Global Campus 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 global campus study abroad program is canceled BEFORE I depart?
You will receive a full refund of the Global Campus program fee and deposit if RIT cancels the entire study abroad program before you depart. Any financial aid or scholarships that have been granted for this experience may be modified or rescinded.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 it is okay to do so. We also highly recommend purchasing refundable airline tickets. Tuition charges will be refunded if you drop your classes prior to week 1. You may wish to enroll in classes at the Rochester campus to replace the credits you were planning to take abroad.
Will I get a refund if my global campus study abroad program is modified or canceled AFTER I depart?
We will do our best to refund the program fee, 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. If classes have already started in-country, most likely the classes will continue in an online format, so there will be no tuition refund since you will be able to complete your coursework in a modified format.
Who should I contact about how COVID-19 is affecting my global campus program?
Prior to departure, you should contact your study abroad advisor, Maureen Shannon (masisr@rit.edu). While on your program, you should contact the RIT Global Campus emergency contact. You will receive a list of important contact information during the in-country orientation.
What if I get sick while abroad?
If you are feeling ill while abroad, inform your in-country emergency contact immediately.
Students studying abroad an RIT program will be provided international health insurance from RIT’s provider, On Call International. 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 global campus study abroad program is canceled BEFORE it starts?
If your fall or spring semester program is canceled before the start of the semester, you should still be able to enroll in courses at the Rochester campus. It will be helpful to have a backup plan in place with your academic advisor. You could also enroll in Rochester classes at your regular shopping cart appointment time, and then your study abroad advisor can drop those classes and enroll you in the Global Campus classes prior to the start of your study abroad program.
For summer Global Campus programs, we understand the inability to earn these credits may impact your plans for graduation. Please reach out to your academic advisor to have a backup plan in case the program is canceled before the start of the summer term.
How will my classes be impacted if my global campus study abroad program is modified or canceled AFTER it already started?
If your program is canceled after classes have started, you should be able to complete your coursework in a modified format (online). This will allow you to receive academic credit for your classes and keep you on track for graduation.
Who should I contact about how COVID-19 is affecting my global campus study abroad program?
Email Maureen Shannon, Study Abroad Advisor, at masisr@rit.edu or call 585-475-4466
