Study Abroad and Global Experiences

COVID-19 & Study Abroad Participation Statement (6/8/2022) 

Valencia College and the SAGE Office do not require vaccination against COVID-19 as a pre-condition for participation in study abroad programs. However, it should be noted that study abroad students have always been, and continue to be, subject to the entrance protocols and requirements of host countries and study abroad providers in order to participate in programs. It is likely that the host nations for our study abroad programs will require international travelers to show proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 tests.  Applicants to our study abroad programs must comply with such requirements if they wish to participate in the program.  Moreover, Valencia College study abroad students are ambassadors who have an individual role to play in the global cooperation required to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please note that entry requirements pertaining to COVID-19 vary by destination and are constantly changing. Students applying to study abroad should be prepared to be flexible and must be willing to comply with all entrance requirements and regulations of program host destinations if they wish to participate.  Many of our programs are planning to visit countries that are currently requiring vaccination to enter the country and move about freely.  In addition, certain countries may impose a travel ban to their respective countries from the U.S., in which case, the study abroad program may have to be cancelled.  Valencia College has no control over, or ability to predict, such events. 

It is possible to contract COVID-19 even if you follow all of the safety precautions and guidelines recommended by the CDC and other governmental health officials, and there may be COVID variants present in other countries that are not yet present in the United States.  Valencia College cannot and does not guaranty that participation in a study abroad program is absolutely safe or that circumstances will not change.

All applicants are advised to make note of the following important considerations regarding international COVID-19 policies (subject to change):

1. All students are encouraged to remain flexible with their study abroad plans. Due to ongoing uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, program operation may change unexpectedly. Students should proactively stay informed regarding their program’s cancellation and withdrawal policies.  There may be modifications to the itinerary with little or no notice in response to COVID-19 infection rates or in response to local governmental restrictions.  This may include modifications to the daily schedule, course delivery, modes of transportation, and/or housing arrangements.
2. All students should be aware of the entry/eligibility requirements for their program of study as this varies from country to country.  Students can verify U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories by clicking this link.
3. Many of the countries that students will be visiting require full COVID-19 vaccination, and, in some cases, also a booster.  Valencia College does not have control over the requirements of a foreign government or other organization. In order to participate in a study abroad program, you must comply with all entry requirements.  If you commit to a study abroad program and later withdraw due to vaccination status, you will be subject to financial penalties as described by your terms and conditions.
4. If you contract COVID-19 abroad, it is highly likely that you will be required to quarantine before returning to the U.S.  Extended lodging, additional meals, ground transportation, and change of airfare as a result of quarantine is at your own expense.  Costs will not be reimbursed by Valencia College but may be able to be partially recovered by an insurance claim.  Faculty program leaders will not remain abroad with students who are required to quarantine.