University of Georgia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Travel & Study Abroad Resources

Office of Global Engagement

The Office of Global Engagement leads the University’s global education, immigration services and international centers and initiatives. Contact OGE for with questions about study abroad, immigration and field study.

UGA StudyAway

Information and resources regarding study abroad and exchange programs.

In order to ensure the safety of our students while still providing our standard informational events, we will be hosting a Virtual Sneak Peek on August 28th from 11am to 3pm and our Annual Study Away Fair will be conducted virtually on September 15th.

Exchange Programs Status

UGA Outbound Exchange Programs

The status of Fall 2020 outbound UGA Exchange Program participation is currently undergoing a review given the COVID-19 pandemic and potential impact on health abroad. Additional information regarding the program status, current immigration restrictions for students, as well as calendar changes and/or teaching format has been sought from our UGA Exchange Partner Institutions and will be taken into consideration as UGA further evaluates the feasibility of each individual program location. Should a program be canceled, OGE will work with impacted students and host universities institutions to defer participation to Spring 2021 where feasible.

Incoming International Exchange Programs

Incoming exchange students are still being welcomed to attend University of Georgia as long as their program has not been cancelled by their home university. Travel to the US will be dependent on immigration services – for more information, please visit https://globalengagement.uga.edu/immigration for updated FAQ regarding immigration status and services at UGA.

Non-UGA Programs

Please note that Non-UGA programs are external to UGA, and therefore are not affected by UGA program cancellations. If your program provider is still continuing operations (in-person or virtually), you may continue your participation with your Non-UGA program. We ask that you carefully consider your decision and consult with your program provider and the advice of the State Department and CDC, especially if you have certain respiratory or immune deficiencies.

Any questions in regards to your program continuation, contingency plans for academics, or program refunds should be directed to your program provider.

Please keep your Global Education Advisor up to date with any changes in your program plans or if you decide to withdraw and update your program itinerary in the StudyAway Portal with any travel changes.

Immigration Services

Immigration Services at UGA created the Immigration Services Fall 2020 FAQ with information regarding: travel, health resources, visa, among other things.

Campus Messages regarding Travel & Study Abroad

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel & Study Abroad

I am arriving to the U.S. from another country, before fall term. Will I have to quarantine when I get to Athens?

Students arriving from international travel should stay home and/or quarantine for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing. Your quarantine period may overlap with academic courses beginning (Aug. 20). Please contact Student Care and Outreach at sco@uga.edu for assistance with contacting and coordinating accommodations with your faculty.

For students with on-campus housing assignments, please contact University Housing at housing@uga.edu to receive guidance and assistance.

International students may contact International Student Life at isl@uga.edu for guidance and assistance. Once the DawgCheck monitoring and reporting app has been launched (early August), students may follow the instructions for reporting and communication there.

During your 14-day quarantine period, please take the following steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:

  1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing. 
  2. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not attend work or school in person. 
  3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
  4. Keep your distance from others (at least 6 feet or 2 meters). 
  5. Use the DawgCheck monitoring and reporting app. 

Visit coronavirus.uga.edu for the latest campus messages and information on COVID-19.

I planned to study abroad, and now I can’t. How do I make sure I have the credits I need?

There are several options available to students to ensure that they receive the necessary credits:

  • You may check with your program director to inquire about the possibility of taking the courses online if your study abroad program was cancelled.
  • Students who originally planned on participating in Maymester or Summer 2020 programs may also contact their program director to inquire about the option of rolling their application over to the 2021 application cycle. Many programs have taken advantage of this opportunity, but please check with your individual program. Students whose applications were rolled over to the 2021 cycle will still need to commit to the program again and will need to pay the program deposit again (2020 program deposits were refunded to students).
  • You may check the UGA Bulletin for the availability of other UGA courses that could fit your academic needs.
  • You may check the availability of Domestic Field Study programs that fit your academic needs.
  • You may schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss additional study abroad opportunities.

However, please work with your UGA academic advisor to ensure that the courses you are taking will fit into your individual academic plan.

I planned to study abroad in the spring or summer 2021. Will I still be able to?

As of now, programs beginning in Spring 2021 are still running as planned. Students who originally planned on participating in Maymester or Summer 2020 programs may also contact their program director to inquire about the option of rolling their application over to the 2021 application cycle. Many programs have taken advantage of this opportunity, but please check with your individual program. Students whose applications were rolled over to the 2021 cycle will still need to commit to the program again and will need to pay the program deposit again (2020 program deposits were refunded to students).

Will I be reimbursed for travel if my meeting is cancelled?

Employees should explore all options to obtain refunds or credits for cancelled or rescheduled conferences and business meetings. Employees will be reimbursed for expenses that cannot be refunded due to COVID-19 assuming the travel was properly authorized consistent with travel regulations.

If my job involves travel and I’m concerned about potential risks, what should I do? What if I am a manager of an employee who is scheduled to travel for work?

All non-essential business travel is suspended in order to comply with the Governor’s directive. Managers have the authority to rescind prior travel approval. Required in-person meetings should be transitioned to an electronic format or rescheduled. USG official travel to a CDC Level 3 or higher country is not authorized and will not be reimbursed.

Are there restrictions on travel by UGA employees?

All non-essential business travel is suspended in order to comply with the Governor’s directive. Managers have the authority to rescind prior travel approval. Required in-person meetings should be transitioned to an electronic format or rescheduled. USG official travel to a CDC Level 3 or higher country is not authorized and will not be reimbursed.