Iona University Study Abroad COVID-19 Policy
During the Academic year and Summer, Iona University is allowing study abroad in a few U.S. Department of State (DoS) Travel Advisory Level 1-2 countries, as well as some destinations under U.S. Department of State (DoS) Travel Advisory Levels 3-4. This is subject to change due to COVID-19 and possibly on short notice.
DoS Travel Advisory Level 3 means “Reconsider Travel”; DoS Travel Advisory Level 4 means “Do Not Travel”. Many of these DoS advisory levels have been raised to better align with the elevated COVID-related CDC notices. Studying abroad during this Covid-19 climate, must be carefully considered by Iona University students in consultation with their parents/family and their doctor. Please also consider consulting the CDC, the Forum on Education Abroad, and OSAC.
In order to participate in study abroad, students will be required to acknowledge that they are voluntarily participating in this off-campus activity and that studying abroad during this time requires the acceptance of a high level of uncertainty. As you consider applying to study abroad, please carefully review all of the information below.
The safety and security of Iona University students is our top priority. Contact studyabroad@iona.edu to discuss your plans for study abroad with the
Office of Study Abroad & Service Learning.
Iona University students will be expected to adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines, rules, regulations, and codes of conduct – of both (1) their host country abroad, and (2) Iona University’s partner institution abroad (or third-party provider program) where the student will be studying. 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 in a manner consistent with local culture.
Students should learn about how the country/program has responded to COVID-19 (e.g., testing availability, social distancing, mandatory face masks, quarantines, lockdowns, positivity rate, the treatment facilities, and the capacity to respond to an increased outbreak).
Students should review their intended destination country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or Embassy website for detailed entry requirements.
Students may need to plan in advance to arrive in the country abroad in time to quarantine, prior to the travel dates outlined by Iona University and/or the host institution. Students are responsible for all costs associated with such quarantine.
It is the students' responsibility to consult directly with the foreign institution regarding up-to-date COVID-19 quarantine requirements (and associated costs) prior to departure.
In some cases, even if the host country's travel policies allow for inbound travel, the country may limit entry based on the traveler’s citizenship and where the student has been pre-arrival – including countries that the student has recently visited or transited through en route.
Upon return to the U.S. after the program, students must adhere to all U.S.-based federal and state immigration and COVID-19 policies in effect at that time, including quarantine policies.
Iona University mandates that students going abroad purchase Iona University-arranged international travel insurance to cover them for the duration of their study abroad program. The Iona University-arranged International Travel, Health and Repatriation insurance includes COVID-19 coverage for illness and testing (related to illness) abroad. However, it does not include any costs associated with quarantining due to COVID-19, nor does it offer any coverage should a student be set to go abroad and the foreign border closes which prohibits their travel.
Iona University students participating on study abroad programs are required to purchase CISI international travel health and evacuation insurance policy through Iona Universitys' Office of Study Abroad & Service Learning., which covers them during their term abroad. The coverage begins on the first day of the program and ends on the last day of the program. Iona University has selected a uniform policy specifically designed for students abroad that provides adequate levels of insurance for students worldwide. The international travel insurance policy covers students ONLY while they are outside of the United States and the policy terminates upon return to the United States.
Iona University has not mandated that students returning to the Iona University campus must be vaccinated; however, many study abroad host countries require this and may require proof of vaccination as an entry requirement.
Iona University students must be aware of their personal medical needs and risk tolerance and understand that Iona University has no control over the healthcare environment and infrastructure within host countries abroad. It is the student's responsibility to understand how to receive treatment and testing for COVID-related symptoms within their host country, supported by the institution's/program’s staff.
Iona University students are permitted to proceed with their plans to study abroad with the understanding that they do so at their own risk. Any financial losses incurred because of program cancellation (either prior or during the term abroad) related to travel, quarantine, border closures, or health issues related to COVID-19 will not be reimbursed by Iona University.
- Iona University strongly advises that study abroad applicants wait to purchase airfare until advised to do so by Iona University’ Office of Study Abroad & Service Learning. Iona University strongly suggests that students purchase roundtrip airfare flight insurance.
- If students test positive for COVID-19 close to departure, travel may be delayed and extra travel costs incurred; students might also miss the start of their program/courses abroad.
- If a program abroad is cancelled after it begins (due to COVID-19), it is highly unlikely any refunds will be available. While Iona University will do its best to work with our partners to see if any partial refund is feasible, Iona University will not be responsible for any personal expenses or losses incurred as a result of program cancellation (including, but not limited to, airfare, passport and visa fees).
All students are required to attend Iona University’s pre-departure orientations prior to studying abroad in order to understand the health and safety risks and their role in mitigating risk.