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April 10 Message to Students Registered for Fall 2020 & Academic Year 2020-2021 Study Abroad Programs: Reminder: Fall 2020 Study Abroad Caveats

I am writing to remind you of the specifics we discussed for Fall 2020 study abroad that are DIFFERENT from a normal fall semester abroad because of the uncertainty around global travel with COVID-19. Those items are below and you can also find them in the PowerPoint on the Preparing to go Abroad study abroad page:

REGISTER AT CWRU AND ABROAD

  1. DO NOT REGISTER FOR EDAB 1 UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO BY THE OEA
    1. Instead, you will register for the courses you would at CWRU for Fall 2020. That way, if Fall 2020 study abroad does fall through (We don't expect it to), you will be academically sound for on-time graduation.
    2. We have at least until drop/add to change your registration (September 4)
  2. REGISTER FOR THE COURSES YOU WILL TAKE ABROAD, ALSO

APPLY FOR HOUSING AT CWRU AND ABROAD

  1. APPLY FOR HOUSING AT CWRU – they will allow you to later withdraw in order to go on your study abroad, but this way you hold your spot.
  2. APPLY FOR HOUSING ABROAD – but do not pay anything non-refundable

DO NOT PURCHASE A FLIGHT UNTIL ADVISED, unless it is 100% refundable.

Additionally, BE SURE YOU KNOW THE TIMELINE AND CONSULATE TO USE FOR YOUR VISA (if you need one).

  1. ALMOST ALL CONSULATES ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED and because of this, it may be hard to get a visa on time.
    1. You will need to follow the visa instructions and timeline of the consulate of your study abroad country that's closest to your home address. For example, if you are studying abroad in Spain and live in New York, you would be under the jurisdiction of the New York City consulate.
    2. You can also do a Google search for Spanish--or other study abroad country--consulates in the US, and check their jurisdiction area to find your state listed. 
  2. THE UNCERTAINTY AROUND VISAS is another reason why we are advising you to register at CWRU and abroad, book housing at CWRU and abroad, and not buy a flight quite yet.

Thanks for hanging in with us. We truly believe it is too early too cancel, but we are not willing to be caught unawares, either. Please check in with your advisor for specifics.

Autumn Beechler Stebing
Assistant Director of Education Abroad