USF World News

Update on Coronavirus and Safety for Study Abroad Students

For the most up-to-date information from USF regarding coronavirus, please click here.

A Message to Students Regarding Coronavirus and Study Abroad Programming

You are undoubtedly aware of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) from China to other parts of the world. USF World is closely monitoring what is a highly fluid and rapidly evolving situation. You can be assured that at all times the safety and well-being of our students is of paramount concern.

The USF World Risk and Security Office is consistently monitoring critical information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and receives both public and secure information from the Overseas Security Advisory Council at the U.S, Department of State. We are also in constant communication with our global health insurance provider, as well as with our partners worldwide.

Currently, the CDC has three levels of Travelers Advisories. Level 1and Level 2 allow for travel globally, although Level 2 recommends practicing additional safety measures. Under a Level 1 or Level 2 Advisory, our global programs will remain in place. Where the CDC has raised the travel advisory to the critical Level 3, as we have seen in South Korea, we have helped our students to return home. Should any of our future study abroad programs be in locations that receive a Level 3 Advisory, such programs will be cancelled and we will communicate with impacted students immediately. Again, student safety is our primary concern and we will evaluate international travel as new information becomes available. We have successfully used this approach for students traveling internationally since the initial virus outbreak.

At this time, all our spring and summer programs in locations outside Level 3 Advisory areas remain in place. Should it become necessary to cancel any education abroad program because of the COVID-19, we will assuredly address refunds at that time. 

We recommend you educate yourselves about the virus, its symptoms, and the ways it may, or may not, be affecting daily life in your study abroad destination. A great place to start is the Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/travel/notices. It is always a good idea to have an risk management plan in place, learn what to think about here:  www.cdc.gov/cpr/prepareyourhealth/PlanAhead.htm. Please use highly reliable sources of information as there is a great deal of media misinformation at this time.

You are welcome to contact your Education Abroad Program Manager at any time, but rest assured that we are carefully monitoring the situation and will communicate further over the coming weeks.