I'M INTERESTED IN STUDYING ABROAD...BUT WHAT ABOUT COVID-19?

Although we cannot guarantee that all study abroad destinations will be available, we are currently accepting applications. We plan to have additional updates as conditions change. In the meantime, we recommend that students Schedule an Appointment with a PIC Peer Student Advisor and start the conversation of Where (research potential destinations and program types), When (is there availability in your schedule), What (do you need to prepare now) and How (financing your trip).

My major requires I study abroad...what do I do?

Majors such as International Business and Spanish Secondary Education have a study abroad requirement. If your major requires you to study abroad, but you will not be able to due to study abroad suspension, we strongly advice that you meet with your Department Academic Advisor to come up with an alternate plan/solution. 

If you are a Spanish Major/Minor, the Department is asking students to fill out THIS FORM in order to request alternate study abroad programs.

I plan to study abroad this fall. What happens if GV ends up suspending study abroad?

In-person study abroad programs are currently scheduled to operate as usual; but this is subject to change for health and/or logistical reasons. GVSU has had students abroad since Fall 2022 with limited program disruptions. We continue to closely follow changes to international travel, immigration guidelines, as well as country-specific health and safety conditions and protocols. We strongly advise students to create a parallel academic plan for your semester abroad. In other words, move forward with your study abroad planning, but create a backup plan in case your study abroad program is suspended. Creating a parallel plan means registering for GVSU courses as if you were staying stateside during the semester you plan to study abroad. That way, you have a solid backup plan in place just in case your study abroad semester is suspended. 

Students should be aware that some countries may have more restrictions compared to others (i.e. initial quarantine requirements, in-country travel restrictions).  As students search for programs, we advise visiting some of the links below to see the specific country restrictions. We want students to experience the ideal study abroad experience; yet, the safety of our students will be of utmost priority. 

• COVID-10 Travel Recommendations by Destination
• Country-Specific Information
• Travel Regulations
• IATA Destination Tracker

Can I defer my application to another semester?

Yes! Students who want to postpone their study abroad trip to a different semester will need to communicate with Padnos International Center. Our team will work with you to make sure you have all the information and resources to help you make the necessary adjustments.

What happens to the OASIS deposit if GVSU suspends my study abroad semester?

If your study abroad semester is suspended due to COVID-19, we will refund your $100 OASIS deposit. If a student chooses to withdraw from a program due to COVID-19 concerns but Grand Valley has not suspended study abroad, then the normal cancellation policy applies.

We strongly suggest that students participating in External Programs also communicate with their providers. Due to uncertainties introduced by the coronavirus, each program may have its own withdrawal policies, so students should research this and keep the international center updated as policies may differ from those put in place by GV.

What if I still want to go abroad, but GVSU has not approved my travel appeal?

If your travel appeal is not approved and you choose to go abroad against the advice of GVSU, you will be traveling independent of GVSU. 

• Contact the GVSU Registrars Office to ask for information on how to transfer your credits from your program.
• If you are in your last 30 credits, you will need to request an exemption of the residency requirement. This can also be arranged through the Registrar's Office.
• Since you will not be registered at GVSU, you will not have access to financial aid for the credits you plan to earn abroad.
• You are not eligible for the health insurance program available through Chubb.

Will GV require students be vaccinated?

GVSU requires all faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated. For updated information, please visit Lakers Together