Faculty-Led Programs
Will I need to receive the COVID-19 vaccination prior to studying abroad?
While RIT no longer requires students to be vaccinated, we highly encourage study abroad participants to stay up-to-date with immunizations, boosters and social distancing polices. In fact, study abroad partners and vendors, travel providers and foreign governments may have different requirements and it is the students responsibility to understand and adhere to all requirements and guidelines.
Will I get a refund if my faculty-led study abroad program is canceled BEFORE I depart?
You will receive a full refund of the program fee and deposit if RIT cancels the entire travel portion of your study abroad program. Any financial aid or scholarships that have been granted for this experience may be modified or rescinded. However, we cannot refund any out of pocket expenses, such as airfare. We recommend that you wait to purchase airline tickets until you are notified to do so. We also highly recommend purchasing refundable airline tickets.
Will I get a refund if my faculty-led study abroad program is modified or canceled AFTER I depart?
RIT and our providers will do our best to refund students, but refund amounts will depend on the amount of expenses we are able to recover that haven’t been spent on your behalf. Refunds may take up to 2-3 months to post to your account.
What if I get sick while abroad?
If you are feeling ill while abroad, inform your faculty director immediately.
Students going abroad on an RIT study abroad program will be provided international health insurance from RIT’s provider On Call. On Call may provide assistance for finding local medical providers, coordination of illness/medical issues (including translation services if needed), coverage for medical care, doctor/hospital visits, and emergency evacuation due to accident, illness or safety reasons.
How will I fulfill my academic requirements if my faculty-led study abroad program is canceled BEFORE it starts?
Please reach out to your academic advisor to have a backup plan in case the program is canceled.
What happens to my coursework if my faculty-led study abroad program is canceled AFTER it already started?
You will remain enrolled in and complete the course and there will be no change to your tuition cost or financial aid. Faculty will make modifications to the remaining course activities so that you can complete the course requirements without the travel portion.
Who should I contact about how COVID-19 is affecting my faculty-led study abroad program?
Email Cecelia Hencke, Program Specialist, at cehiegp@rit.edu or call 585-475-4466
