outbreak.

Northwestern will contact students preparing to study abroad directly with updates.

All members of the Northwestern community can also find travel-related updates through emergency messages from Northwestern’s Office of Global Safety and Security and Northwestern University’s latest coronavirus/ COVID-19 updates.

Northwestern’s Global Learning Office (GLO) continues to support students in their plans to participate in study abroad programs slated to begin in Fall 2022. Study abroad programs and locations that were approved during the 2021-2022 academic year are also approved for the 2022-2023 academic year unless COVID-19 conditions or other country conditions change materially. Northwestern will review any programs that were not approved during the 2021-2022 academic year during Spring 2022 and communicate decisions to students as they are made.

As of March 20, 2022, all programs slated to begin in Fall 2022 to which Northwestern students have applied are proceeding as planned.

GLO and the Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS) will continue to monitor COVID conditions in the countries to which undergraduates apply to travel for Fall 2022 study abroad programs.
We are also following the Russia-Ukraine conflict carefully and regularly assessing risks to Northwestern travelers. Northwestern is reviewing guidance from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its evaluation of programs, as well as taking into consideration a variety of other factors, including local public health, security, and program information. As part of this holistic review process, we are working with Northwestern University leadership and program partners to collect and review information pertaining to program-specific risk mitigation strategies. 

GLO advisers will communicate all updates and next steps as they are determined. 

Northwestern’s Global Learning Office (GLO) opened applications to select Northwestern Summer Programs in December 2021. As of March 20, 2022, all Northwestern Summer Programs that accepted applications are proceeding as planned.

Students interested in unaffiliated summer programs for Summer 2022 must follow all steps outlined on the GLO website. In accordance with Northwestern’s Undergraduate Policies, students will only be permitted study in locations that have been pre-approved by Northwestern and/or are under a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or Level 2 at the time of application. 

GLO and the Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS) will continue to monitor COVID conditions in the locations where Northwestern Summer Programs are offered, as well as locations available for unaffiliated summer programs. We are also following the Russia-Ukraine conflict carefully and regularly assessing risks to Northwestern travelers. Northwestern is reviewing guidance from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its evaluation of programs, as well as taking into consideration a variety of other factors, including local public health, security, and program information. As part of this holistic review process, we are working with Northwestern University leadership and program partners to collect and review information pertaining to program-specific risk mitigation strategies. 

GLO advisers will communicate all updates and next steps as they are determined. 

For Northwestern Summer Programs, students are not required to pay deposits. If a Northwestern Program is canceled, students confirmed to participate in these programs will not be required to pay any study abroad program or cancellation fees that are billed by Northwestern.  

For unaffiliated summer programs, it is up to the program provider to refund any deposits made. Many study abroad program providers are offering flexibility with program confirmation and financial policies in light of uncertain world events. Since different programs have different policies and plans related to COVID-19, students will need to contact their study abroad program provider directly to inquire about the program’s refund and other financial policies.  

Students participating in Northwestern Summer Programs should not make any non-refundable financial commitments related to study abroad until advised to do so by the Northwestern Global Learning Office. Do not pay non-refundable program costs, make personal travel plans, or pay any program-related, out-of-pocket costs (such as airfare, visa fees, vaccinations, or housing payments, if applicable) until notified to do so by GLO. In the event of a program cancellation, Northwestern assumes no liability for costs assumed by students in advance of GLO’s notification.

As mentioned above, should not make any non-refundable financial commitments related to study abroad, including booking flights, until advised to do so by the Northwestern Global Learning Office (GLO). 

GLO will contact students confirmed to participate in Northwestern Summer Programs to notify them when they may move forward with travel plans and other next steps. During Spring Quarter, students will receive regular Pre-Departure Roadmap emails as well as program-specific information about what they need to know and what they need to do to prepare for study abroad.

Students are responsible for securing the necessary entry documents and making appropriate travel arrangements, in accordance with their program’s requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to follow the guidelines and COVID-19 booking tips provided on the GLO website. GLO will not be able to reimburse students for any flight costs, should their program be suspended at a later date. Therefore, it is in students' best interest to purchase the most flexible ticket they can.

Students have adjusted to many changes on campus due to COVID-19. Similarly, the study abroad experience may look and feel different from what students expect. Below are important tips and considerations for students as they set their expectations and make their study abroad plans:

• Be flexible. Each program has a variety of contingency plans in place for a broad range of health, safety and security situations, including changes in COVID conditions. This means that program plans may have to change with little notice. It is important that students pay attention to communications from their program about any changes and be prepared to adjust and adapt.
• Follow rules and policies. Students will need to comply with all regulations and protocols enforced by the U.S. government, their host country government, airlines and your program, which could include COVID testing and/or vaccination requirements, curfews and/or mobility restrictions, mask-wearing policies and more. These are also subject to change before students'  arrival in their host country as well as while they're abroad. Any rules or policies in place are designed to protect student health and safety, as well as the health and safety of other students, faculty, staff and host communities. It is essential that students respect these rules and policies.
• Expect restrictions on program and/or personal travel. Programs may limit travel opportunities for students outside of their program city or country, including for independent, personal travel. These policies are in place due to the complicated and ever-changing nature of border restrictions and COVID policies by city, region and country. Students should familiarize themselves with their program’s travel plans and policies and prepare themselves to spend most of their free time in their program city.

Northwestern’s Global Learning Office (GLO) continues to support students in their plans to participate in study abroad programs slated to begin in Winter or Spring 2022. Many study abroad programs beginning in Fall 2021 were approved by Northwestern, and these programs are also approved for Winter and Spring 2022. Northwestern has reviewed any programs that were not approved for Fall 2021 and communicated approval decisions to committed students during fall quarter 2021. 

GLO and the Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS) continue to monitor COVID conditions in the countries to which undergraduates have applied to travel for Winter 2022, Winter-Spring 2022, and Spring 2022 study abroad programs. Northwestern is reviewing guidance from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its evaluation of programs, as well as taking into consideration a variety of other factors, including local public health and program information. As part of this holistic review process, we are working with Northwestern University leadership and program partners to collect and review information pertaining to program-specific COVID mitigation strategies. 

GLO advisers will communicate all updates and next steps as they are determined. 

For Northwestern study abroad programs and Northwestern Exchanges, students are not required to pay deposits. If a Northwestern Program or Northwestern Exchange is canceled, students confirmed to participate in these programs will not be required to pay any study abroad program or cancellation fees that are billed by Northwestern.  

For affiliated and unaffiliated programs, it is up to the program provider to refund any deposits made. Many study abroad program providers are offering flexibility with program confirmation and financial policies in light of COVID-19. Since different programs have different policies and plans related to COVID-19, students will need to contact their study abroad program provider directly to inquire about the program’s refund and other financial policies.  

Decisions regarding whether Northwestern will allow or suspend international travel to program locations that were not approved in Fall 2021 are expected to be made and communicated to students in early Fall Quarter. Although students should follow any mandatory acceptance steps required by their program, they should not make any non-refundable financial commitments related to study abroad until Northwestern has communicated whether your program location is approved for travel. Do not pay non-refundable program costs, make personal travel plans, or pay any program-related, out-of-pocket costs (such as airfare, visa fees, vaccinations, or housing payments, if applicable) until notified to do so by the Northwestern Global Learning Office. In the event of a program cancellation, Northwestern assumes no liability for costs assumed by students in advance of GLO’s notification. 

We plan to have updated information about the status of all Winter 2022, Winter-Spring 2022, and Spring 2022 study abroad programs before winter course registration opens for returning students. More information will be provided in the coming months. 

In the meantime, please reach out to your academic adviser to develop a backup plan if you have any concerns related to your ability to enroll in required courses should your study abroad plans fall through.  

Northwestern’s Global Learning Office (GLO) continues to support students in their plans to participate in study abroad programs beginning in Fall 2021. While Northwestern has prohibited international travel for undergraduates through summer, many programs beginning in Fall 2021 were approved by Northwestern, and confirmed participants in these programs have been notified. Northwestern will continue to review on a program-by-program basis and communicate decisions to students through early July. 

GLO and the Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS) continue to monitor COVID conditions in the countries to which undergraduates have applied to travel for Fall 2021 study abroad programs. Northwestern is reviewing guidance from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its evaluation of programs, as well as taking into consideration a variety of other factors, including local public health and program information. As part of this holistic review process, we are working with Northwestern University leadership and program partners to collect and review information pertaining to program-specific COVID mitigation strategies. 

GLO advisers will communicate all updates and next steps as they are determined.

For Northwestern study abroad programs and Northwestern Exchanges, students are not required to pay deposits. If a Northwestern Program or Northwestern Exchange is canceled, students confirmed to participate in these programs will not be required to pay any study abroad program or cancellation fees that are billed by Northwestern.  

For affiliated and unaffiliated programs, it is up to the program provider to refund any deposits made. Many study abroad program providers are offering flexibility with program confirmation and financial policies in light of COVID-19. Since different programs have different policies and plans related to COVID-19, students will need to contact their study abroad program provider directly to inquire about the program’s refund and other financial policies.  

Decisions regarding whether Northwestern will allow or suspend international travel to program locations in Fall 2021 are expected to be made and communicated to students by early July. Although students should follow any mandatory acceptance steps required by their program, they should not make any non-refundable financial commitments related to study abroad until Northwestern has communicated a final decision regarding whether it will allow travel to fall study abroad locations. Do not pay non-refundable program costs, make personal travel plans, or pay any program-related, out-of-pocket costs (such as airfare, visa fees, vaccinations, or housing payments, if applicable) until notified to do so by the Northwestern Global Learning Office. In the event of a program cancellation, Northwestern assumes no liability for costs assumed by students in advance of GLO’s notification. 

We plan to have updated information about the status of Fall 2021 study abroad programs before fall course registration opens for returning students in August. More information will be provided in the coming months. 

In the meantime, please reach out to your academic adviser to develop a backup plan if you have any concerns related to your ability to enroll in required courses should your study abroad plans fall through.  

After many discussions and a thorough review of guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), the World Health Organization, and other sources, Northwestern has made the difficult decision to cancel all international travel associated with undergraduate, credit-bearing study abroad programs during the Summer 2021 quarter due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

This means that Northwestern will not permit undergraduates to travel internationally to participate in any credit-bearing programs that run during the Summer 2021 term (June-August, 2021). All Northwestern summer study abroad programs offered by the Global Learning Office are canceled, and Northwestern will not approve student participation in Affiliated or Unaffiliated in-person programs offered by non-Northwestern study abroad program providers in Summer 2021.  

This decision does not currently extend to Fall 2021 study abroad programs, including programs slated to begin in July or August, 2021. At this time, undergraduate, credit-bearing study abroad beginning in Fall 2021 is proceeding as planned. 

Study abroad programs slated to begin in Fall 2021 and beyond are currently proceeding as planned. However, please keep in mind that Northwestern may decide, based on U.S. DOS and CDC guidelines as well as other considerations, to extend its limitations on international travel associated with study abroad programs. 

Please ccontact a GLO adviser to discuss options for study abroad in future terms. 

The Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) plans to offer a virtual rendition of its program in Summer 2021 in lieu of canceled study abroad programs due to COVID-19. This is a unique hybrid opportunity to explore complex questions through coursework while simultaneously engaging in a meaningful internship with an NGO based in one of seven countries—all in a completely virtual online setting. Please refer to the GLO website or contact a GLO adviser for information and updates. 

We also recommend you consult with Northwestern Career Advancement or Chicago Field Studies to learn more about other remote international internship opportunities. 

After many discussions and a thorough review of guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State, the World Health Organization, and other sources, Northwestern has made the difficult decision to cancel all international travel associated with undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad programs slated to begin during the Spring 2021 quarter due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

Affiliated or Unaffiliated Programs 

We encourage students currently confirmed to participate in affiliated or unaffiliated programs in Spring 2021 to consider reapplying to those programs for Spring 2022 or consider study abroad in other terms. Please refer to application deadlines. 

Northwestern Study Abroad Programs 

The following Northwestern programs, which were scheduled for or postponed to Spring 2021, have been cancelled: 

• Art, Literature, and Contemporary European Thought (Paris, France) 
• European Union Studies (Paris, France) 
• Global Healthcare Technologies (Stellenbosch, South Africa) 
• Public Health in Europe (Paris, France) 
• Public Health & Development in South Africa (Stellenbosch, South Africa) 

Students are encouraged to reapply to the Northwestern in Paris programs for Fall 2021, the Global Healthcare Technologies program for Winter 2022, and the Public Health & Development in South Africa program for Spring 2022. 

Students who applied to participate in Northwestern study abroad programs that were slated for Spring 2021 will not be charged any study abroad program, withdrawal, or cancellation fees. 

Students who applied to participate in Affiliated or Unaffiliated programs for Spring 2021 will need to contact their study abroad program provider directly to determine whether they will be charged any study abroad program, withdrawal, or cancellation fees and to inquire about their refund policies. Many study abroad program providers are offering flexibility with program confirmation and financial policies in light of COVID-19.  Hhowever, different programs will have different policies and plans. 

In accordance with prior communications from the Global Learning Office (GLO), students should not have made any individual travel plans related to their spring study abroad programs and therefore should not incur costs such as airfare, visa processing payments, and so forth. 

Northwestern’s Global Learning Office (GLO) will automatically withdraw students’ applications from the Northwestern Study Abroad Application system and update student study abroad records to reflect this decision. Students do not need to take any action to withdraw their Northwestern application directly. 

For the students who applied to participate in Affiliated or Unaffiliated programs for Spring 2021, GLO will also notify your study abroad program provider that your program application must be withdrawn due to Northwestern’s decision to cancel all undergraduate study abroad for Spring 2021. 

We recognize you may have questions about when you may be able to study abroad in the future. You are encouraged to reapply to your study abroad program for Spring 2022 or consider study abroad in other terms. Northwestern’s Global Learning Office (GLO) will have a new application system and process for study abroad during the 2021-2022 academic year, so all students will have to reapply to study abroad in these future terms. You will have access to your previous application materials as you are working on new applications and more information about the new application system and process will be communicated in the coming weeks. 

We recognize how much preparation you have put into your study abroad plans and we hope that we can support you in studying abroad in the future. 

Continuing international students on J1/F1 visas as well as dual citizens not on J1/F1 visas may be able to earn transfer credit for courses taken independently at foreign institutions in their countries of permanent residence/citizenship as long as transfer credit policies are met. Please refer to the Registrar’s Office website for information about transfer credit processes after enrolling and to the Global Learning Office website for additional guidelines and considerations for international students. For specific questions about this option, please contact Karey Fuhs at k-fuhs@northwestern.edu.  

Please note that very few universities offer courses that align with Northwestern’s Spring Quarter and students are not permitted to enroll concurrently in courses at Northwestern and another institution. 

International students on J1/F1 visas who study independently at institutions outside of Northwestern or their home countries, either in person or remotely, will not be eligible to earn transfer credit. 

After many discussions and a thorough review of guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State, the World Health Organization, and other sources, Northwestern has made the difficult decision to cancel all international travel associated with undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad and exchange programs slated to begin during the Winter 2021 quarter, including all Winter 2021 and Winter-Spring 2021 affiliated, unaffiliated, exchange, and Northwestern programs due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

• Affiliated or Unaffiliated Programs 
  We encourage students currently confirmed to participate in affiliated or unaffiliated programs in Winter 2021 or Winter-Spring 2021 to reapply for Fall 2021, Winter 2022, or Winter-Spring 2022 study abroad or exchange programs. If you are interested in this option, please contact your GLO adviser for more information about next steps.
• Exchange Programs
  Students currently confirmed to participate in exchange programs in Winter-Spring 2021 are encouraged to reapply for Fall 2021 or Winter-Spring 2022.
  Some exchange programs are available for remote study in Winter-Spring 2021. This means that students would enroll in a full-time load of courses offered remotely by the exchange partner. Northwestern will allow students to participate in remote exchange programs in Winter-Spring 2021, if this is offered by the exchange partner. 

If you are interested in either of these options, please contact your GLO adviser for more information about next steps. 

• Northwestern Study Abroad Programs
  The Global Healthcare Technologies program typically offered in Winter 2021 has been postponed to Spring 2021. Students confirmed to participate in this program may defer their applications to Spring 2021 by submitting a new Program Confirmation Form by the December 1 confirmation deadline for Spring programs. Please email GLO adviser Sara McGuinn (sara.mcguinn@northwestern.edu) if you have any questions or concerns about this option.
  
  The Journalism Residency Argentina and Journalism Residency Qatar programs will not be offered in Winter 2021. 

Students who applied to participate in Northwestern study abroad programs or Northwestern Exchanges that were slated to begin in Winter 2021 will not be charged any study abroad program, withdrawal, or cancellation fees.  

Students who applied to participate in Affiliated or Unaffiliated programs for Winter 2021 or Winter-Spring 2021 will need to contact their study abroad program provider directly to determine whether they will be charged any study abroad program, withdrawal, or cancellation fees and to inquire about their refund policies. Many study abroad program providers are offering flexibility with program confirmation and financial policies in light of COVID-19, however, different programs will have different policies and plans. 

In accordance with prior communications from the Global Learning Office (GLO), students should not have made any individual travel plans and incurred costs related to their winter or winter-spring study abroad programs. This includes airfare, visa processing payments, and so forth. 

Northwestern’s Global Learning Office will automatically withdraw students’ applications from the Northwestern Study Abroad Application system and update student study abroad records to reflect this decision. Students do not need to take any action to withdraw their Northwestern application directly. 

Students who applied to participate in Affiliated or Unaffiliated programs will also need to contact their study abroad program provider and notify them in writing that they will withdraw from the program due to Northwestern’s decision to cancel all undergraduate study abroad programs slated to begin in Winter 2021. Students may wish to include their cancellation email notification from GLO as documentation of Northwestern’s decision. 

We recognize you may have questions about when you may be able to study abroad in the future. You are encouraged to reapply to your study abroad program for Fall 2021, Winter 2022, or Winter-Spring 2022. GLO will have a new application system and process for study abroad during the 2021-2022 academic year, so all students will have to reapply to study abroad in these future terms. You can be given access to your previous application materials as you are working on any new applications.

We recognize how much preparation you have put into your study abroad plans and we hope that we can support you in studying abroad in the future. 

Please consult with your academic advisers to discuss your options in light of the cancellation of international travel associated with Winter 2021 and Winter-Spring 2021 study abroad programs. 

The decision to cancel international travel associated with undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad programs that were slated to begin in Winter 2021 is limited to those activities that fall under the Global Learning Office’s purview. Northwestern will continue to monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and communicate further information separately in relation to other types of undergraduate international activity, such as non-credit research, internships, athletics, arts and student organization activities.

• Affiliated or Unaffiliated Programs: While some providers of Affiliated and Unaffiliated study abroad programs are offering remote versions of their programs as substitutes for in-person study, these are not approved as an option for Northwestern students at this time.
• Northwestern Exchange Programs: Northwestern will allow students to participate in remote exchange programs in Winter-Spring 2021, if this is offered by the exchange partner. This means that students would enroll in a full-time load of courses offered remotely by the exchange partner. If you would be interested in this option, please let your GLO adviser know. 

Continuing international students on J1/F1 visas as well as dual citizens not on J1/F1 visas may be able to earn transfer credit for courses taken independently at foreign institutions in their countries of permanent residence/citizenship as long as transfer credit policies are met. Please refer to the Registrar’s Office website for information about transfer credit processes after enrolling and to the Global Learning Office website for additional guidelines and considerations for international students. For specific questions about this option, please contact Karey Fuhs at k-fuhs@northwestern.edu.  

International students who applied for and confirmed their participation in Northwestern exchange programs in Winter-Spring 2021 may take remote courses at these institutions if this option is offered by the exchange partner. International students who applied to study abroad on any other programs beginning during Winter 2021 may consider reapplying to study abroad in a future term.  

International students on J1/F1 visas who study independently at institutions outside of Northwestern or their home countries, either in person or remotely, or who are not approved for remote study via Northwestern exchange programs in Winter 2021, will not be eligible to earn transfer credit. 

After many discussions, and in consultation with senior university leaders, Northwestern has made the difficult decision to cancel all international travel associated with undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad programs slated to begin during the Fall 2020 quarter, including all Fall 2020, Fall-Winter 2020-21 and Full Year 2020-21 affiliated, unaffiliated, exchange, and Northwestern programs due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

Affiliated, Unaffiliated, or Exchange Programs 

Students currently confirmed to participate in affiliated, unaffiliated, or exchange Fall 2020, Fall-Winter 2020-21, or Full Year 2020-21 programs may defer their applications to Winter-Spring 2021. Also note the potential for continued uncertainty around travel and public health safety. If you are interested in this option, please contact your GLO adviser for more information about next steps.

Northwestern Programs

The three Northwestern programs offered in Fall 2020 in Paris, France—Art, Literature, and Contemporary European Thought; European Union Studies; and Public Health in Europe—will be postponed to Spring 2021. Because these programs will be adjusted from a semester-length to a quarter-length along with this term change, updated information about the Spring 2021 programs is available on the GLO website:

• Art, Literature, and Contemporary European Thought, Spring 2021
• European Union Studies, Spring 2021
• Public Health in Europe, Spring 2021

Students currently confirmed to participate in one of the three Northwestern programs offered in Fall 2020 in Paris, France may defer their applications to Spring 2021 by submitting a new Program Confirmation Form, preferably by July 20. We recognize that it is not always an option for students to shift Fall plans to another term, and you may need more time to consider this option in consultation with your academic advisers and your family. Also note the potential for continued uncertainty around travel and public health safety. Please email GLO adviser Carmen Hernandez if you have any questions or concerns about this option. 

Students who applied to participate in Northwestern study abroad programs or Northwestern Exchanges that were slated to begin in Fall 2020 will not be charged any study abroad program, withdrawal, or cancellation fees.

Students who applied to participate in Affiliated or Unaffiliated Fall 2020, Fall-Winter 2020-21 or Full Year 2020-21 programs will need to contact their study abroad program provider directly to determine whether they will be charged any study abroad program, withdrawal, or cancellation fees and to inquire about their refund policies. Many study abroad program providers are offering flexibility with program confirmation and financial policies in light of COVID-19, however different programs will have different policies and plans related to COVID-19.

In accordance with prior communications from the Global Learning Office (GLO), students should not have made any individual travel plans incurring costs related to their fall study abroad. This includes airfare, visa processing payments, and so forth.

Northwestern’s Global Learning Office will automatically withdraw students’ applications from the Northwestern Study Abroad Application system and update student study abroad records to reflect this decision. Students do not need to take any action to withdraw their Northwestern application directly.

Students who applied to participate in Affiliated or Unaffiliated programs will also need to contact their study abroad program provider and notify them in writing that they will withdraw from the program due to Northwestern’s decision to cancel all undergraduate study abroad programs slated to begin in Fall 2020. Students may wish to include their cancellation email notification from GLO as documentation of Northwestern’s decision.

We recognize you may have questions about when you may be able to study abroad in the future:

• Winter-Spring 2021: Northwestern has made the difficult decision to cancel all international travel associated with undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad and exchange programs slated to begin during the Winter 2021 quarter, including all Winter 2021 and Winter-Spring 2021 affiliated, unaffiliated, exchange, and Northwestern programs due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  
• Future Terms: We recognize that many students might consider deferring travel to Summer 2021 or beyond. We are discussing a modified application process for students who choose to reapply to study abroad in Fall 2021 and will be in touch with more information during the Fall 2020 quarter. 

We recognize how much preparation you have put into your study abroad plans, and we hope that we can support you in studying abroad in the future.

Affiliated or Unaffiliated Programs: While some study abroad providers of Affiliated and Unaffiliated programs are offering remote versions of programs as substitutes for in-person study, these are not an option for Northwestern students at this time.

Northwestern Exchange Programs: Northwestern will allow students to participate in remote exchange programs in Fall 2020, if this is offered by the exchange partner. This means that students would enroll in a full-time load of courses offered remotely by the exchange partner. We are awaiting guidance from most exchange partners regarding whether they will offer remote exchange opportunities for Fall 2020. If you would be interested in this option, please let your GLO adviser know.

International students on J1/F1 visas, as well as dual citizens not on J1/F1 visas, may be able to earn transfer credit for courses taken independently at foreign institutions in their countries of permanent residence/citizenship as long as transfer credit policies are met. Please refer to the Registrar’s Office website for information about transfer credit processes after enrolling and to the Global Learning Office website for additional guidelines and considerations for international students. For specific questions about this option, contact Karey Fuhs at k-fuhs@northwestern.edu. 

International students who applied and were confirmed to participate in Northwestern exchange programs in Fall 2020 may take remote courses at these institutions if this option is offered by the exchange partner. International students who applied to study abroad on any other programs beginning during Fall 2020 may consider deferring their application to Winter-Spring 2021 or reapplying to study abroad in a future term.

International students on J1/F1 visas who study independently at institutions outside of Northwestern or their home countries, either in person or remotely, or who are not approved for remote study via Northwestern exchange programs in Fall 2020 will not be eligible to earn transfer credit.

No, Northwestern University made the difficult decision in early summer 2020 to cancel all international travel associated with undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad programs slated to begin during the Fall 2020 quarter, including all Fall 2020, Fall-Winter 2020-21 and Full Year 2020-21 affiliated, unaffiliated, exchange, and Northwestern programs due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

While Northwestern is closely following information and guidance from the U.S. Department of State and CDC at the worldwide and country-specific levels, study abroad that begins in Fall 2020 will not be allowed, even if there are changes to U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories or CDC Travel Health Notices. This decision is based on consideration of a variety of factors, including the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and host communities.

After many discussions, and in consultation with senior university leaders, Northwestern has made the difficult decision to cancel all undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad for Summer 2020 (June-August) due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Northwestern programs are canceled, and Northwestern will not approve student participation in Affiliated or Unaffiliated programs offered by non-Northwestern study abroad program providers in Summer 2020.

This decision was not made lightly. We are prioritizing the mitigation of potential health and safety risks for Northwestern’s students, as well as our host communities and program partners.

We are deeply saddened to make this decision and look forward to the time when we can send students abroad again. In the meantime, we will be challenged to participate in new forms of intercultural exchange.

Students who applied to participate in Northwestern Summer study abroad programs will not be charged any study abroad program, withdrawal, or cancellation fees.

Students who applied to participate in Affiliated or Unaffiliated programs will need to contact their study abroad program provider directly to determine whether they will be charged any study abroad program, withdrawal, or cancellation fees and to inquire about their refund policies. Many study abroad program providers are offering flexibility with program confirmation and financial policies in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19), however, different programs will have different policies and plans related to COVID-19.

In accordance with prior communications from the Global Learning Office (GLO), students should not have made any individual travel plans incurring costs related to their summer study abroad. This includes airfare, visa processing payments, and so forth.

Northwestern’s Global Learning Office (GLO) will automatically withdraw students’ applications from the Northwestern Study Abroad Application system and update student study abroad records to reflect this decision. Students do not need to take any action to withdraw their Northwestern application directly. 

Students who applied to participate in Affiliated or Unaffiliated programs will also need to contact their study abroad program provider and notify them in writing that they will withdraw from the program due to Northwestern’s decision to cancel all undergraduate study abroad for Summer 2020. Students may wish to include their cancellation email notification from GLO as documentation of Northwestern’s decision.

We recognize you may have questions about when you may be able to study abroad in the future:

• Fall 2020: Northwestern has made the difficult decision to cancel all international travel associated with undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad programs slated to begin in Fall 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This includes Fall 2020, Fall-Winter 2020-21, and Full Year 2020-21 programs. Please see Fall 2020 Study Abroad FAQs below.
• Winter-Spring 2021: Northwestern has made the difficult decision to cancel all international travel associated with undergraduate credit-bearing study abroad and exchange programs slated to begin during the Winter 2021 quarter, including all Winter 2021 and Winter-Spring 2021 affiliated, unaffiliated, exchange, and Northwestern programs due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  
• Future Terms: We recognize that many students might consider deferring travel to Summer 2021 or beyond. We are discussing a modified application process for students who choose to reapply to study abroad in Summer 2021 and will be in touch with more information during the Fall 2020 quarter.

We recognize how much preparation you have put into your study abroad plans, and we hope that we can support you in studying abroad in the future.