Fall 2020 Study Abroad Information

Information for Fall 2020 Study Abroad Students

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) is continually and carefully monitoring the state of international programming and opportunities to travel for students during Fall 2020.  There are many factors and resources that influence whether or not it will be possible for a program to take place. Based on the analysis of these factors, decisions are be made on a program-by-program basis. 

Study Abroad programs during Fall 2020 will be cleared on a program-by-program basis depending on their ability to meet certain criteria (listed below in the FAQs).  In the event that individual programs are canceled prior to their start dates, students will be contacted individually by their Global Programs Coordinator to discuss alternatives.

Fall 2020 Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions

Factors Considered in Determining Resumption of International Programs

The following information will be considered in order to determine whether Creighton University sponsored international travel may resume.  Analysis will be conducted on an individual country basis. 

  1. US Department of State Travel Advisory
  2. CDC Travel Guidance
  3. COVID-19 cases new infection rate
  4. Availability of COVID-19 tests;
  5. Reliability of contact tracing system;
  6. Destination country travel restrictions and port of arrival requirements;
  7. Country hospital / medical system capacity;
  8. Destination country active consular services in the United States and timeline for obtaining visas or other required documentation;
  9. United States embassy and consular services open in destination country;
  10. Airline resumption of travel, schedules and booking policies;
  11. Partner institution response plan (social distancing, sanitizing of premises, self-isolation space resources, etc.);
  12. Country intelligence from travel security company (Alert Traveler);
  13. Clearance from university insurance underwriters;
  14. Coverage by supplemental travelers' insurance.
  15. Consultation with reliable in-country sources (i.e. Society of Jesus, UN agencies, Peace Corps, Catholic Relief Services;  etc.)
  16. Host institution requirement of special waivers.
  17. U.S. national and Nebraska State health requirements (i.e. quarantine) upon re-entry).

Which Fall 2020 Study Abroad Programs Have Been Cancelled?

As of July 17, 2020, Creighton University has cancelled the following Fall 2020 study abroad programs:

  • Creighton in Australia
  • Creighton in Ecuador
  • Creighton in France (all)
  • Creighton in Ireland (Mary Immaculate College only)
  • Creighton in South Korea
  • Creighton in Spain (Andalucia and Bilbao)
  • Encuentro Dominicano, Dominican Republic
  • ISEP program in Chile
  • ISEP program in Morocco

Students scheduled to participate in these programs have been contacted individually by the Global Engagement Office. The GEO Study Abroad Global Programs Coordinators are working with each student to discuss alternative global learning options including applicable spring or summer programs abroad.

When will decisions be made about remaining Fall 2020 programs?

The current global pandemic is an ongoing, constantly evolving situation which requires continuous review. As such, decisions will be made on a program-by-program basis throughout the coming weeks. GEO will continue to monitor COVID-19 around the world in accordance with recommendations from the CDC, the WHO, and local governments where our programs operate and analyze the sixteen criteria for resumption of international travel put forth by the University.

Should I be registered for classes and housing in Omaha, too?

Yes. As a backup plan for this upcoming semester only, GEO requires that all Fall 2020 study abroad students are prepared with a backup plan for academic courses and housing should s/he need to remain in Omaha during the Fall 2020 semester. You will be instructed by your Global Programs Coordinator when/how to drop your Omaha course registrations and on-campus housing when it is confirmed that your study abroad program will run as planned. 

If my program is canceled can I switch to a new program?

Yes! The GEO Global Programs Coordinators will be happy to discuss options with you including:

  • Deferring to a future semester study abroad program
  • Choosing a summer or short-term program
  • Transferring your application to a different program for Fall 2020 (if placements and timing allow)

If I switch to a new program, do I have to start a new application in Jays Abroad?

Nope! Your Global Programs Coordinator can switch your current application to your new program.

What are the financial implications if my program is cancelled?

There will be no study abroad fees assessed by Creighton University if your program is cancelled before departure. You will pay tuition and fees to Creighton University for your semester on Creighton?s campus. If you have paid any fees or deposits to your host university abroad, you will be required to adhere to that institution's specific cancellation and refund policy.

We strongly recommend that you refrain from making travel arrangements (see FAQ on flight plans below), paying non-refundable housing deposits, or paying for visa processing until you program is confirmed and it is necessary to do so.

What are the financial implications if I withdraw from my program and the program has not been cancelled?

Depending on the timing of your withdrawal, you may be responsible for the non-refundable $100 Creighton Global Security Fee. If you have paid any fees or deposits to your host university abroad, you will be required to adhere to that specific cancellation and refund policy.

We strongly recommend that you refrain from making travel arrangements (see FAQ on flight plans below), paying non-refundable housing deposits, or paying for visa processing until you program is confirmed and it is necessary to do so.

What will happen to my scholarships or financial aid if I do not participate in my study abroad program due to cancellation or withdrawal?

How scholarships and financial aid are impacted depends on several factors:

  • Type of aid and scholarships that you receive
  • Timing of the cancellation or withdrawal
  • Academic options available through the host institution/organization or Creighton after the cancellation or withdrawal

The Financial Aid Office will work individually with each student to review your specific situation. 

If I am registered for Summer classes to prepare to study abroad, will Creighton refund me if I no longer need to take them?

It is your decision whether to continue with summer classes based on your participation in study abroad.  Please refer to the Business Office Refund Policy to determine the date by which you need to withdraw from a class to receive a full or partial refund.

Will the required health insurance in the Global Travel Security Program cover me if I get sick while abroad?

The insurance provided by CISI insurance covers emergency medical costs during your time abroad. You can read the policy details HERE. All travelers should maintain primary health insurance coverage while abroad. The travel insurance offered by the GEO is a supplemental policy.

Should I book flights now while they are inexpensive?

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) recommends waiting to book any nonrefundable flights until it is absolutely necessary to do so.  We also recommend purchasing trip insurance through your airline, which is different from emergency travel / medical insurance provided by Creighton.  Creighton cannot refund any part of your flight if you were to have to cancel your trip or return earlier than planned.

Do I need to purchase additional travel or trip cancellation insurance?

Due to the unpredictable nature of international travel at this time, you should consider purchasing a refundable/changeable airline ticket or purchasing additional travel or trip cancellation insurance from the airline or another company. The required insurance included in the Global Travel Security Program does not cover flight change costs due to a pandemic. Creighton cannot refund any part of your flight if you were to have to cancel your trip or return earlier than planned.

What happens if there is a second wave of the virus while I am abroad? Will I be sent home?

Both home and abroad, Creighton University will continually monitor data surrounding the COVID-19 respiratory disease pandemic and consult with experts in all program locations. Consistent with the University's Travel Policy, if being abroad presents a significant risk to your health and safety, Creighton University may make the decision to call you back from your program abroad. If this is necessary, the Global Engagement Office will notify you and advise on next steps. 

Study Abroad programs for Fall 2020 will be approved partly on the basis of their assurance that you will be able to complete courses in remote format should you need to return to the US early.

Creighton University does not guarantee that you will be able to identify viable replacement courses at Creighton and you will be required to complete the courses from your host institution abroad regardless of timing of your return. Only courses with significant experiential components will be considered for replacement at Creighton.

There will be no tuition refunds should students elect not to complete their courses with the university abroad.