COVID-19 Information
Do I have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in study abroad?
The University System of Georgia and the University of Georgia strongly encourage you to get vaccinated. Pursuant to state and University System of Georgia (USG) rules, we cannot ask our students for proof of their vaccination status, and we should not treat vaccinated and un-vaccinated individuals differently unless dictated by law or applicable guidance. In addition, students should not be asked about their vaccine status and segregated in a classroom or from other instructor-student interactions (e.g., office hours, group work, field trips, labs, etc.) based on their vaccination status.
However, students may be required by off-campus partnering organizations to wear masks and/or be vaccinated as a condition of participation in experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad programs, externships and delivery of medical services. Please consult with a specific study abroad program regarding third-party vaccination requirements for that program.
In the case of study abroad programs where vaccinations are not required by off-campus partnering organizations, be advised that study abroad participants who cannot show proof of vaccination may be required by external entities to get tested for COVID-19 and/or quarantine. These participants are responsible for locating appropriate testing sites, paying for and securing testing results in a timely manner, and for any and all other costs associated with testing and quarantine.
However, students may be required by off-campus partnering organizations to wear masks and/or be vaccinated as a condition of participation in experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad programs, externships and delivery of medical services. Please consult with a specific study abroad program regarding third-party vaccination requirements for that program.
In the case of study abroad programs where vaccinations are not required by off-campus partnering organizations, be advised that study abroad participants who cannot show proof of vaccination may be required by external entities to get tested for COVID-19 and/or quarantine. These participants are responsible for locating appropriate testing sites, paying for and securing testing results in a timely manner, and for any and all other costs associated with testing and quarantine.
I do not have a Passport or it might be expiring, will I get it in time to study abroad?
We encourage students to check their passport expiration dates or apply for first-time passports through the UGA Passport Services Office to avoid problems due to the unusually long processing times. Current processing times are up to 18 weeks for regular processing or 12 weeks for expedited processing! Apply here.
Expedited service ($60 fee) can take up to 12 weeks from the day a passport application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
The 12 weeks includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mail/intake on the front and back end. Learn more about the government's COVID-19 passport process COVID-19 passport process.
UGA is currently offering financial support for undergraduate students to apply for their first adult US passports. Learn more about the UGA Passport Initiative.
Expedited service ($60 fee) can take up to 12 weeks from the day a passport application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
The 12 weeks includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mail/intake on the front and back end. Learn more about the government's COVID-19 passport process COVID-19 passport process.
UGA is currently offering financial support for undergraduate students to apply for their first adult US passports. Learn more about the UGA Passport Initiative.
How can I learn more about study abroad at UGA?
We encourage students to explore study abroad opportunities, scholarships and more through the following resources:
- Explore the StudyAway Portal. The Portal offers an easy way to search for programs, scholarships, events and other resources. It is also where students apply to participate in study abroad programs and to be considered for scholarships.
- Watch an Education Abroad 101 session online.
- Learn about study abroad program types by watching a short video.
- Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with a Global Education Advisor to discuss your specific questions and plans.
I am planning to study abroad in the Spring or Maymester/Summer of 2022. Will I be able to?
We plan on operating study abroad programming in Spring and Maymester/Summer 2022. We are constantly monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in our destination countries. Please stay in regular contact with directors of specific study abroad programs and our global education advisors for updates.
Many study abroad opportunities are extremely popular, so please apply early to be considered for participation and secure your place.
Additionally, many study abroad scholarships have early deadlines, do not miss a chance to apply for funds for study abroad. Access the StudyAway Scholarship Search through the StudyAway Portal. Sign up for Scholarship Text Message Reminders to stay informed.
UGA affiliate partner organizations are also offering study abroad programs in person and virtually.
Explore available Study Away options in the StudyAway Portal. For further information or questions about study abroad, please contact the Office of Global Engagement at studyaway@uga.edu.
Many study abroad opportunities are extremely popular, so please apply early to be considered for participation and secure your place.
Additionally, many study abroad scholarships have early deadlines, do not miss a chance to apply for funds for study abroad. Access the StudyAway Scholarship Search through the StudyAway Portal. Sign up for Scholarship Text Message Reminders to stay informed.
UGA affiliate partner organizations are also offering study abroad programs in person and virtually.
Explore available Study Away options in the StudyAway Portal. For further information or questions about study abroad, please contact the Office of Global Engagement at studyaway@uga.edu.
What health documentation is required for international air passengers traveling to the United States?
View the CDC’s most up-to-date information regarding international travel.
Will I still be able to study at Cortona/Oxford?
UGA at Oxford’s and UGA Cortona’s Fall 2021 programming is going ahead as planned. Both programs are currently planning to operate study abroad programs in Spring and Summer 2022.
Please visit UGA at Oxford or UGA Cortona for more information. Future programs are accepting applications.
Please visit UGA at Oxford or UGA Cortona for more information. Future programs are accepting applications.
I planned to study abroad, and now I can't. How do I make sure I have the credits I need?
There are several options available to students to ensure that they receive the necessary credits:
However, please work with your UGA academic advisor to ensure that the courses you are taking will fit into your individual academic plan.
- You may check with your program director to inquire about the possibility of taking the courses online if your study abroad program was cancelled.
- Students whose programs have been cancelled may also contact their program directors to inquire about the option of rolling their applications over to the next application cycle. Many programs have taken advantage of this opportunity, but please check with your individual program.
- You may check the UGA Bulletin for the availability of other UGA courses that could fit your academic needs.
- You may check the availability of Domestic Field Study programs that fit your academic needs.
- Consider the National Student Exchange (NSE) Program for study away options in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- You may schedule an appointment with a Global Education Advisor to discuss additional study abroad opportunities.
However, please work with your UGA academic advisor to ensure that the courses you are taking will fit into your individual academic plan.
Incoming International Exchange Programs
Incoming exchange students are still being welcomed to attend University of Georgia as long as their program has not been cancelled by their home university. Travel to the US will be dependent on immigration services – for more information, please visit UGA Immigration Services for updated FAQ regarding immigration status and services at UGA.
Non-UGA Programs
Please note that Non-UGA programs are external to UGA, and therefore are not affected by UGA program cancellations. If your program provider is still continuing operations (in-person or virtually), you may continue your participation with your Non-UGA program. We ask that you carefully consider your decision and consult with your program provider and the advice of the State Department and CDC, especially if you have certain respiratory or immune deficiencies.
Any questions in regards to your program continuation, contingency plans for academics, or program refunds should be directed to your program provider.
Please keep your Global Education Advisor up to date with any changes in your program plans or if you decide to withdraw and update your program itinerary in the StudyAway Portal with any travel changes.
Any questions in regards to your program continuation, contingency plans for academics, or program refunds should be directed to your program provider.
Please keep your Global Education Advisor up to date with any changes in your program plans or if you decide to withdraw and update your program itinerary in the StudyAway Portal with any travel changes.
UGA Outbound Exchange Programs
Teaching and support services are to be provided by the Host/Partner University. UGA students may individually petition to proceed with participation in a UGA Exchange Program through the International Travel Petition process. Travel Petitions are required of undergraduate students if there is a Level 3 or 4 CDC and/or US Department of State Travel Advisory Level for the UGA Exchange Program Host Country. As part of the travel petition, students must prepare a Risk Mitigation Plan, confirm coverage with the mandatory study abroad insurance plan, have a health consultation with an International Travel Clinic, and have department support. In some cases, COVID-19 measures, including entry restrictions for some countries will be evaluated to determine the feasibility of each individual program location. All students have been advised to have back-up study plans in place should either a program be cancelled or interrupted.
Information regarding the program status, current immigration restrictions for students, as well as calendar changes and/or teaching format has been sought from our UGA Exchange Partner Institutions and will be taken into consideration as UGA further evaluates the feasibility of each individual program location. Should a program be canceled, OGE will work with impacted students and host universities institutions to defer participation to a later term where feasible.
Information regarding the program status, current immigration restrictions for students, as well as calendar changes and/or teaching format has been sought from our UGA Exchange Partner Institutions and will be taken into consideration as UGA further evaluates the feasibility of each individual program location. Should a program be canceled, OGE will work with impacted students and host universities institutions to defer participation to a later term where feasible.