Our highest priority is the health and safety of our students. We will continue to review public health and travel advisory guidance leading up to and throughout each program.
In general, CDC guidelines will be observed, however, each program is bound by law to follow the health requirements of their host country, region, and/or city. In most cases, these expectations meet or exceed CDC guidelines, but may achieve the desired result differently, and in a manner consistent with local culture.
Please note: The questions and answers below represent the best information we have as of February 2023. This information changes rapidly and we will update this page as new information becomes available. Also, the information in this FAQ only applies to the programs that Syracuse University operates. For more information about World Partner Programs, please reach out to your World Partner program advisor Link
Covid-19 Vaccination Policy
Does Syracuse Abroad require Covid-19 vaccinations or boosters for study abroad?
As of February 15, 2023: Effective for all programs starting after February 15, 2023, Syracuse Abroad will strongly encourage, but not require, all participants to receive the Covid-19 vaccine and/or a recommended booster dose prior to the start of their program. Syracuse Abroad will continue to enforce local Covid-19 vaccine and/or booster mandates where required by law or partner institutions. Similar guidelines will be followed for homestay families. Non-Syracuse University students must still comply with the Covid vaccine requirements of their home school.
Do I need a vaccination to enter my host country?
It is important to stay updated on country entry requirements, along with airline transportation requirements. We recommend you regularly monitor your airline carrier’s requirements, along with the local host country’s government website. Syracuse Abroad staff also regularly monitor and will communicate major changes in arrival requirements. Presently, the Covid-19 vaccination is not an entrance requirement at any of our center program locations. It is important to keep in mind that a traveler who is not vaccinated will very likely experience significantly more barriers in their travel plans, which may include additional arrival quarantine time and additional testing.
These elements impacting arrival for unvaccinated travelers must be accounted for when planning financial and arrival logistics, as the cost and time associated with quarantine upon arrival are the responsibility of the unvaccinated student, who is expected to begin the program on the published start date.
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend classes, restaurants, and social and cultural activities?
In many locations, no – vaccination is not required in order to participate in social and cultural activities at Syracuse Abroad Centers. We recommend that you regularly monitor Covid-19 guidelines and regulations set forth by your host country.
Refunds
What is Syracuse Abroad’s refund policy?
Students can withdraw from their program or defer their enrollment to a new semester any time prior to the program’s financial commitment date without incurring any financial penalty. See Syracuse Abroad Refund Policy and Commitment Deadlines for more information.
After the commitment deadline, Syracuse Abroad will work with each student to minimize the financial impact of a withdrawal/cancellation. Refunds will be consistent with the University refund policy stated on the Tuition, Fees, and Related Policies Bulletin. Students are encouraged to read the policy. The actual amount of the refund will depend on a variety of factors including type of housing and the point in time when the withdrawal/cancellation takes place.
Travel & Arrival
How are CDC and US Department of State risk ratings taken into consideration?
We continue to monitor both among other indicators including those provided by local experts and our international service provider, International SOS (ISOS). In particular, where the State or CDC rating is driven heavily by risks associated with Covid-19, we consider these risks in the context of our active and aggressive efforts to mitigate those risks including a fully vaccinated student population.
