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Study Away and COVID-19

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Stanford’s highest priority is the health and safety of our students. As we consider study away programming and international travel, Stanford University and the Bing Overseas Studies Program continue to monitor public health and travel advisory guidance from local public health officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State, and International SOS.

For COVID-19 information and resources for the Stanford University community and Stanford travelers, please visit the Stanford Health Alerts website and the Stanford travelers website.

Please direct any questions to: bospstudy@lists.stanford.edu.

This page was last updated on October 17, 2022.

COVID-19 and Study Away Considerations

In addition to Stanford’s guidance, travelers must be aware of COVID-related restrictions and policies from the Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vaccines

In accordance with CDC guidance and Stanford University’s vaccine requirements, all BOSP participants are strongly encouraged to stay up to date on COVID immunizations. The university also urges flu immunizations for community members. It is possible that some countries or airlines may require proof of vaccinations prior to entry or prior to boarding an aircraft. Policies and requirements around vaccines remain in a state of flux. We will provide information about country-specific and Stanford requirements to students throughout the pre-departure orientation process. Depending on destination, additional vaccinations may be required.

Testing

BOSP will maintain testing requirements based on Stanford University health and safety protocols and local guidance. Students should expect pre-arrival and upon-arrival testing, in addition to regular surveillance testing. 

Quarantine or Isolation Potential

Information will be provided to students about mandatory quarantine expectations and guidance during the pre-departure process. Should a student need to quarantine or isolate during a program, either due to a positive COVID-19 test or exposure, on-site staff will provide support and resources to ensure the student has appropriate housing, access to meals, assistance with health or other personal needs, and support to continue making academic progress.

Onsite Experience

In addition to the BOSP Participation Agreement, centers may issue program-specific guidance and community expectations in order to mitigate risks to students and the broader community health and safety. Students should expect that their behavior and activities may be subject to restrictions and could be significantly impacted. Students who are unwilling to accept these restrictions should consider studying away at another time. Students violating these expectations will be dismissed from the program.

Program Housing

Depending on the opportunities and constraints at each program location, the housing structure may be different from previous years. There may be limits on bedroom occupancy and changes to or suspension of host family programming in some locations; and some locations may temporarily incorporate new housing models.

Academic Contingency Planning

BOSP cannot guarantee that all our programs will be able to run. We strongly encourage each student to have a back-up plan that does not depend on enrollment in BOSP courses. Students should work closely with their Academic Advisors to create a plan that meets academic needs and degree progress goals. Flexibility will be essential as we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19.

After programs begin, should in-person instruction be suspended, every attempt will be made to facilitate opportunities for students to successfully complete their academic coursework remotely.

Pre-Departure Orientation and Preparation

Students can expect a combination of in-person orientations, online questionnaires, Canvas learning modules, and live Zoom sessions as part of the pre-departure process. All sessions and activities are required and failure to attend or complete participation requirements will result in a student’s removal from the program. Students are expected to closely monitor their Stanford email accounts for all communications and to adhere to all requirements and deadlines.

BOSP FAQs