Dear USF education abroad spring break travelers,
The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority as a university. Given the evolving global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the very latest guidance from the CDC regarding international travel, we regret to inform you that USF is cancelling all education abroad programs for spring break 2020. This includes all programs leaving on March 14 and 15, 2020, and returning on March 21 or 22, 2020.
USF has come to this decision out of an abundance of caution, based on the best information we have received from the U.S. State Department and the CDC. Given the dynamic nature of this virus, there are uncertainties beyond our control. These include:
- The U.S. government and/or the government in the host country of your program may enact travel restrictions (similar to those already in place to other countries).
- Additional border screening processes and possible government requirements for 14-day quarantines from impacted locations could be implemented.
- Airlines could suspend the travel routes into and out of the host country or back into the United States with little or no notice.
- Airlines may not offer travel insurance for an epidemic/pandemic-like event such as the coronavirus.
- All global health and travel insurance already in place expressly excludes coverage for the coronavirus. As such, there is no evacuation insurance for any travelers who test positively for the coronavirus while abroad.
With this decision, we recognize that travel restrictions from federal and state agencies
can change rapidly, and that the intensity of the spread of the coronavirus remains
unpredictable. We also recognize the personal costs to our traveling students. We
understand that the cancellation of programs affects students financially. Education
Abroad will refund program costs for spring break travel. Please follow these instructions:
- For the spring break study abroad programs cancelled by USF, charges on the student accounts will be reversed.
- Request a full refund of your airfare or a full credit for future travel from your chosen airline. All major U.S. airlines have now indicated they are willing to either refund the cost of your flight, or award you a full credit for you to use as you wish over the next year. Note: Contact the airline directly before you contact an online consolidator (such as Kayak, Expedia, Hotwire, etc.).
- If you need additional assistance with this process, please contact the Education Abroad Gateway Office in MSC 3301 or call (813) 974-5474.
As a globally engaged university, USF passionately believes in the value of experiencing your world. As always, our primary obligation is to your health and safety.
Please continue checking this website for more information and the latest updates.
With best wishes to you all,
Dr. Roger Brindley
USF Vice President, USF World
University of South Florida