Over the weekend, both the U.S. State Department and the CDC elevated Italy to Warning Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel). Currently, the only countries at Level 3 are China, South Korea and Italy. He will get his meals delivered, he said, and order groceries online or have a friend help to pick them up. International students from China taking photos on campus at the University of Sydney in Australia. (323) 377-4312 (m) "If I were to test positive for Covid-19 in the middle of the term, I think it would make more sense to seek treatment (in the UK). CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. All rights reserved. You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month. At this point, all other study abroad programs are continuing as planned. Students currently studying abroad in locations at Alert Level 2 have the option to voluntarily return home early. The university has told us to come back if we are able to... All of our lectures will be online but our tutorials will be face-to-face, so I'd prefer to be there for my tutorials, at the very least, during a crucial year," said Mr Nidesh. Developments in the coronavirus pandemic remain uncertain around the world. Ms Chin said her first semester, which began last month and ends in December, is being conducted fully online, though things could change in the next semester. ITAC will cancel programs in locations that are designated CDC Warning Level 3 (avoid all non-essential travel to this destination), unless extraordinary circumstances justify continuation of the program. You can also check, Vice President/Vice Provost, International Affairs. The Ministry of Education (MOE) said about 10,000 international students have left Singapore since March, and since then, MOE and the schools have facilitated the return to Singapore for about half of them. ITAC closely reviews all programs in locations that are designated CDC Alert Level 2 (practice enhanced precautions for this destination). Consider postponing or canceling student international travel programs. to inform travelers and clinicians about current health issues that impact travelers’ health in specific international destinations. **Sent to students and families studying abroad**, As you are aware, the university is closely monitoring the global outbreak of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. This guidance is for Institutes of Higher Education with international travel or study abroad programs. Last month, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said the authorities will allow Singapore students to travel overseas as academic terms will soon resume. Our staff are available 24/7 to respond to student needs, and ISOS provides 24-hour medical and security assistance for students participating in international experiences. You can read this subscriber-only article in full, All done! Fax: (610) 758-5566 "It's harder to engage with the study materials and topics, especially for subject areas like mine where interactions and discussions in lectures and tutorials add a lot of value to our learning. Lehigh’s, Travel advisories from the U.S. State Department and safety and security guidance from ISOS, Guidance from the CDC and similar international organizations, The availability and quality of healthcare in the program location, The accessibility of transportation to and from of the program location. It is definitely challenging to not be able to attend school physically. Lehigh has advised all students studying abroad in Italy to depart Italy and return to the United States. The staff in our Study Abroad Office work closely with faculty, staff and students planning international experiences, while they’re abroad, and after they return. After reviewing expert guidance, ITAC may recommend altering or canceling a program in a Level 2 location. The global spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) is already having a massive impact on universities and business schools around the world. On Sunday evening, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement that colleges and universities “should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs” and “should consider asking students participating in study abroad programs to return to the United States.”. [email protected], GO: The Campaign for LehighBe part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. "This is my last year. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, Institutes of Higher Education (IHE) should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student international travel programs. Some 19,000 Singapore students are enrolled in universities in the United States, Britain and Australia. But some, like Ms Carmen Chin, a first-year student at the University of Melbourne in Australia, said the announcement would not impact her decision to return. 198402868E. An MOE spokesman said students who have not returned to Singapore are receiving support from their teachers and lecturers through home-based learning and instructional materials via e-platforms. Opinion. If you are planning travel abroad … She had booked her flight in late July. ; European policy cooperation Education and Training 2020 is a forum that allows EU Member States to cooperate in building best practices. Sign up for the ST Smart Parenting newsletter to get expert parenting and education advice. Those overseeing student international travel programs should be aware that students may face unpredictable circumstances, such as travel restrictions, challenges returning home, and challenges accessing health care while abroad. The gift link for this subscriber-only article has expired. For inquiries, visit the media page or contact: Lori Friedman He will have to serve a 14-day isolation period before his final year of studies begins on Oct 5. This article is now fully available for you, Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. P: (610) 758-4487 Bethlehem, PA 18015 On the home front, a large number of foreign students also appear to be waiting for the Covid-19 situation to blow over. The Department for Education (DfE) has produced guidance on self-isolation and social distancing for students living in university or college halls of residence. To receive email updates about COVID-19, enter your email address: Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education with Students Participating in International Travel or Study Abroad Programs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The DfE has an email address to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, Institutes of Higher Education (IHE) should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student international travel programs. She said she is concerned about catching Covid-19 in the United Kingdom, but chose to return there as "I thought of the situation as something that we cannot keep running away from". "Due to the time difference, I would have to attend lessons at odd hours if I were in Singapore.". But he feels reassured somewhat by the Government's announcement, as "it's definitely important to know that there's always the option to come back home in case things go wrong". Those studying overseas at institutions where distance learning is not offered as an option will be eligible for government subsidies and insurance coverage if they test positive for the coronavirus and seek treatment in Singapore. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are Lehigh University’s top priorities. We are working with students studying abroad in Italy this semester to help them return to the United States. Over the weekend, both the U.S. State Department and the CDC elevated Italy to Warning Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel). They can read the article in full after signing up for a free account. You can also consult ISOS at go.lehigh.edu/isos or by calling (215) 942-8478. 3.2.20: Lehigh University Study Abroad Update on COVID-19. Ms Teresa Yong, 22, a third-year student at the University of Manchester who is reading social anthropology, returned to Manchester on Aug 30. We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused. ITAC evaluates programs on several factors, including: The CDC issues three levels of Travel Health Notices to inform travelers and clinicians about current health issues that impact travelers’ health in specific international destinations. So if I were in Australia and I got Covid-19, I would choose to get treated there," said the 20-year-old, who is in a bachelor of arts programme. This guidance is for Institutes of Higher Education with international travel or study abroad programs. But a log-in is still required for our PDFs. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science, Job Placement Success & Postgraduate Education, Student Support and Transition to College, the Lehigh University COVID-19 Information page. ST Editorial ... subsidies and insurance should they catch Covid-19. Plan for your travel: checklist. "Our student visa requires us to get health insurance. No. Lehigh’s International Travel Advisory Committee (ITAC) provides policy and guidance on international travel for faculty, staff and students and oversees issues related to safety and logistics of Lehigh-sponsored international travel involving students. 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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 15, 2020, with the headline 'S'poreans studying abroad keep eye on Covid-19 situation'. Consider postponing or canceling student international travel programs. 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