Updates and FAQs
The AIFS Abroad Team continues to work with our onsite staff, insurance and global risk management resources and partner universities abroad to implement and modify a flexible plan which reflects ever-changing realities of running a program in a pandemic. We have learned a lot since the onset of COVID-19 allowing us to successfully have students on an international program. We continue to gather information from multiple sources below and will continue to make well-informed and timely decisions.
Our planning for each of our programs takes into account factors such as:
- The current level of U.S. State Department travel advisory for each country
- Each individual country’s current entry status and where necessary their quarantine rules
- World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidance
- Current levels of COVID-19 transmission within that country / region
- Local government rules regarding social distancing, the use of PPE and gatherings
- Each on-location partner university’s plan for the delivery of course onsite and their ability to switch to a virtual delivery model should the need arise
- Housing options in each site and related COVID-19 planning
- The delivery of support services including orientation, social and cultural programming
As an organization we strive to be clear and constant with our communication so that students, parents and our university colleagues feel confident in AIFS Abroad programming.
AIFS Abroad offers programs in many locations around the globe. In all of these locations we will be working closely with our local representatives, local authorities, consular partners and university partners to make sure we are following the most up to date guidelines and procedures for COVID-19. Below you'll find answers to some key questions for our health and safety review and practices.
Vaccinations
As vaccinations continue around the world, evidence collected by a variety of health organizations indicates that fully vaccinated people are less likely to be infected without showing symptoms and therefore potentially less likely to transmit COVID-19 to others.
In an effort to keep our participants, staff, and host communities safe, AIFS Abroad will be requiring vaccinations for all Fall 2021 participants and beyond. We will continue to monitor the information from our host countries and advise participants as entry protocols change. Recent news suggests that some countries may be opening to fully vaccinated individuals to travel as tourists this summer, removing the need for quarantine on arrival, and requiring proof of vaccination for entry.
COVID-19 Boosters
AIFS Abroad continues to monitor US government and host country government policies regarding international travel and related restrictions to ensure the health and safety of our students abroad. On November 19, the US CDC approved a booster shot for all who have completed a full course of J+J, Pfizer, or Moderna more than six months ago. The booster protocols add increased protection from breakthrough cases.
In accordance with our vaccination policy, AIFS will be requiring students to obtain booster doses (based upon timing of your final vaccination) to be considered fully vaccinated. Please work with your Program Manager or Program Advisor directly if you have questions.
Based on regulations that are changing daily, without a booster your movement in your host country may be restricted, your ability to travel independently may be negatively impacted and AIFS/GE will not be able to deliver the educational program for which you enrolled.
Acknowledgement of Risk & Policy Violations
All participants sign specific documents to participate on our programs (Code of Conduct, Program Contract, Acknowledgements) where adherence to program rules is clearly outlined. As COVID-19 concerns persist, participants are also signing an Assumption of Risk document indicating that they will abide by local government rules and regulations as well as AIFS Abroad policies. Violations of these policies can result in removal from the program. Participants can expect additional information provided in pre-departure orientations and welcome orientations.