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COVID-19 Study Abroad Updates and FAQs

Last Updated October 14, 2020

Study Abroad COVID-19 Spring 2021 Updates

Please see notice below sent from the Provost’s Office:

October 12, 2020

To the University:

After much careful consideration of the welfare of students, and in light of the ongoing international uncertainties of travel and safety due to the COVID-19, Montclair State has made the difficult decision to cancel international study abroad programs for the Spring 2021 semester.

We have been planning and preparing, optimistically, for a resumption of study abroad in the spring; however, it is now clear that there is too much uncertainty and likelihood of disruption to support moving forward with spring international programs.  Though spring travel is still a few months away, it would now be time to begin collecting non-refundable deposits and asking students to make spring schedule commitments which would preclude them from registering for spring courses at home. The timing of this decision will allow students to prepare for a spring semester fully at Montclair State.

This decision specifically impacts our short-term faculty-led programs that are scheduled to travel during spring break (March 8-14) as well as spring semester-long study abroad programs.

At this time, Montclair State has not cancelled the National Student Exchange programs, domestic exchanges with institutions within the United States, and we will continue to monitor the situation for those programs very closely and will provide additional guidance over the next several weeks, prior to deposit deadlines, on domestic travel to study at other institutions in the U.S.

We remain open-minded about possibilities for the Summer study abroad and those decisions will be announced early in the Spring semester.  Montclair State remains committed to supporting student participation in study abroad and international experiences and encourages students to consider study abroad in a future term.

Willard Gingerich, PhD

Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Montclair State University

973-655-4382

973-655-7647 fax

willard.gingerich@montclair.edu

OUTGOING STUDY ABROAD/NATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE

Spring 2020 Programs Abroad Update

Montclair State Students on Individual Spring Semester Programs
  • Following advisories from the US Department of State and the CDC advising people to avoid all non-essential travel, Montclair State University instructed all Spring term students abroad to return to the U.S. immediately.
  • Montclair State offered assistance in arranging return travel where needed.
  • All returning students were instructed on the University’s guidance for self-isolation for returned travelers.
  • Most students have access to complete their study abroad programs remotely through their host institutions.
  • Montclair State is working with students whose host institutions are not entirely online yet to ensure they can complete the semester.
  • Some study abroad host institutions are offering a pass/fail course option. In accordance with Montclair State University’s pass/fail option for the Spring 2020 semester due to the exceptional circumstances around COVID-19, Montclair State will accept transfer credit for spring study abroad courses that appear as “pass” rather than a grade on an overseas transcript. This is only for the Spring 2020 semester.
Montclair State Students Enrolled in Spring Break Faculty-Led Programs
  • The Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Hospitality, Food & Culture in Florence, Italy was cancelled prior to departure. Students received full refunds and an alternate domestic experience was provided through the Feliciano School of Business.
  • The Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs in Graz, Austria and Paris, France went as planned and both groups have returned safely to the US.
  • Participants in the group programs were instructed on the University’s guidance for self-isolation for returned travelers.

Summer 2020 Programs Abroad Update

Montclair State Individual Summer Study Abroad Programs
  • All summer study abroad programs have been cancelled.
  • All students are being refunded their application fees paid to International Engagement  
  • International Engagement is working with our affiliated providers to ensure that all students who paid program deposits will receive full refunds.
  • Students are encouraged to postpone their study abroad plans to a future term.
Montclair State Faculty-Led Summer Study Abroad Programs
  • All Montclair State Faculty-Led Study Abroad Summer programs have been cancelled.
  • All students are being fully refunded their application fees and any deposits made toward the program costs.

Fall and Academic Year 2020-2021 Programs Abroad Update

Study Abroad/National Student Exchange Programs
  • All Fall term study abroad and study away programs (including fall term of full academic year programs) have been cancelled.
  • Applicants who wish to postpone their study abroad/away term may do so by reaching our Study Abroad Advisors.
  • All students who applied to a Fall or Academic Year study abroad or study away program will receive a refund of any application fee paid to Montclair State.
  • Please allow up to four weeks for your refund to process.
  • Students with applications submitted for Fall or Academic Year 2020-2021 should plan to register at Montclair State and secure housing if needed.
  • Study Abroad Information Sessions and advising appointments have all been moved to a virtual format. To set up an advising appointment reach us by emailing studyabroad@montclair.edu

Spring 2021 Programs Abroad Update

Montclair State Students on International Spring Semester or Faculty-Led Programs

In light of the continuing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic and its ongoing impact on public health, travel, and academic instruction, the University is cancelling all outbound international study abroad student programs through the Spring 2021 semester, including:

  • Montclair State Outbound Semester Exchange Programs
  • Montclair State Affiliated Study Abroad Programs
  • Spring Break Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs

Summer 2021 Programs Abroad Update

Montclair State Individual Spring Study Abroad Programs
  • Study Abroad Information Sessions have all been moved to a virtual format.
  • Advising appointments for all programs are available via Zoom meeting or by phone.
  • International Engagement continues to review applications for Summer 2021 programs.
  • Although we are reviewing applications for summer programs, we hope to have final decisions about whether or not spring programs will proceed by early spring.  Please continue to check with International Engagement for updates.
  • Applicants who wish to postpone their study abroad term may do so by reaching us at studyabroad@montclair.edu.
  • Students with applications pending or submitted for Summer 2021 programs are advised to also plan to be on campus/remote at Montclair State, registering for summer classes and securing housing if needed.
  • In case travel continues to be restricted, you will have a plan in place to remain at Montclair State.
  • At this time, International Engagement is NOT collecting application fees.  Once it is determined that Summer 2021 programs can run, we will then ask for application fees to be paid.
  • Applicants for summer study abroad are advised NOT to put money down on any summer study abroad programs or flights at this time.
  • International Engagement has notified our affiliated partners, ISA, CEA, etc. NOT to accept deposits from Montclair State students for spring study abroad programs until it is confirmed that spring study abroad programs will proceed.
Montclair State Faculty-Led Summer Study Abroad Programs
  • Montclair State is optimistically proceeding with plans and programs for Summer 2021
  • The University will provide further guidance on the viability of summer programs in late December or early January, before students make any non-refundable deposits.
  • Please check back for updates (last updated October 14, 2020)

INCOMING INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE

Spring 2021 Programs Update
  • Montclair State welcomes all spring term incoming exchange students
  • Based on current University guidance, we expect that students will need to arrive 14 days ahead of the beginning of the semester for quaratine, and students who have reserved housing on campus will be able to move in early for that purpose.
  • Classes are being offered in a variety of formats, however most classes are expected to be taught online.  COVID-related information for the University is regularly updated and can be found here: https://www.montclair.edu/redhawk-restart/
  • Applicants who wish to postpone their study abroad to a future term may do so by reaching their home institution coordinator and the Montclair State Student Mobility Coordinator at simonw@montclair.edu.
Fall and Academic Year 2020-2021 Programs Update
  • All incoming international exchanges are cancelled for the Fall 2020 semester
  • Students who paid a housing deposit should contact Wendy Gilbert-Simon, Montclair State Student Mobility Coordinator at simonw@montclair.edu.
  • Applicants who wish to postpone their study abroad to a future term may do so by reaching their home institution coordinator and the Montclair State Student Mobility Coordinator at simonw@montclair.edu.

                                    STUDY ABROAD FAQs

Spring 2020 Study Abroad Student Information

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Montclair State University recalled all students studying abroad during the Spring 2020 semester.  Below are some FAQs for those students. 

I recently returned home from my program. What do I need to do next?

The World Health Organization has declared coronavirus or COVID-19 a global pandemic, President Trump has declared a national emergency, the U.S. State Department issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel, and a public health emergency was declared by the Governor in the State of New Jersey. In addition, the CDC has designated many countries as Level 3, and COVID-19 is spreading throughout every continent and country.

In light of these declarations, the University has asked that you not come to campus for a period of 14 days.  This time period begins from the date you arrive in the United States or depart a cruise ship.

It is the CDC’s recommendation that during this 14 day time period you consider taking the following steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:

  1. Stay home and avoid contact with others.
  2. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
  3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
  4. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers, dining establishments, gyms, and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
  5. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
  6. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
  7. Practice good hygiene by avoiding touching surfaces, washing your hands and using hand sanitizer, and covering your cough or sneezes.
What should I do if I start to feel symptoms of COVID-19 while I am self-isolating?

If you experience the symptoms of COVID-19 (fever OF 100.4°F/38°C or higher, cough, or have trouble breathing) while you are self-isolating, you should do the following:

  1. Seek medical care from your physician or a hospital emergency room,
  2. Tell your treating physician about your recent travel and symptoms, and
  3. Avoid contact with others. 

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, please report your diagnosis to either Patricia Ruiz at ruizp@montclair.edu or coronavirus@montclair.edu. The University is required to report this information to the State and/or local Department of Health.

Where can I find more information from Montclair State University about coronavirus?

The University has created a dedicated webpage to provide information to the campus community that is being continually updated as this situation changes. SEE HERE

The webpage provides resources available to support your health and emotional wellbeing, and commonly asked questions by students, faculty and employees.  We encourage you to monitor the webpage to stay informed.

I have returned from a Spring 2020 study abroad semester program and I am unsure if I will be able to complete one or more of my classes due to program changes. What should I do?

If you have not already done so, please fill out our Spring 2020 Study Abroad Student Info form HERE.  Please enter the name(s) of the course(s) you are having trouble with and also if that course was signed off by a department chair here at Montclair State to satisfy a degree requirement, such as a major/minor or a General Education class.

Will my credits from this semester still count towards my Montclair State University transcript even though I am completing my courses remotely?

Yes, your credits will come back to Montclair State as normal, as long as you pass the course with a C- or above.

My host institution is offering a pass/fail course option. Can I select this option and if so, will my credits still transfer?

In accordance with Montclair State University’s pass/fail option for the Spring 2020 semester due to the exceptional circumstances around COVID-19, Montclair State will accept transfer credit for spring study abroad courses that appear as “pass” rather than a grade on an overseas transcript for the Spring 2020 semester only.

I don’t see my question listed here. Who can I contact?

Please email studyabroad@montclair.edu or reach the Study Abroad team directly HERE

Summer 2020 Study Abroad Student Information

Please note that all Summer 2020 study abroad programs have been cancelled as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.

I paid the $100 Montclair State application fee. Will I get my money back?

Please note that you have two options:

  1. You can either defer your study abroad application payment to a future term for either the same program or a different program OR
  2. You can receive a refund of your application fee.   

All application fee refunds will be processed over the next 2-3 weeks unless our office hears from you that you would like to defer it to a future term. 

I already put down money towards my program through the study abroad affiliate (such as CEA or ISA). Will I receive a refund?

Yes, our office has confirmed with both CEA and ISA that students will receive a full refund of any program costs paid at this point.  Please note that this refund will be processed within the next 4-6 weeks.

I’m having trouble receiving a refund from my program. What can I do?

Please contact our office for assistance at studyabroad@montclair.edu 

Fall 2020 and Academic Year 2020-2021 Study Abroad Student Information

Please note that all Fall 2020 study abroad programs have been cancelled as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.

I applied to study abroad for either Fall 2020 or the Academic Year 2020-2021 but I just received an email that that study abroad/away programs are suspended for Fall term. What happens now?

All students who applied to Fall 2020 and Academic Year 2020-2021 Study Abroad or Study Away will be issued a refund of any application fee paid to Montclair State.   Please allow up to four weeks for your refund to process.

If you are still interested and able to study abroad/away in a future term, then we recommend deferring your study abroad/away.  Our office will move your application over to the new term and you will pay the application fee.

I’m still interested in pursuing some kind of international engagement during the Fall semester. What are my options?

The Office of International Engagement is preparing a list of alternative options to help you stay internationally connected while also staying safe at home.  Please continually check back on our Virtual Opportunities site over the coming months for more information.

Do I need to do anything with my course registration at Montclair State University if I would like to continue my classes at home in the fall?

Please log onto your NEST account to ensure that you register for Fall 2020 classes at Montclair State.

Where can I find more information from Montclair State University about coronavirus?

The University has created a dedicated webpage to provide information to the campus community that is being continually updated as this situation changes. SEE HERE. The webpage provides resources available to support your health and emotional wellbeing, and commonly asked questions by students, faculty and employees.  We encourage you to monitor the webpage to stay informed.

I don’t see my question listed here. Who can I contact?

Please email studyabroad@montclair.edu or reach the Study Abroad team directly HERE

Spring 2021 Study Abroad Student Information

In light of the continuing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic and its ongoing impact on public health, travel, and academic instruction, the University has cancelled all outbound international study abroad student programs through the Spring 2021 semester.

My semester program was cancelled for Spring 2021. What's the next step?

We understand that you have been looking forward to your study abroad experience and we hope that you will consider deferring your application to a future term, if possible.

Our domestic exchange program, National Student Exchange (NSE), is still accepting applications for Spring 2021. If you are interested in NSE, please contact Wendy Gilbert-Simon at simonw@montclair.edu

If you would like to defer to a future term or if you are no longer interested or able to study abroad, please contact Samantha Hellwege at hellweges@montclair.edu

Lastly, please ensure that you are registered for classes at Montclair State for the Spring 2021 term and that you have secured housing if necessary.

My faculty-led program was cancelled for Spring 2021. What's the next step?

If you have applied for a Spring 2021 Faculty-led program and already paid your $100 application fee, please note that you will receive a full refund.  Please allow up to four weeks for your refund to process.  Refunds will be credited to whichever form of payment was used to pay the application fee.

 

Summer 2021 Study Abroad Student Information

I'm interested in studying abroad beginning Summer 2021. What's the first step?

We are excited to help you with your study abroad plans!

The first step is to virtually attend a Study Abroad Info Session via Zoom.  For the Fall 2020 semester, these sessions are held on Thursday at 11am.

Attendance will be recorded at the end of the info session.

After attending an info session, the next step is to meet with an advisor.  All of our advisors are taking virtual appointments.

Please schedule an appointment by sending an email to studyabroad@montclair.edu

If you are interested in National Student Exchange or any of the CCIS affiliated programs, please email Wendy Gilbert-Simon, Student Mobility Coordinator, at simonw@montclair.edu.

For all other study abroad programs, please email Samantha Hellwege, Study Abroad Coordinator, at hellweges@montclair.edu.

Please note that all advising meetings will be conducted via Zoom and/or phone until further notice.