Several students and families have questions about the possibilities for study abroad during the covid-19 pandemic. Please see our FAQ on this topic, below. Please also feel free to reach out with specific questions by contacting studyabroad@dom.edu.

I wanted to study abroad this year. Can I still apply?

Yes. Students can apply to any of our programs scheduled for this year. We will hold information sessions via Zoom and share application deadlines with students. These dates will be published on engageDU and the Global Learning website.

If I’m accepted, does that mean I will be able to go?

Possibly. Obviously, we can’t predict the future, but we can use the information we have to make safe travel decisions in a timely manner. Dominican has scheduled decision dates by which we will determine whether students can travel on each program. The decisions will be made before any payments are due, and will be dependent upon the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory, CDC guidelines, reported travel hurdles, and Covid projections for each country.

What level U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory will allow me to travel?

Dominican typically allows students to travel to countries with level 1 or 2 travel advisories. Level 3 locations are only allowed with Provost’s approval, and level 4 locations are not allowed. We do consider all travel “high risk,” at this time, so all travel during the pandemic will require Provost’s approval and a signed waiver for high risk travel.

When will I be informed if the program I applied to will be approved to travel?  

Below are the dates by which Dominican will approve planning and recruiting for short-term, faculty-led programs, as well as the decision dates by which Dominican will determine whether students can travel. Students will be notified within one week of the decision dates below.

Term Planning Approval Date Decision Date
Spring Semester 2022 -- October 15, 2021
Spring Break 2022 October 15, 2021 November 30, 2021
Summer 2022 January 15, 2022 March 15, 2022
Fall Semester 2022 -- May 15, 2022
2022-2023 Academic Year (Oxford) -- July 15, 2022
Winter Break 2023 July 30, 2022 September 30, 2022
Spring Semester 2023 -- October 15, 2022
Spring Break 2023 October 15, 2022 November 30, 2022
Summer 2023 January 15, 2023 March 15, 2023
What if I’m approved to travel, but then U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory increases again?

If the travel advisory for a particular program increases after being approved on the decision date, the decision will be reevaluated. If a program is canceled before students depart, they will have to enroll in alternative coursework. If the travel advisory for a location increases to level 3 while students are abroad, Dominican will weigh the risks and benefits of having students return early, and communicate decisions to the affected students. If the travel advisory for a location increases to level 4 while students are abroad, Dominican will work closely with students, travel providers, and families to bring you home, quickly and safely. Upon return, we will work with you to determine the most appropriate way for you to complete the credits you began while abroad.  

When would my deposit be due, and is it refundable?

Deposits will be due two weeks after a program is approved to travel. Short term programs typically require a deposit of $500 while semester programs usually require a $750 deposit. If a student decides not to participate in a program after paying a deposit, the deposit is forfeited. If Dominican University determines that a program needs to be canceled more than 60 days prior to departure, we will most likely be able to refund all student deposits. However, if a program is canceled within 60 days of departure, it’s possible that we will not be able to provide complete refunds. Dominican uses student deposits to make payments to third party providers (airlines, tour guides, hotels, etc.), and our ability to refund deposits depends on whether we are able to obtain a refund from those third parties. We always aim to refund anything we can to students when these situations occur, but students should consider these risks before paying the deposit. If we do have to cancel a program, we will do our best to communicate as quickly and clearly as possible regarding deposits.

If my program is canceled while I am abroad, will I get a refund?

The possibility of a refund or partial refund will depend on several factors, including whether we can collect refunds from our travel partners. It may be possible to prorate the portion of your travel that you were able to participate in, and refund the rest. We will do our best to communicate as quickly as possible with you regarding this. Our first priority, however, will be bringing you home safely.

If my program is canceled, will I be able to travel on another program or during another term?

If a program is canceled, we will reach out to the affected applicants to discuss possible alternatives, if any are available.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Email studyabroad@dom.edu in the Office for Global Learning.