If you are planning to travel internationally for University-related purposes during the Spring 2021, Summer 2021, Fall 2021, and Academic Year 2021-2022 terms, please follow the instructions below. This process is designed to ensure that you are aware of the health risks and logistical challenges associated with travel during this unusual time, that you are able to adequately prepare for travel to such areas, and that you fully understand that you do so voluntarily. This process also allows the University to better manage risk and prepare for emergencies.  Students completing 100% virtual education experiences from their home countries (i.e. students not physically traveling ) do not need to complete this process.

1. Thoroughly research your destination using a variety of sources, including those listed under the 'Resources' tab.
2. Submit your COVID-19 Travel Safety Plan below.
3. Until your departure date, continuously review the information you compile for the plan to ensure it is up to date.
   

These are some resources that Global Carolina is using to track the impact and trajectory of the pandemic around the world. You might find these helpful during your own research. You should also research your country specifically -- you will likely find international and local news outlets to be the most helpful for country-specific information.

U.S. Government Advice

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Health Notices
• U.S. Embassy COVID-19 Information Pages

Case and Testing Metrics

• Brown Global Health Institute Key Metrics for COVID Suppression and corresponding map (make sure to switch to 'worldwide' view on left hand panel)
• World Health Organization country situation reports
• World Health Organization spread classifications
• Our World in Data COVID-19 test positivity rates
• Our World in Data COVID-19 vaccination rates

Travel Restrictions

COVID Entry Check (Note: this is just one tool to find information on travel restrictions. You will see that many countries will not allow entry for U.S. citizens traveling for tourism, but may have an exception for U.S. citizens traveling to study. You should check with your program for further instruction and information.)

 

1. Global Carolina will review your plan after submission. You should submit your COVID-19 Travel Safety Plan in conjunction with the regular education abroad application  requirements outlined here.
2. As we all have experienced in the last six months, the COVID-19 pandemic situation can change quickly and requires that we be flexible. It is especially important to stay flexible when planning international travel. Please note that UofSC can withdraw approval of the experience if the situation in the area changes drastically prior to your departure.  If the situation changes after you have arrived in the country, it will be handled on a case-by-case basis. But, our office and our partners share the same commitment of supporting you in your academic progress and will make every effort to support you throughout your international experience.
3. It is imperative that you stay up to date with the requirements and restrictions in place in your destination country.  Until your departure date and then throughout your education abroad experience, you should regularly review the information you compile for your COVID-19 Travel Safety Plan and update it as necessary.
4. You can always stay up to date on the latest education abroad developments via our COVID-19 webpage.