COVID-19 Updates

The health and safety of TEAN students is always our highest priority. This page provides updates and FAQs on how COVID-19 is impacting our program locations.

Below, you will FAQ as well as recent program updates (last updated March 4, 2022).

Our Global Remote Internship program is also available, offering students the opportunity to gain professional work experience at an international level from the convenience of their own home.

As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, we’re constantly monitoring data and recommended best practices regarding COVID-19 to make decisions about TEAN programs. Some factors we are tracking in our evaluations are the status of travel restrictions abroad, country entry requirements, and the current levels of COVID-19 transmission in program locations. The following updates are gathered from direct observation by our resident staff and partner universities in all program locations, U.S Department of State (DOS) recommendations, Overseas Security Advisory Council reports, and guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

This page will be updated with new information and announcements as necessary. TEAN will also continue to directly communicate relevant information to our participants and partners as needed. If you have any questions, please contact us at 312-239-3710.

Frequently Asked Questions

2022 Programs

Q: Will TEAN require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to travel?
As of March 1, all TEAN students are required to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination prior to their program start date. This means, all participants must receive their booster dose if eligible. Where host countries have specific booster dose requirements, this will be communicated to participants. All accepted and pending students have been notified of this update and given instructions on how to submit proof of vaccination.

Q: Will TEAN still operate programs to destinations categorized as a Level 4 by the U.S. Department of State?
TEAN is aware of and has been tracking closely adjustments in the State Department’s Travel Advisories and, at this time, does not anticipate making any alterations to current or future TEAN programming as a result.

TEAN monitors messaging from both the CDC and Department of State, however those are just two of the many sources from which we gather information when making decisions about our programming. Other sources of information include, but are not limited to: WHO, ECDC, OSAC, WorldStrides’ medical advisors, security providers, ISA’s global offices and partners, foreign governments, and many open-source outlets.

TEAN has implemented new mitigation measures at every level of our programs to respond to COVID-19, and we have been successfully running programs since January of 2021. TEAN will continue to review any new guidance from the Department of State and is closely monitoring developments in this fast-changing environment.

Q: How is TEAN making decisions about when and where to support programs abroad in the near future?
Our Health & Safety team has been actively monitoring the impact that COVID-19 is having on the countries and communities where we operate programs. In all of our program locations, we have local staff and trusted partners who provide additional information for consideration by our Health & Safety Team. Our “Back-to-Travel” task force continues to meet regularly to evaluate every aspect of our programs in this environment, including adjustments that allow for us to continue to deliver culturally-rich programs with an added focus on hygiene and social distancing. Location-specific guidance paired with more general recommendations for travel, socializing, living, and education environments in the new world is helping us define guidelines that we can follow to help make our future programs as safe as possible.

Q: What are some of the factors TEAN is considering when looking to run programs in 2022?
As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, TEAN has followed developments and collaborated with our medical advisors to adjust our approach, as needed. Generally, we are closely monitoring larger scale factors such as COVID-19 outbreaks; local, state, and country reopening plans; entry restrictions; flight availability; and governmental warning levels.

Additionally, we examine program-specific matters that could impact the student experience abroad. These considerations, such as arrival and orientation, student housing, and academic contingency plans are critical to a successful program and among the factors being tracked as we determine where and when we can resume travel. These factors are reevaluated at regular intervals before and during the program.

Q: Which Summer or Fall 2022 programs are still running? 
We are currently accepting applications for all locations for summer and fall with the exception of the Summer in Vietnam, Summer in Shanghai, and Summer in Japan, Semester in Shanghai (Fall 2022) programs. The Chinese Nationals program is still open as well.

Q: Will students be required to wear face masks or follow other protocols while abroad?
We all have a shared responsibility to one another and must do own part to mitigate COVID-19 risks while abroad. For this reason, TEAN participants are required to follow all COVID-19 specific rules (e.g., use of face masks, observation of social distancing measures and limitations on gatherings) established by local, state and federal governments, and any rules established by attractions, sites, and service providers (e.g., host universities, housing, airlines, hotels, restaurants, etc.). Additionally, students will have to wear face masks when participating in any TEAN-sponsored activity. We encourage students to research their destination prior to travel and understand local guidelines. Prior to arrival, TEAN will also advise students with more specific information about their host city and expectations related to COVID-19.

Q: Will students need to quarantine once arriving to their program location?
Potentially. While this could depend on a number of factors, TEAN will follow the protocols of the student’s host country and evaluate any additional measures necessary to provide for the health and safety of TEAN students, resident staff, host families, and any others that students may come into contact with upon arrival. These regulations can change quickly and your TEAN Program Manager will be in contact with you to set expectations for arrival in your new country.

Q: What if a student needs to self-isolate while they are abroad?
Wherever possible, students will be placed in single rooms where they can isolate should they become sick with COVID-19 while abroad. Should a student need to isolate away from their assigned housing, TEAN will facilitate housing for that student to utilize. TEAN resident staff will continue to be available to advise and support the student to the extent possible. This would include advocating on behalf of the student with their host university and coordinating meals and medical care, if necessary. TEAN’s health insurance includes coverage for mental health and students would have the option to speak with a counselor at any point during their program.

Q: What can I do to stay healthy?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and other health authorities, you can keep yourself and others healthy by:

  • Comply with special instructions issued by local officials.
  • Adhere to known, effective practices to minimize your chance of catching respiratory infections:
    • Wear a face mask when around others outside of your home.
    • Practice social distancing.
    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
      • Carry hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol) and use it for situations where hand washing might not be possible.
      • When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or in your elbow.
    • Do not touch any part of your face without first washing your hands.
    • Avoid contact with persons who are already ill.
    • Avoid unnecessary touching of other persons (e.g. shaking hands in greeting) and limit touching publicly-shared surfaces, where possible.

PLANNING, SUPPORT & REFUNDS

Q. If TEAN cancels a program prior to the program starting, will I get a refund?
Yes – we have your back! See details here.

Q. What is the refund policy if I voluntarily choose to withdraw from a study abroad or intern abroad program prior to departure because of concerns about COVID-19?
If TEAN cancels a program, we will issue a full refund of all fees paid. If you withdraw from a program prior to the listed withdrawal date, we will provide a full refund except for the application deposit. If you withdraw after the withdrawal deadline, TEAN will work to refund all recoverable costs. However, the available refund may be minimal, if anything, depending on the program and the date of departure. Find a list of all application and withdrawal deadlines here.

Q. If my home university requires me to cancel my study abroad or intern abroad plans, will I get a refund?
If TEAN cancels a program, we will issue a full refund of all fees paid. If you are required by your home university to cancel your study abroad plans prior to TEAN’s withdrawal deadlines, TEAN will provide a full refund except for the application deposit. (We will also work with you to see if attending a different or future program is possible.) If your home university requires students to cancel their program with TEAN after our withdrawal deadlines, TEAN will work to refund all recoverable costs. However, the available refund may be minimal, if anything, depending on the program and the date of departure. Find a list of all application and withdrawal deadlines here.

Q. Will TEAN help cover any flight-related costs if a program is canceled?
No — while TEAN program prices cover many aspects of the program, airfare is not included. Each student is responsible for booking and paying for their own flights to/from the program destination. Therefore, any potential refunds will need to be handled directly with the airline or third-party provider that the student purchased tickets from. Before booking any flights, we recommend confirming with the airline, agency or third-party booking website you choose what change/cancelation policies or insurance coverage apply in case travel plans are affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q. I have submitted an application – who can I contact for more information?
You can always contact your TEAN Program Manager directly or our TEAN headquarters in Chicago at 312-239-3710.

Program Updates

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (UPDATED AS OF march 3, 2022)

ISA/TEAN continues to closely track updates related to COVID-19 and its variants. We are currently hosting students in 22 countries across the world with plans to return to programming in New Zealand, Peru, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic in Summer 2022.

As of March 1, all ISA/TEAN students are required to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination prior to their program start date. This means, all participants must receive their booster dose if eligible. Where host countries have specific booster dose requirements, this will be communicated to participants. All accepted and pending students have been notified of this update and given instructions on how to submit proof of vaccination.

ISA/TEAN will continue hosting our mandatory pre-departure Health & Safety orientations for students, during which they will be provided with the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 restrictions in their host country. We will promptly communicate to students and their home universities any changes to their Summer/Fall 2022 program.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (UPDATED AS OF December 13, 2021)

TEAN is aware of and closely tracking updates related to the identification of a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron. As this variant was only recently detected, much research is left to be done to understand its transmissibility and the effectiveness of the current vaccines against it. Additional scientific data is expected over the course of the next few weeks and we will provide guidance to our current Fall 2021 and prospective Winter/Spring 2022 students as information becomes available. At this time, we are continuing to support our currently abroad students and all TEAN Winter/Spring 2022 programs are expected to run as planned.

We are also closely tracking the initial steps that countries are taking to slow the spread of Omicron until more information is available. Similar to the U.S., many countries have banned incoming travel from eight southern African nations and tightened their incoming testing requirements. In general, however, across open TEAN Winter/Spring 2022 program locations, fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can still enter. We will communicate any entry requirement changes to our Winter/Spring 2022 program participants so they can be prepared to comply when their program starts.

All Winter/Spring 2022 students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate on the program. At this time, we are also recommending that all Winter/Spring 2022 students receive their COVID-19 booster shot, if eligible, at least two weeks prior to the start of their program. Students should not plan to receive a booster once abroad. Over the next month, TEAN will be hosting our mandatory pre-departure Health & Safety orientations for students, during which they will be provided with the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 restrictions in their host country. We will promptly communicate to students and their home universities any changes to their Winter/Spring program.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (UPDATED AS OF September 22, 2021)

TEAN continues to review and implement new safety protocols as we track developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, we have made the decision to require all program participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, beginning December 1, 2021. We have notified all accepted and pending students of this update. Questions about this requirement should be directed to a student’s Program Manager.

Since returning to travel in January of 2021, TEAN and WorldStrides have hosted student, intern, and service-learning programs in countries around the world. Enrolled students have been in close communication with TEAN staff prior to their departure regarding expectations for smooth travel and a successful experience abroad in this new COVID-19 world.

TEAN is in regular communication with our host university partners abroad ahead of Spring 2022 programs. Some factors we are tracking as we continue to evaluate these programs: the status of travel restrictions abroad; country entry protocols (including any mandatory quarantine or testing regimes); local medical system capacity; and the current levels of COVID-19 transmission in program locations.

We will continue to monitor the fast-moving developments related to COVID-19 and provide significant updates to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions as we support students abroad this semester and look forward to continuing to host students in future program terms.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (UPDATED AS OF February 19, 2021)

Due to ongoing COVID-19 developments, along with education and travel restrictions, most TEAN Summer 2021 programs have been canceled. We have also cancelled all New Zealand Fiji and most Australia Fall 2021 programs. We have reached out to enrolled students to discuss alternative options, including deferring to later programs or receiving a full refund of paid program fees.

Please check the FAQ section above for a list of of Summer and Fall 2021 programs still accepting applications.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (UPDATED AS OF September 3, 2020)

Due to ongoing COVID-19 developments, along with education and travel restrictions, all TEAN Winter 2021 programs have been canceled. We have reached out to enrolled students to discuss alternative options, including deferring to later programs or receiving a full refund of paid program fees.

We are accepting applications for Spring and Summer 2021 programs.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (UPDATED AS OF JULY 8, 2020)

Due to ongoing COVID-19 developments, along with education and travel restrictions, we have decided to cancel all TEAN Fall 2020 programs, including programs starting August and September. We have reached out to enrolled students to discuss alternative options, including deferring to later programs or receiving a full refund of paid program fees.

Students can look into participating in TEAN’s new Global Remote Internship for Fall 2020 as well as look ahead to Spring and Summer 2021 programs.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (UPDATED AS OF MAY 6, 2020)

TEAN continues to track developments related to COVID-19 and its impact on future programs. In light of current conditions, we have made the decision to cancel all TEAN Fall 2020 programs with June and July start dates. This includes all New Zealand, Fiji and Australia programs starting in July. TEAN has reached out to enrolled students to discuss alternative options, including deferring to later programs or receiving a full refund of paid program fees.

TEAN is in regular communication with our host university partners abroad as we assess future Fall programs with start dates that begin August 2020 and later.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (Updated as of April 5, 2020)

As we continue to assess the ongoing COVID-19 developments here and abroad, TEAN has made the very difficult decision to cancel all TEAN Summer 2020 programs. TEAN has reached out to enrolled Summer 2020 students to discuss alternative options, including deferring to later programs or receiving a full refund of paid program fees.

At this time TEAN is not canceling any Fall programs. TEAN is in regular communication with our host university partners who are working on adjusting deadlines and start dates for Fall programs to allow more time for decision making. TEAN will continue to monitor the fast-moving developments related to COVID-19 and provide significant updates to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions as we look forward to hosting students on future programs.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (Updated as of March 19, 2020)

On March 19th, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) raised their Global Health Advisory to Level 4: Do Not Travel. In the update, the DOS advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, U.S. citizens abroad are urged to arrange for an immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

At this time, all TEAN programs worldwide have been suspended and students advised to return home. Many TEAN students have already departed their program location; and those who have not yet arranged travel back to the U.S. have been notified of the update to the DOS advisory level. TEAN is working to support students still on-site in making their final transportation arrangements and is liaising with host institutions abroad regarding student academics.

TEAN continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19 and will provide significant updates to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (Updated as of March 18, 2020)

Australia, New Zealand and Singapore

On the morning of March 18th, TEAN communicated with students, parents, and home university advisors the decision to suspend all programs in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. TEAN resident staff in these countries are closely supporting students as they arrange transportation to the U.S. Affected students will continue to have access to TEAN resident staff, housing and insurance while they actively make preparations to depart.

TEAN continues to be in contact with all host institutions in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore to discuss academic options available to complete their coursework remotely or online. Once those details are finalized, TEAN will be in direct communication with students and recommends students continue to communicate directly with their professors.

Though TEAN has now suspended all Spring 2020 programs, we continue to monitor fast-moving developments related to COVID-19 and will continue to provide significant updates to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions as we look forward to hosting students on future programs.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (Updated as of March 16, 2020)

Vietnam and Thailand

As of March 15th, in addition to previously suspended TEAN programs in China and South Korea, TEAN has made the difficult decision to also suspend TEAN programs in Thailand and Vietnam. TEAN staff have communicated with all TEAN students and have been assisting them in their prompt return to the U.S. Although their semesters have been suspended, TEAN support (e.g. access to resident staff, housing, insurance) will still be available to students while they actively make plans to return home.

TEAN is in contact with all host institutions to discuss the academic options available for students to complete their coursework from a distance. We will continue to communicate with students and our university partners regarding these options.

TEAN continues to monitor fast-moving developments related to COVID-19 and will provide any significant update to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions as necessary.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (Updated as of March 10, 2020)

China

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Travel Advisory for China remains at a Level 4, advising U.S. citizens to not travel to China at this time. Due to the continuous rapid spread of COVID-19, our Health & Safety team has made the decision to cancel our Summer in Shanghai program to Fudan University.

TEAN staff are in contact with students who had applied to this program to discuss alternative options or deferring to a future term. Students who decide to not proceed with any alternative program are being issued full refunds of any fees paid.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (Updated as of March 3, 2020)

We are closely following COVID-19 developments and have reviewed the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recent public statement regarding students traveling abroad to study.

After carefully considering the message and reviewing additional guidance from organizations like PULSE and the Forum on Education Abroad, TEAN (along with WorldStrides and other organizations that are part of the WorldStrides family) is not suspending any current programs, with the exception of previously suspended programs in South Korea and China.

The health and well-being of our students and staff are of utmost importance. We’re continuing to monitor all program locations regarding the spread of COVID-19 daily and are working closely with staff both in the U.S. and on the ground in host countries to communicate any additional guidelines that are developed in conjunction with our medical director. Should a situation change within a program host country, we have processes in place to respond quickly and will directly communicate with students on our programs, their emergency contacts and their home institutions.

In the meantime, TEAN will support program participants following the guidance of their home university, as each institution has its own policies during this time.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (Updated as of Feb 28, 2020)

In December 2019, a viral pneumonia outbreak was reported in Wuhan, in the Hubei Province of central China. Authorities identified the virus as a novel (new) coronavirus, which was later named COVID-19. Although initially contained to mainland China with most cases concentrated in Hubei Province, there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 in other countries, including the U.S. On January 30th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This announcement allowed WHO to coordinate international efforts and resources in combating the spread of the virus.

TEAN is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and adjusting student programs as necessary. TEAN’s Spring 2020 programs in China and South Korea have been cancelled. (See country specific information below.) TEAN has been communicating with all Spring 2020 China and South Korea program students, their emergency contacts, and home institutions to work together and provide the best possible outcome for each student in this situation.

TEAN’s Spring programs in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand are currently running as planned. TEAN resident staff in these locations are advising students on best practices to stay healthy while abroad and providing guidance on independent travel.

This page will be updated with new information and announcements as necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us at 312-239-3710.

CHINA

On January 27th, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Travel Notice for Mainland China to a Level 3 and recommended that all travelers avoid nonessential travel to the country. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) raised its Travel Advisory for China to a Level 4: Do Not Travel and recommended that U.S. citizens not travel to Mainland China at this time.

For these reasons, TEAN cancelled the Shanghai program for Spring 2020. Students had not yet departed for their Spring semester and TEAN staff worked with students on alternative program options. Students who had been planning on attending this program are receiving full refunds.

SOUTH KOREA

Beginning February 21st, a new cluster of COVID-19 cases was identified in South Korea. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that there was sustained community spread occurring, particularly in the areas of Daegu and Cheongdo (approximately 145 miles southeast of Seoul). On February 24th, the CDC raised their Travel Notice for South Korea to a Warning Level 3, advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to South Korea.

In light of these developments, TEAN canceled all Spring 2020 programs in South Korea. TEAN staff communicated with all South Korea program students regarding the cancelation of their program and assisted students with returning to the U.S., as well as provided information about alternative program options. TEAN is issuing students full refunds for their semester program fee.