Coronavirus Updates & Student Resources

We are planning for 2020-21 programs to proceed abroad. Learn more about how we are preparing for our students to enjoy a safe and meaningful experience overseas. You can also find a variety of helpful COVID-19 resources for students and families below.

Preparing to Study Abroad in 2020-21

The world has changed in 2020 and USAC has made enhancements to our study abroad programs to accommodate studying abroad in a COVID-19 world. Plans for all programs are proceeding and efforts are being made to ensure that students will be able to enjoy safe and meaningful experiences while abroad. While safety and health have always been a top priority for USAC, we are increasing our efforts and measures due to the current global situation.

Some specific, new measures include:

• A new pre-departure health and safety webinar that will focus on COVID-19 prevention measures.
• Training for program site staff to ensure that the latest CDC, WHO, and local guidelines are followed.
• Efforts to place students in single rooms where possible. We will also minimize homestays for the upcoming semester, where possible.
• Comprehensive on-site orientation that focuses on USAC and host country guidelines and restrictions for each program site, program activities, type of housing, and host university.
• Encouraging students to limit independent travel and focus on exploring areas in and around program locations.
• Strict adherence to disinfection and cleaning recommendations in USAC common areas and program housing.
• Strict adherence to social distancing guidelines in classrooms and during all USAC activities.
• Identification of locations for students to self-isolate in case of COVID-19 infection.
• Revised contingency plans in case of a resurgence of COVID-19 at any program location.
• Ability to seamlessly move to online courses for all or part of the semester.

To ensure academic continuity in case of an unexpected change of plans at program sites, the following options are being developed:

• Plan A – Fall semester conducted entirely on-site with shortened calendar in many locations.
• Plan B – Hybrid: Fall semester starts as planned, and later moves online, if need arises.

Coronavirus Resources for Students and Parents

• USAC Coronavirus Updates
• Tips for Parents
• Coping with Reverse Culture Shock
• Returning Students: Combat Loneliness & Stay Busy at Home
• A Study Abroad Cut Short: Viterbo Student Reflection

You can also find the most current U.S. and global coronavirus updates and travel advisories here:

• U.S. Department of State
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

If you need to contact the Health and Safety team for any reason, please email safetyabroad@usac.edu.