Winter Term Travel Status

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

We conclude our series of Winter Term daily update emails with the good news that 32 programs have returned home, with an additional five programs in transit or expected to travel today.

In total, out of 925 Winter Term participants, there are 10 students currently in quarantine in five different countries. While protocol varies by country, most students who were unable to travel will have the opportunity to retest this week or weekend. Students will continue to be supported by on-site Elon faculty or staff until they are cleared to travel.

We will continue to keep in touch with these students and their families.

Travel Updates

There are no program updates for today. We will post updates to the Winter Travel Status Page as necessary.

Insurance Information

If you incurred personal expenses through a travel disruption, such as medical costs while out of the country, travel interruption or cancelation, trip delay, delayed or lost baggage, you may be eligible for reimbursement through filing an insurance claim.

The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) is hosting insurance claims support sessions across four days. Appointments are 15 minutes, so we strongly encourage you to have your documentation and claim forms prepared as much as possible ahead of time. If you arrive to your appointment without having started the claims process, you likely will not have time to finish during your appointment.

Appointment sign-up links will be emailed to students shortly.  

Meet with Kevin Winpisinger, GEC Business and Data Manager:

• Feb. 2, 8 a.m. – noon — appointments encouraged, but walk-ins welcomed
• Feb. 9, 1-4:30 p.m. — appointments encouraged, but walk-ins welcomed

Meet with a representative from iNext, our insurance provider:

• Feb. 15, 9 a.m. – noon — by appointment only
• Feb. 15, 1-4 p.m. — appointments encouraged, but walk-ins welcomed
• Feb. 16, 9 a.m. – noon — appointments encouraged, but walk-ins welcomed
• Feb. 16, 1-2 p.m. — by appointment only

Bring to your appointment:

1. All documentation, including positive COVID-19 test result if relevant, receipts, and proof of payment. Proof of payment is most often a credit card statement showing a charge corresponding to the claim you are making. It could also be a canceled check.
2. Your claim forms, completed as far as you can. There are different claims depending on the type of loss incurred — claim forms can be found at iNext’s website.
3. Any medical documentation you might need. Medical information should not be forwarded to the GEC ahead of time. Instead, have it on hand in case you need to reference or include it.

Insurance does not cover every eventuality, and reimbursements are governed by the policies. You can see the policies on the iNext website by logging in with your credentials. You may have set up your credentials when you clicked on a link from your iNext welcome letter, which was sent in early October. If you need to scan your email to find this, search for “info@ci-mg.inext.com.” If you never completed your registration, you can do so now by clicking on the link in that email. If you did complete your registration but don’t recall your password, click “Forgot Password” from this link.

If you cannot find your welcome email, please send an email to global@elon.edu with a subject line: “Requesting iNext welcome letter,” and we will work with iNext to get your welcome letter reissued.

Students are not required to attend an insurance claims support session in order to file a claim. Students are also welcome to reach out with questions in the meantime  — email Kevin Winpisinger at kwinpisinger@elon.edu and include a brief description of your case and attach a partially completed claim form. Again, students should not send medical information as this should be provided on a need-to-know basis.

Reminders on Returning to Campus

All students, faculty and staff returning to campus from travel have the option of participating in COVID-19 testing on campus. Walk-in services are available for both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing. See the testing schedule and learn more from this page.

All Elon students are required to receive a COVID-19 booster as soon as possible and no later than Jan. 31. Learn more from this page.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

This is the last daily Winter Term update from the GEC. We will continue to stay in contact with the students (and their families) still waiting to travel back to the United States.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

We are approaching the conclusion of Winter Term study away programs. Twenty-four programs have returned, eight programs are in transit or expected to travel today, and the remaining five programs are expected to travel tomorrow.

Of the programs traveling today, seven have had zero positive COVID-19 test results, with all participants cleared to travel as scheduled.

In total, out of 925 Winter Term travelers, there are 16 individuals (15 students and one faculty leader) currently in quarantine as a result of testing positive for COVID-19. In partnership with our on-site program providers and Elon faculty or staff on site, we are coordinating next steps individually, recognizing that follow-up testing, quarantine and travel clearance protocols vary by country, and care needs may vary by individual.

We are also sending more detailed updates to students (and their families) on programs where some individuals tested positive for COVID-19 and were unable to depart with the group, including guidance specific to that country’s local health regulations.

In general, take the following steps if you test positive for COVID-19:

• Follow the parameters of your required quarantine.
• Know that you are not alone, even as you isolate. If you need support, including meals or care items, contact the Elon faculty or staff person on site with you, or the on-site program provider. If you feel ill, reach out to these individuals to arrange a visit with a physician.
• Email your positive test result and the name of the country in which you are quarantining to quarantine-support@elon.edu.
• Save your receipts and documentation, including your positive test result, so you are prepared to file your insurance claim.
• Engage with support resources through My Student Support (MySSP), an app you can use to connect with a professional counselor at any time and in any time zone. MySSP is confidential and secure, available at no cost to you, and includes additional wellness resources such as exercise videos.

Travel Updates

There are no program updates for today. We will post updates to the Winter Travel Status Page as necessary.

Insurance Information

Elon insures students for many travel disruptions, including medical costs while out of the country, travel interruption or cancelation, trip delay and delayed or lost baggage.

If you incurred costs while on your program that are insurable, you will need to file a claim to seek reimbursement. There are different claims depending on the type of loss incurred — claim forms can be found from iNext’s website. The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) will host an insurance claims support workshop in February (details forthcoming), but you are encouraged to start the claim process ahead of time.

Insurance does not cover every eventuality, and reimbursements are governed by the policies. You can see the policies on the iNext website by logging in with your credentials. You may have set up your credentials when you clicked on a link from your iNext welcome letter, which was sent in early October.  If you need to scan your email to find this, search for “info@ci-mg.inext.com.” If you never completed your registration, you can do so now by clicking on the link in that email. If you did complete your registration but don’t recall your password, click “Forgot Password” from this link.

If you cannot find your welcome email, please send an email to global@elon.edu with a subject line: “Requesting iNext welcome letter,” and we will work with iNext to get your welcome letter reissued.

To seek reimbursement, expect to provide receipts and proof of payment. Proof of payment is most often a credit card statement showing a charge corresponding to the claim you are making. It could also be a canceled check.

Please review the claims forms, and if you have questions on how to complete them, contact Kevin Winpisinger at kwinpisinger@elon.edu. You should include a brief description of your case and attach your partially completed claim form. You should not send medical information as this should only be provided on a need-to-know basis.

Reminders on Returning to Campus

All students, faculty and staff returning to campus from travel have the option of participating in COVID-19 testing on campus. Walk-in services are available for both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing. See the testing schedule and learn more from this page.

All Elon students are required to receive a COVID-19 booster as soon as possible and no later than Jan. 31. Learn more from this page.

Contact Us  

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m. ET, tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

Elon’s study away programs are making good progress in returning home, with three programs returning yesterday and 24 programs traveling today, tomorrow and Wednesday. More than 500 students have already returned or are in transit. We look forward to welcoming them back to campus.

Of the programs in transit or expected to travel today, seven programs have had zero positive COVID-19 test results, with all participants cleared to travel as scheduled. Two Study USA programs do not require testing and are expected to travel today. Among the remaining programs, we have 13 students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are in quarantine.

While quarantine and testing protocol varies in each location, Elon is working closely with on-site partners to ensure each student is supported and in compliance with local health regulations. There is also an Elon faculty or staff person on site in each of these locations. We are arranging for meals, care items as needed, and documentation needed for travel, such as additional testing or a letter of recovery.

Travel Updates

There are no program updates for today. We will post updates to the Winter Travel Status Page as necessary.

Reminders

For those preparing for departure tomorrow and Wednesday, we encourage you to revisit emails sent yesterday and Saturday (available also from the Winter Term Travel Status page) for information on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19, what to expect returning to the United States and to campus, and steps to take if you experience travel disruptions.

Key reminders:

1. Whether you are traveling as part of a group flight or independently, you are not alone. If you have an emergency, contact Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 to be directed to the GEC staff member on call.
2. If you test positive, don’t panic. Faculty leaders will notify the GEC and help plan for your quarantine, which includes hotel accommodations and access to food. A faculty or staff member will stay on site to be with you. Remember, you must email your positive test result and the name of the country in which you are quarantining to quarantine-support@elon.edu.
3. If your return travel is disrupted, whether by COVID-19, poor weather, or other travel delays, save all your receipts and documentation so you’re prepared to file your insurance claim. The GEC will send more details at the end of January regarding how we will be available to assist in filing claims.

Contact Us  

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m. ET, tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

Despite some winter weather delays, the four programs in transit on Saturday are now stateside. We are tracking three programs in transit or expected to travel today. Eleven programs are expected to travel Monday, eight on Tuesday, and the remaining five on Wednesday.

A small number of students are in quarantine in compliance with local regulations and are being supported onsite by an Elon faculty or staff person and our in-country partners. We are arranging for meals, care items as needed, and documentation needed for travel, such as additional testing or a letter of recovery.

Return to Campus

All students, faculty and staff returning to campus from travel have the option of participating in COVID-19 testing on campus. Walk-in services are available for both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing. See the testing schedule and learn more from this page.

As a reminder, all students are required to receive a COVID-19 booster as soon as possible and no later than Jan. 31. Learn more from this page.

Travel Updates

There are no program updates for today. We will post updates to the Winter Travel Status Page as necessary.

Reminders

If you are preparing for return travel, now is a good time to review information emailed yesterday about entry into the United States, what to do if your flight is disrupted, what to do if you test positive for COVID-19, and what to do if you are delayed returning to campus. Previously sent emails can be found on the Winter Term Travel Status page.

Key reminders:

1. Whether you are traveling as part of a group flight or independently, you are not alone. If you have an emergency, contact Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 to be directed to the GEC staff member on call.
2. If you test positive, don’t panic. Faculty leaders will notify the GEC and help plan for your quarantine, which includes hotel accommodations and access to food. A faculty or staff member will stay on site to be with you. Remember, you must email your positive test result and the name of the country in which you are quarantining to quarantine-support@elon.edu.
3. If your return travel is disrupted, whether by COVID-19, poor weather, or other travel delays, save all your receipts and documentation so you’re prepared to file your insurance claim. The GEC will send more details at the end of January regarding how we will be available to assist in filing claims.

Contact Us  

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m. ET, tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 24.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

Several programs have concluded (most of the fellows and graduate cohorts have already returned), with several more preparing for departure soon: 4 programs are in transit or expected to travel today, 3 are expected to travel tomorrow, 11 on Monday, 8 on Tuesday, and 5 on Wednesday.

We will continue to track travel and to update the Winter Travel Status Page as necessary.

COVID-19 testing, travel, and quarantine policies vary from country to country, but in all cases, students who are unable to depart as planned due to a positive COVID-19 test will be supported. An Elon faculty or staff person will stay on site until the students are able to return.

Travel Updates

• The GBL 2980 Dominican Republic: Baseball and Tourism group flight arrived in Miami, where several students needed their connecting flight rebooked due to winter conditions at arrival airports. Direct Travel has rebooked all connecting flights booked through their services.

Below are important reminders emailed to you yesterday about entry into the United States, what to do if your flight is disrupted, what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 and what to do if you are delayed in returning to campus.

Entry into the United States (for study abroad programs)

Your faculty leaders and onsite staff have organized group testing for entry back to the United States. The cost will be covered by your program fee. Generally, you should expect to follow requirements as stated on the U.S. Department of State website:

• Show documentation of a negative viral test result taken within one day of the flight’s departure to the United States before boarding.
• For those who recently tested positive during your program, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country, and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel). The GEC is working with students, faculty leaders, and onsite staff to secure appropriate documentation.

There could be additional requirements depending on where you’re flying from. You will receive guidance from faculty leaders and GEC program managers if there are extra considerations.

Flights

For required group flights, if there is a travel disruption, your faculty leaders will work with Direct Travel to rebook the group. Any flight changes will be communicated directly to you and the rest of the group by your faculty leaders.

Disruptions to group flights could have an impact on your domestic flight connection(s). If you booked with Direct Travel, they will reach out to you via phone about alternative flights. You can also reach Direct Travel at directed@dt.com. Please be patient as Direct Travel works through the cases.

If you booked your flight or any connecting flights independently (i.e., not through Direct Travel), please contact your airline directly for any necessary changes. We strongly recommend you double check requirements for your flight path according to your airline and transit countries.

Whether you are traveling on a group flight or independent flight, you are not alone. If you have an emergency, contact Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 to be directed to the GEC staff member on call.
If there are weather delays or other interruptions to your travel, please save all documents and receipts to submit for reimbursement. The travel interruption insurance should cover any incremental costs of changing travel including rebooking fees, change in airfare, and necessary lodging and food for any delay over three hours—as long as you save your receipts.

Testing Postive for COVID-19 Prior to Departure

If you test positive, don’t panic. Faculty leaders will notify the GEC and help plan for your quarantine, which includes hotel accommodations and access to food. A faculty or staff person will stay on site to be with you.

COVID-19, like other illnesses, is covered by the insurance taken out on your behalf. Please expect to pay up front for the hotel, food, medical attention and flight changes. Save all documents and receipts, including your positive test result, to submit for reimbursement when you return to campus. Our insurance for a medically necessary delayed return covers usual and customary lodging and food, up to $250 a day for 10 days.

For your faculty to be notified and have your positive test verified by Elon, you must email your positive test result to quarantine-support@elon.edu. Include a copy of your test result in the email and the country in which you are quarantining.

The GEC will send more details at the end of January regarding how we will be available to assist in filing claims. We are planning a mid-February campus visit from our insurance representative to support filing insurance claims.

Delayed Return to Campus

We understand that you may have on-campus commitments directly following your winter term away. If you and/or your program are delayed in returning due to required quarantine or other COVID-19 protocol and you are concerned about missing the Panhellenic Association recruitment activities during fake break, you should reach out directly to your chapter leaders (for active members) or the Office of Student Involvement (for potential new members). Chapter leaders are being advised that some students may be unable to return to campus according to schedule. For assistance or questions, reach out to the Office of Student Involvement at studentinvolvement@elon.edu.

If your quarantine continues past the beginning of Spring Semester at Elon, we can work with you to notify your faculty members and explain the circumstances. Faculty have already been advised of this possibility and will be checking their rosters for notifications from quarantine support.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m. ET, tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 23.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

We hope that your study away experience has been rewarding and educational. As we prepare for the conclusion of your program, we are writing with important information about your return home.

Entry into the United States (for study abroad programs)

Your faculty leaders and onsite staff have organized group testing for entry back to the United States. The cost will be covered by your program fee. Generally, you should expect to follow requirements as stated on the U.S. Department of State website:

• Show documentation of a negative viral test result taken within one day of the flight’s departure to the United States before boarding.
• For those who recently tested positive during your program, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country, and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel). The GEC is working with students, faculty leaders, and onsite staff to secure appropriate documentation.

There could be additional requirements depending on where you’re flying from. You will receive guidance from faculty leaders and GEC program managers if there are extra considerations.

Flights

For required group flights, if there is a travel disruption, your faculty leaders will work with Direct Travel to rebook the group. Any flight changes will be communicated directly to you and the rest of the group by your faculty leaders.

Disruptions to group flights could have an impact on your domestic flight connection(s). If you booked with Direct Travel, they will reach out to you via phone about alternative flights. You can also reach Direct Travel at directed@dt.com. Please be patient as Direct Travel works through the cases.

If you booked your flight or any connecting flights independently (i.e. not through Direct Travel), please contact your airline directly for any necessary changes. We strongly recommend you double check requirements for your flight path according to your airline and transit countries.

If there are weather delays or other interruptions to your travel, please save all documents and receipts to submit for reimbursement. The travel interruption insurance should cover any incremental costs of changing travel including rebooking fees, change in airfare, and necessary lodging and food for any delay over three hours.

Testing Postive for COVID-19 Prior to Departure

COVID-19, like other illnesses, is covered with the insurance taken out on your behalf. Please expect to pay up front for the hotel, food, medical attention and flight changes. Save all documents and receipts, including your positive test result, to submit for reimbursement when you return to campus. Our insurance for a medically necessary delayed return covers usual and customary lodging and food, up to $250 a day for 10 days.

Please email your positive test result to quarantine-support@elon.edu. You should include a copy of your test result in the email and the country in which you are quarantining.

The GEC will be available to assist in filing claims and are planning a mid-February campus visit from our insurance representative to provide support filing insurance claims. The GEC will send more details at the end of January.

Delayed Return to Campus

We understand that you may have on-campus commitments directly following your winter term away. If you and/or your program is delayed in returning due to required quarantine or other COVID-19 protocol and you are concerned about missing the Panhellenic Association recruitment activities during fake break, you should reach out directly to your chapter leaders (for active members) or the Office of Student Involvement (for potential new members). Chapter leaders are being advised that some students may be unable to return to campus according to schedule. For assistance or questions, reach out to the Office of Student Involvement at studentinvolvement@elon.edu.

If your quarantine continues past the beginning of Spring Semester at Elon, we can work with you to notify your faculty members and explain the circumstances. Faculty have already been advised of this possibility.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

Although Elon University is closed due to inclement weather today, the GEC short-term programs team remains in contact with faculty leaders to address situations as they arise.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m. ET, tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 22.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

With most of our programs now in operation around the world, today’s email is our last scheduled daily update. We will send additional community emails to share important information as needed, and we will continue to be in contact with programs directly to work through any necessary itinerary adjustments, understand the latest regulation updates and support any individual issues that arise.

We will also continue to update our Winter Term program status page with important changes to program itineraries or travel arrangements.

Over 95% of students scheduled to be away have arrived at their study abroad or Study USA locations. We have two more GEC programs and seven more Fellows and graduate cohort programs scheduled to depart, and we continue to assist around two dozen individuals who have not yet departed for a variety of reasons. Most of these delays are due to positive COVID-19 test results – we are working with those individuals and program leaders to determine the best outcome. In all cases, we are considering the individual’s health, their healthcare guidance, local regulations and protocol, the well-being of the group and community, and the academic integrity of the course.

Students who experience a travel problem that affects their schedule should complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. Follow instructions on the form and a GEC staff member will be in touch as soon as possible by phone to assist with new travel arrangements.

Winter Term 2022 Status Updates

There are no program itinerary updates for today.

Contact Us  

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

Share your photos and stories with us! You can tag us @ElonGlobal or #ElonGlobal on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, or email your updates or a link to your blog to global@elon.edu.

We will continue to track the remaining nine programs’ departure and to monitor all programs underway. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and host communities remains our top priority.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik

Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

With 27 programs already at their destinations, two departing today and 10 more scheduled to depart this weekend or later, Winter Term study away is well underway.

We continue to track and support individual travel disruptions, ranging from COVID-related delays to lost luggage and other customary travel snags, and stand ready to support our groups yet to depart.

Students who experience a travel problem that affects their schedule should complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. Follow instructions on the form and a GEC staff member will be in touch as soon as possible by phone to assist with new travel arrangements.

Winter Term 2022 Status Updates

Here are the latest updates on programs:

• Following the Sundance Institute’s announcement of moving the Sundance Film Festival to fully online, COM 3660 The Sundance Film Festival Experience will be taught on campus. The GEC, School of Communications, and faculty are reworking the course logistics and are in touch with students directly.
• For GBL 2040 Arizona U.S./Mexico Borderlands: Culture, Environment, and Immigration, GEC staff and program leaders have modified the travel portion to Mexico to reduce the number of border crossings.

Stay Well

As most programs transition from departure to arrival, and as delayed students catch up with their groups, we encourage everyone to take daily actions to prioritize their health. We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and others by wearing a mask properly, washing our hands, and keeping alert for symptoms of COVID-19.

We also encourage you to take advantage of the support available through My Student Support (MySSP), an app you can use to connect with a professional counselor at any time and in any time zone. MySSP is a confidential and secure resource to help you navigate the challenges and stress of travel and cultural learning, available at no cost to you.

Stay Informed

As a reminder, install AlertTraveler on your phone for the latest safety alerts specific to your location or itinerary. AlertTraveler is a risk intelligence and response app available to Elon study abroad and GEC Study USA students, faculty and staff. It is full of useful cultural and safety information about your specific location. Instructions on how to install and use this app, including your unique access code, are available from your MyElonGlobal application.

Contact Us  

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

Share your photos and stories with us! You can tag us @ElonGlobal or #ElonGlobal on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, or email your updates or a link to your blog to global@elon.edu.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 7. Friday’s email update will be the last scheduled daily update, with other community updates to be sent as needed.

We will continue to track the remaining 12 programs’ departure and to monitor all programs to troubleshoot issues that arise. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and host communities remains our top priority.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik

Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

We are happy to share that most programs have arrived at their study away destination and are underway, with an additional four departing today, two departing tomorrow, one departing Friday, three over the weekend, and six next week or later in the month.

Travel Disruption Updates 

GEC staff continue to support around two dozen students, faculty and staff facing travel disruptions due to logistical or COVID-related challenges, including positive COVID tests, quarantine requirements, lost passports and luggage, and missed flights. Each disruption is being facilitated case-by-case to ensure the best outcome. For flight delays, Direct Travel has been able to support any faculty or students who booked a group/recommended trip.

Students who experience a travel problem that affects their schedule should complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. Follow instructions on the form and a GEC staff member will be in touch as soon as possible by phone to assist with new travel arrangements.

Continue to Protect Against COVID-19

We encourage all students, faculty and staff to continue to stay vigilant and keep their community safe by wearing high-quality and properly fitting masks, maintaining physical distances, and regularly washing and sanitizing their hands. Please also continue to stay abreast of local regulations and expectations, as practices continue to shift rapidly and vary by country and region.

Winter Term 2022 Status Updates

Here is the latest update on programs:

• The First-Year Teaching Fellows HST 2410 course is revising its travel itinerary to no longer includes Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

Contact Us  

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call +1-336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police at +1-336-278-5555 and ask for the GEC staff member on call.

Share your photos and stories with us! You can tag us @ElonGlobal or #ElonGlobal on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, or email your updates or a link to your blog to global@elon.edu.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m., tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 6, as we continuously work to ensure the health and safety of all participants in our study away programs.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik

Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

This week officially marks the beginning of the 2022 term, and a number of study away programs have begun! Yesterday was a challenging travel day with flight interruptions caused by a major snowstorm in the Mid-Atlantic, plus the requirements of a negative COVID test for travel to many destinations. Of the GEC programs, 12 group/recommended flights have arrived in their host country, and two are on their way. We have another 7 that are scheduled to leave today.

For those who have experienced travel delays, we are ready to help students catch up with their groups. We are grateful for the efforts of Direct Travel in navigating the complicated work of matching students up with new flights.

Any student who is experiencing a travel problem that affects their schedule should complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. Follow instructions on the form, and a GEC staff member will be in touch as soon as possible by phone to assist with new travel arrangements.

TRAVEL DISRUPTION UPDATES
Of the more than 900 students, faculty and staff scheduled for study away experiences in Winter Term, GEC staff are working to support approximately 30 active travel disruptions due to a number of reasons including flight cancellations and delays, lost documentation, positive COVID tests, and a failure to receive test results in time to board. We are working with those individuals to determine if they can still travel and complete the course requirements when their period of isolation is complete (where applicable), based on the regulations of their host country(ies).

GETTING THE FULL BENEFIT OF STUDY AWAY PROGRAMS 
Once students begin their studies, we want them to remain healthy and ready to experience all the benefits of the cultural and academic opportunities that are the hallmark of Elon’s study abroad programs. The best way to do that is to adhere strictly to the healthy practices that have sustained our community over the past 18 months. Wearing masks, maintaining physical distances, washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded areas are essential strategies to protect against the virus.

WINTER TERM 2022 STATUS UPDATES  
Here is the latest update on programs:

• GBL 2060 Hawai’i: Nation or State?: The itinerary has been amended to remove a visit to the island of Oahu due to COVID precautions.

CONTACT US   
If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at  global@elon.edu or call 336-278-6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336-278-5555.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m., tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 5, as we continuously work to ensure the health and safety of all participants in our study away programs.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

Today is departure day for students, faculty, and staff in 15 Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) study away programs, with six more groups scheduled to depart tomorrow and five on Wednesday and Thursday. We send positive wishes and stand ready to support these groups as they head to their destinations.

The stress of COVID travel restrictions has been compounded by flight cancellations and a winter storm in North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic. While these challenges may mean delays and rebooking flights, the staff of the GEC and Direct Travel are experienced in handling these complications and helping students catch up to their groups.

Communication with the GEC, your faculty leaders, and your family is key if you encounter travel issues. If you will miss your scheduled departure time due to a positive COVID test, your inability to get tested, or flight delays or cancellations, please take the following steps:

• Complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. A GEC staff member will be in touch as soon as possible by phone.
• Advise your program manager and faculty leader of your intended travel date. They can advise the location at which you can connect with the group. If it’s after business hours, please call Campus Safety and Police for the GEC staff member on call (336-278-5555).
• Work with your travel provider to generate a new travel plan. If you booked with the airline, work with your airline to determine the best option to arrive at your program’s location. If you booked travel through Direct Travel or your group flight was included in your program, contact Direct Travel on their main line during business hours, 336-768-1680, option 3 (8am-6pm M-F). They are experiencing a high call volume. Please leave a voicemail and they will get back to you as soon as possible. For assistance outside of business hours, use the same number and follow the prompts for emergency assistance after hours.
• Update your program manager and faculty leader with new travel plans. Note: For Florence travelers, contact Christina Chemaly at christina.chemaly@aefirenze.it or call 39 055 21 15 99 with revised plans to arrange ground transportation.
• Schedule follow-up testing, as needed.
• Work with your faculty leader to determine the best way to stay on track academically.
• While not being able to find testing or receiving test results back in time will not be covered, travel interruption for testing positive for COVID-19 is a covered event under our insurance. Keep documentation of costs incurred due to the change in travel plans. This includes receipts, credit invoices, and proof of payment. Contact Kevin Winpisinger at kwinpisinger@elon.edu to coordinate filing a claim.

COVID-19 PREDEPARTURE TESTING 

If you are local to Elon University and require testing, you can take advantage of asymptomatic testing on campus:

• Monday-Friday: Without an appointment, come to asymptomatic testing (as long as you are asymptomatic), in Oaks Apartments, McCoy Commons 212. See hours here.
• Keep in mind, this is usually rapid antigen testing (see below for PCR info), which shows up on your My Readiness page in 4-5 hours.
• If you need an additional paper report (per your country requirements), you MUST request the paper report when you register and wait 20 minutes after the test to get the results via a paper report.
• If the country you are traveling to requires a PCR test, you will need to ask the staff at Asymptomatic testing for a PCR test. BUT PCR tests take up to 48 hours to result, AFTER they arrive at the lab. PCR results will be available to the patient, via text or email, once they are available.
• Remember to tell the Asymptomatic staff if you need a PCR once you register.

ITINERARIES AND EXPERIENCES 

Elon faculty, GEC staff members and our local partners are working hard to carry out the planned learning experiences outlined in the course syllabi. In cases where this is not possible, due to COVID-19 restrictions or other circumstances, every effort will be made to provide alternate experiences in support of the course academic objectives. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we adapt to unexpected changes in these unprecedented times.

YOUR MASK: YOUR GREATEST PROTECTION 

We are gratified that every Elon student traveling this January on a GEC program is vaccinated, with many who have received their booster shot. The vaccines are proven to provide a high level of protection against serious illness and hospitalization. Nonetheless, the Omicron variant is proving to be extremely contagious and is infecting some who are vaccinated. To provide yourself the highest level of protection, please wear a high-quality (N95 or KN95 are best), well-fitted mask in all public places. In some places, such as Italy, the use of masks both indoors and outdoors is mandatory.

CONTACT  US    

If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at  global@elon.edu or call 336.278.6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336-278-5555.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 4, as we continuously work to ensure the health and safety of all participants in our study away programs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,  

Fifteen Elon study away programs will depart tomorrow for countries in Europe and Central America as we kick off 2022 Winter Term. Many thanks to the faculty and staff who have worked closely with students and partner organizations around the world to put plans in place to navigate the weeks ahead.

No doubt, we will face some unexpected challenges, especially with the continuing spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. At the same time, we are confident that students will be able to meet the academic and cultural objective we have set for these programs. Our goal is to protect the health and safety of all involved, while also giving participants a deeper understanding of our world in one of the most difficult times in generations. The situation will continue to evolve and so we thank you in advance for your flexibility and adaptability.

I know you are anxious about getting to your destination and taking the right measures to stay healthy. Over the next few weeks, I ask that you employ your highest level of vigilance. Wear your mask, maintain physical distance from others, wash your hands often, and use the other healthy habits you have learned over the past 18 months. These are things you can do. At the same time, I want you to know that the staff of the GEC and Elon University have extensive plans and protocols in place if you encounter problems beyond your control. Reach out for help to your faculty member or program staff if you encounter problems or are feeling anxious about your surroundings.

Today is a good time to review some of the tips we’ve shared in messages this week. Go to the Winter Term status page and check out the archived emails at the bottom of the page.

Of the most immediate concern is getting the proper pre-departure COVID tests that are required by the airline and your destination country. We have seen reports that tests are in short supply in some locations, so here are strategies for getting the test you need:

• Contact local pharmacies for testing opportunities
• Check for testing options at your departure airport
• Call your local healthcare provider
• Use the Delta airline COVID testing service: https://delta.trustassure.app/
• See if there is a SamedayHealth service in your area

Testing Positive for COVID-19 Prior to Travel 

1. If you test positive for COVID and cannot travel, your first priority should be the health and well-being of yourself and those around you. The CDC offers guidance for isolation after a positive test, with new recommendations on periods of isolation and quarantine. Please note that some countries may have different restrictions on isolation following a positive test, so it is important to gather that information before rescheduling your travel plans.Steps to take if you will miss your scheduled departure time due to a positive COVID test, your inability to get tested, or if your test results do not come back in time for you to make your flight:Please complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. A GEC staff member will be in touch as soon as possible by phone.
2. Advise your program manager and faculty leader of your intended travel date. They can advise the location at which you can connect with the group. If it’s after business hours, please call Campus Safety and Police for the GEC staff member on call (336-278-5555).
3. Work with your travel provider to generate a new travel plan. If you booked travel directly, work with your airline to determine the best option to arrive at your program’s location. If you booked travel through Direct Travel, contact Direct Travel on their main line during business hours, 336-768-1680, option 3 (8am-6pm M-F). For assistance outside of business hours, use the same number and follow the prompts for emergency assistance after hours.
4. Update your program manager and faculty leader with new travel plans. Note: For Florence travelers, contact Christina Chemaly at christina.chemaly@aefirenze.it or 39 055 21 15 99 with revised plans to arrange ground transportation.
5. Schedule follow-up testing.
6. Work with your faculty leader to determine the best way to stay on track academically.
7. While not being able to find testing or receiving test results back in time will not be covered, travel interruption for testing positive for COVID-19 is a covered event under our insurance. Keep documentation of costs incurred due to the change in travel plans. This includes receipts, credit invoices, and proof of payment. Contact Kevin Winpisinger at kwinpisinger@elon.com to coordinate filing a claim.

DON’T FORGET

• Carry copies of your vaccination documentation with you at all times, including a record of your booster shot, and keep an electronic copy on your phone.
• Travel with a good supply of high-quality, well-fitting masks, preferably N95 or KN95 masks.
• Be ready for changes to program itineraries in response to local restrictions and rapidly changing conditions.

CONTACT  US  

If you have questions or concerns, contact the Global Education Center at global@elon.edu or call 336.278.6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336.278.5555.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m., tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 3, as we continuously work to ensure the health and safety of all participants in our study away programs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs, 

We welcome 2022 with the countdown to departure for Elon students, faculty, and staff who will be around the world in January.

I hope you had a chance to carefully read yesterday’s message, which had extensive pre-departure tips. If you want to review the details, look for the Dec. 31, 2021, message at the bottom of our Winter Term status page.

Pre-departure COVID testing continues to be an area of concern. Some people are having trouble finding testing opportunities to meet the entry requirements of their destination country. Here are some strategies for getting your required test:

• Contact local pharmacies for testing opportunities
• Check for testing options at your departure airport
• Call your local healthcare provider
• Use the Delta airline COVID testing service: https://delta.trustassure.app/
• See if there is a SamedayHealth service in your area

If you cannot meet entry requirements for your departing flight, please complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form and contact your GEC program manager and faculty leaders so we can prepare for your possible late arrival to the program. We have always had late arrivals to programs and will be prepared to catch you up to your group as smoothly as possible.

If you test positive for COVID-19 prior to travel
If your COVID test produces positive results, your first priority is to protect your health and the health of others around you. Please make sure you are well before beginning travel. The CDC offers guidance for isolation after a positive test, with new recommendations on periods of isolation and quarantine. Please note that some countries may have different restrictions on isolation following a positive test, so it is important to gather that information before rescheduling your travel plans.

Steps to take if you miss your scheduled departure time due to a positive COVID test, your inability to get tested, or if your test results do not come back in time for you to make your flight:

1. Complete Elon’s COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. A GEC staff member will be in touch as soon as possible by phone.
2. Advise your program manager and faculty leader of your intended travel date. They can advise the location at which you can connect with the group. If it’s an emergency, please call Campus Safety and Police for the GEC staff member on call (336-278-5555).
3. Work with your travel provider to generate a new travel plan. If you booked travel directly, work with your airline to determine the best option to arrive at your program’s location. If you booked travel through Direct Travel, contact Direct Travel on their main line during business hours, 336-768-1680, option 3 (8 a.m.-6 p.m. M-F). For assistance outside of business hours, use the same number and follow the prompts for emergency assistance after hours.
4. Update your program manager and faculty leader with new travel plans. Note: For Florence travelers, contact Christina Chemaly at christina.chemaly@aefirenze.it or 39 055 21 15 99 with revised plans to arrange ground transportation.
5. Schedule follow-up testing.
6. Work with your faculty leader to determine the best way to stay on track academically.
7. While not being able to find testing or receiving test results back in time will not be covered, travel interruption is a covered event under our insurance. Keep documentation of costs incurred due to the change in travel plans. This includes receipts, credit invoices, and proof of payment. Contact Kevin Winpisinger at kwinpisinger@elon.com to coordinate filing a claim.

MORE INFORMATION   
We have created a frequently asked questions document to address additional questions raised in our Zoom sessions. I encourage you to read the FAQs carefully to learn more about travel logistics, pre-departure and return COVID testing, academic credit issues, cancellations, financial policies and other matters.

The central source of study away information during Winter Term is our program status webpage. We are posting updates, announcements and copies of our daily emails on this page during January.

DON’T FORGET 

• Carry copies of your vaccination documentation with you, including a record of your booster shot, and keep an electronic copy on your phone.
• Travel with a good supply of high-quality, well-fitting masks, preferably N95 or KN95 masks.  In some countries, these masks are required, with cloth masks or gaiters not being considered sufficient.
• Be ready for changes to program itineraries in response to local restrictions and rapidly changing conditions.

CONTACT US  
If you have questions or concerns, contact the GEC at global@elon.edu or call 336.278.6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336.278.5555.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m., tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 2, as we continuously work to ensure the health and safety of all participants in our study away programs.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,  

Happy New Year’s Eve to you and your family from the staff of Elon’s Global Education Center.

With about 1,000 students, faculty and staff preparing to travel to their Winter Term destinations over the next several days, it’s time to review some pre-departure tips:

Packing your bags 
Remember to include the following essentials:

1. Passport  (Keep at least one copy in your suitcase)
2. COVID-19 Vaccination Card  (Keep at least one copy in your suitcase and another at home for an emergency)
3. Flight Itinerary (One copy in hand and one in your suitcase)
4. Insurance card  (Domestic insurance card and/or iNext)
5. Program itinerary  or supporting documents from your program leaders
6. Emergency card (Provided to you at the airport or upon arrival from the program leaders)
7. Medications and any notes from your physician (Packed in your carry on)
8. Credit/Debit Cards (And copies of these cards in case they are lost or stolen)
   Contact your bank and let them know you are using your card for international travel

Flights

• Check in at the airport 4-6 hours prior to an international departure
• For problems with group air travel (missed connections, check-in issues), call Direct Travel at 336.768.1680, option 3, during business hours. Call the same number and follow prompts for after-hours issues.
• If you did not use Direct Travel to book your flight and encounter problems, call the airline first, then inform your program leaders.

Booster 
It is strongly recommended that all students obtain a COVID booster. Many countries are beginning to require a booster and/or are limiting who is considered adequately vaccinated based on the number of days since their last COVID shot. Students will need a booster to return to Elon’s campus, as of Jan. 31, 2022, and so it is better to get the booster now rather than wait.

Vaccination card 
Proof of vaccination is required in many countries and establishments (restaurants, hotels, museums, etc.). Bring your vaccination card with you, along with several color copies. It’s also a good idea to have a digital scan of your card for emergencies. It is extremely important that you take care of your card and carry it with you always.

Pre-departure COVID testing 
If your destination country requires a negative COVID-19 test result for entry, consider the following testing strategies:

• Contact local pharmacies for testing opportunities
• Check for testing options at your departure airport
• Call your local healthcare provider
• Use the Delta airline COVID testing service: https://delta.trustassure.app/
• See if there is a SamedayHealth service in your area

If you cannot meet the entry requirements for your departing flight, please contact your program manager at the GEC during business hours or call Campus Safety and Police for the GEC staff member on call (336-278-5555) so we can prepare for your possible late arrival to the program. Please also complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. We have always had late arrivals to programs and will be prepared to catch you up to your group as smoothly as possible.

Testing Positive for COVID-19 Prior to Travel 
If you do test positive for Covid, your first priority should be the health and well-being of yourself and those around you. Please adhere to CDC guidance for isolation after a positive test:  https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html.

Steps to take if you will miss scheduled departure travel 

1. Please complete the COVID-19 Travel Disruption Form. A GEC staff member will be in touch as soon as possible by phone.
2. Advise your program manager and faculty leader of your intended travel date. They can advise the location at which you can connect with the group. If it’s after business hours, please call Campus Safety and Police for the GEC staff member on call (336-278-5555).
3. Work with your travel provider to generate a new travel plan. If you booked travel directly, work with your airline to determine the best option to arrive at your program’s location. If you booked travel through Direct Travel, contact Direct Travel on their main line during business hours, 336-768-1680, option 3 (8am-6pm M-F). For assistance outside of business hours, use the same number and follow the prompts for emergency assistance after hours.
4. Update your program manager and faculty leader with new travel plans. Note: For Florence travelers, contact Christina Chemaly at christina.chemaly@aefirenze.it or 39 055 21 15 99 With revised plans to arrange ground transportation.
5. Schedule follow up testing.
6. Work with your faculty leader to determine the best way to stay on track academically.
7. Travel interruption is a covered event under our insurance. Keep documentation of costs incurred due to the change in travel plans. This includes receipts, credit invoices, and proof of payment.  Contact Kevin Winpisinger at kwinpisinger@elon.com to coordinate filing a claim.

App for health and safety

• Get the Alert Traveler App for your phone to receive safety alerts according to your GPS location and your itinerary. Log on to MyElonGlobal for registration.

MORE INFORMATION    
We have created a frequently asked questions document to address additional questions raised in our Zoom sessions. I encourage you to read the FAQs carefully to learn more about travel logistics, pre-departure and return COVID testing, academic credit issues, cancellations, financial policies and other matters.

The central source of study away information during Winter Term is our program status webpage. We are posting updates, announcements and copies of our daily emails on this page during January.

WINTER TERM 2022 COURSE STATUS UPDATES 

• Elon’s partner provider in the GBL 2460 Greece: Classics in Context course has canceled this program due to the pandemic situation in that country. Students in the course have been provided with additional information, along with options for enrolling in another course on campus during Winter Term.
• Due to an illness (not COVID related) of one of the faculty members leading the GBL 2490 course, Italy: Bodies of Knowledge – The Intersection of Healthcare and the History of Art, the program has been canceled. Students in the course have been contacted with additional information, including options for enrolling in a course on campus during Winter Term. This cancellation does not impact other programs scheduled to take place in Florence.
• The itinerary for the GBL 2310 Peru: The Living Heritage of the Andes course has been adjusted to eliminate overnight homestays.

DON’T FORGET  

• Carry copies of your vaccination documentation with you, including a record of your booster shot, and keep an electronic copy on your phone.
• Travel with a good supply of high-quality, well-fitting  masks, preferably N95 or KN95 masks.
• Be ready for changes to program itineraries in response to local restrictions and rapidly changing conditions.

CONTACT US  
If you have questions or concerns, contact the Global Education Center at global@elon.edu or call 336.278.6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336.278.5555.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m., tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 1, as we continuously work to ensure the health and safety of all participants in our study away programs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,  

As we prepare for departure of the first study abroad groups, we are responding to questions from those who are understandably concerned about pandemic conditions around the world. Today, we want to provide answers to a few of the questions we are receiving most frequently:

• What criteria would Elon use to cancel a study abroad program?
  Decisions for each course are based on conditions in those countries and the advice of our local partners, who have the most accurate information about the ability to accommodate our group and complete the course objectives. We will move ahead with a course unless the country entry requirements are too restrictive to allow us to enter safely, or if the program itinerary is seriously compromised by local or national restrictions.
• Would Elon cancel a course if too many students decide not to participate? 
  No. All costs for the course have been incurred and we will honor the commitment to conduct the course and provide the best possible experience for those who remain enrolled.
• What happens to students who test positive in the pre-departure test and are unable to leave with their group? 
  Delayed travel due to a positive COVID test should be covered by travel interruption insurance. The insurance would pay to get the student caught up with the program when they are able to travel and will refund a portion of the program cost for the activities that were missed. If you test positive before travel, please contact your program manager at the GEC and your faculty leaders via email.
• What happens to my student if they become sick with COVID during the course? 
  We have made arrangements to ensure that every GEC program has an Elon partner or representative assigned to support ill students, arrange medical care and assist them in complying with local and national health regulations. We will provide food and a hotel room for ill students, stay in regular contact, and assist them with catching up with their group when a period of quarantine is complete. If necessary, we will fly in Elon staff to assist students who need special care.
• If a program is canceled or a student is unable to travel, what happens if they need the course credit or ELR credit to graduate on time? 
  The Office of the Registrar and the Academic Advising office are ready to assist students in finding substitute classes and ELR opportunities that will satisfy Elon’s graduation requirements.

MORE INFORMATION   
We have created a frequently asked questions document to address additional questions raised in our Zoom sessions. I encourage you to read the FAQs carefully to learn more about travel logistics, pre-departure and return COVID testing, academic credit issues, cancellations, financial policies and other matters.

The central source of study away information during Winter Term is our new program status webpage. We are posting updates, announcements and copies of our daily emails on this page during January.

DON’T FORGET 

• Carry copies of your vaccination documentation with you, including a record of your booster shot, and keep an electronic copy on your phone.
• Travel with a good supply of high-quality, well-fitting masks, preferably N95 or KN95 masks.
• Be ready for changes to program itineraries in response to local restrictions and rapidly changing conditions.

CONTACT  US   
If you have questions or concerns, contact the Global Education Center at global@elon.edu or call 336.278.6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. (Note that the office will be closed on Friday, Dec. 31, for the New Year’s holiday) If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336.278.5555.

Watch for the next update email no later than 4 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 31, as we continuously work to ensure the health and safety of all participants in our study away programs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

Thank you to those who participated in our Zoom calls yesterday and today as we prepare for the departure of Elon’s many Winter Term study away experiences. We understand that you have many questions and concerns, and we want you to know that Global Education Center staff is focused 24/7 on ensuring safe and healthy travels and a rich academic and cultural experience for students in destinations around the world.

The GEC is working closely with the Office of the Provost and leaders of Elon’s Healthy Elon committee in making arrangements and contingency plans for all our study away programs. Please know that the full resources of the university are ready to assist the GEC and our experienced global partners in navigating changing conditions as the world grapples with the Omicron variant. The experience that Elon’s pandemic response teams have gained over the past 18 months will be invaluable in the weeks ahead.

We are pleased to report that as of yesterday, 100 percent of Elon students traveling for GEC Winter Term study away programs have submitted proof of vaccination. In addition, the number of students who have submitted documentation of their booster vaccinations is growing daily. With the majority of groups departing next Monday and Tuesday, there is still time for you to get your booster shot and upload your documentation (select “booster” from the drop-down menu). This will be an advantage in countries that may be considering booster requirements within the next few weeks.

MORE INFORMATION  
We have created a frequently asked questions document to address many of the questions raised in our Zoom sessions. I encourage you to read the FAQs carefully to learn more about travel logistics, pre-departure and return COVID testing, academic credit issues, cancellations, financial policies and other matters.

The central source of study away information during Winter Term is our new program status webpage. We will post updates, announcements and copies of our daily emails on this page during January.

WINTER TERM 2022 STATUS UPDATES 
Here are the latest updates on courses:

• Due to a strict lockdown in the Netherlands, the GBL 2610 course, The Netherlands: Sex, Gender and Culture, has been canceled. Also, the Holocaust Journey course (GBL 2400) will not visit the Netherlands.

DON’T FORGET 

• Carry a copy of your vaccination documentation with you, including a record of your booster shot, and keep an electronic copy on your phone.
• Travel with a good supply of high-quality, well-fitting masks, preferably N95 or KN95 masks.
• Be ready for changes to program itineraries in response to local restrictions and rapidly changing conditions.

CONTACT US  

If you have questions or concerns, contact the Global Education Center at global@elon.edu or call 336.278.6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336.278.5555.

Watch for the next update email tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 30, no later than 4 p.m., as we continuously work to ensure the health and safety of all participants in our study away programs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

Yesterday’s announcement that Elon will require all students to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccination no later than Jan. 31 is especially important for those who will be studying away from campus during Winter Term. Boosters will provide the highest level of protection for those traveling to locations around the world. Also, if you delay getting a booster until you return from your Winter Term course, you may not have adequate time to meet Elon’s booster deadline. The best advice is to get your booster this week, prior to departure. Find a booster vaccination site near you at vaccines.gov.

Our partner organizations around the world are reporting a wide variety of mitigation measures in response to the highly contagious Omicron variant. Here are some common themes:

• Carry a copy of your vaccination documentation with you, including a record of your booster shot. In some locations, public spaces such as museums, restaurants and other facilities require proof of vaccination.
• Travel with a good supply of high-quality, well-fitting masks. Some countries specify the need for an N95 or KN95 mask. Single-layer cloth masks or gaiters are not sufficient to comply with some local requirements. Remember that many places require the use of masks indoors, including on public transportation.
• Have realistic expectations and be ready for adjustments to program itineraries. Faculty members and local providers will provide the best possible experience while also ensuring the safety of your group and compliance with local restrictions. Changes to plans are likely and are often beyond the control of those who are guiding your program.
• Travel with sufficient supplies of prescription medications and over-the-counter cold/flu medicines and pain relievers. These may help you feel more comfortable if you get sick with COVID or other common illnesses.

WINTER TERM 2022 STATUS UPDATES

Here are the latest updates on courses:
The Netherlands: Sex, Gender and Culture (GBL 2610) program has been cancelled due to COVID regulations. These restrictions are specific to the Netherlands and are not in place in other EU countries, so this is the only Winter Term program being canceled at this time.

MORE INFORMATION 
The GEC has created this handout with frequently asked questions. For more details about financial matters, see Elon’s cancellation policy for Winter Term 2022 courses.

CONTACT US
If you have questions or concerns, contact the Global Education Center at global@elon.edu or call 336.278.6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, contact Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336.278.5555.

Watch for the next update email tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 29, no later than 4 p.m.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education

Academic Credit

• What happens to my course credit or ELR if a program is canceled?
  • In the event of a program cancelation, Elon will endeavor to assist students in making alternative plans to earn credit. Those might include offering an alternate on-campus course during winter term, postponing the program to May/June, or other options depending upon the situation.  If a student elects to withdraw from a program that has not been canceled, they should work with their academic advisor to find other academic options.
• What happens to my course credit if I test positive for COVID-19 and have to quarantine?
  • As on Elon’s campus, our ultimate goal is to help students complete their academic coursework. In the event of a quarantine, you would work with your faculty member to develop a plan for completing assignments.
• How do I ensure that I get the on-campus winter term course I need, if my program is cancelled?
  • Regardless of when a winter term program cancellation is made, we will support students in academic advising. We are particularly mindful of graduating seniors that need to fulfill requirements for graduation.
  • The GEC cannot waive graduation requirements set by the institution. It is important to have a back-up plan to complete graduation requirements like an ELR (research, service, leadership or internship).
• Should students sign up for winter term course as a backup in case a program gets canceled?
  • No, Elon is not able to have placeholders as there are not enough courses/seats available to do so.

Financials

• If Elon cancels a program after financial deadlines have passed, will I get my money back?
  • If Elon must cancel a program between now and the date of departure due to Covid-19 restrictions, e.g. closed borders or prolonged mandatory quarantines, students can expect to receive a credit towards a future Elon global engagement program.
  • Students graduating in May 2022 will be given an option to participate in an Elon summer study away program or to receive a refund of their program fee after the program is officially canceled by Elon.
  • The GEC cannot reimburse personal purchases, i.e. expenses not included in the billable program fee.
  • The GEC can provide guidance and assistance on any flights included in the program cost. Domestic connections or independent travel to the program (in cases of a recommended flight) would be the responsibility of the student. If booking with Direct Travel, they can provide assistance.
• What are my options if I no longer want to go on a program, yet the program is not cancelled?
  • The GEC is happy to work with any student who opts to withdraw from a program. Details on how to withdraw can be found on the GEC website, which includes a link to the required cancellation form. As listed on this site, please note that the GEC is not able to issue a refund. Program expenses are paid well in advance, regardless of whether a student goes. October 19, 2021 was the last date to withdraw with a partial refund for Winter Term 2022.
• What will happen to my Elon study abroad scholarship if my program is cancelled or I withdraw?
  • Scholarships offered through Elon for study away programs are applicable for the stated semester. If you go on a future program, you will be considered again for funding, with any awards given based on the costs of the new program and your assessed financial need at the time of applying, as determined through Elon’s financial aid office.
• I don’t see the Program Fee on my eBill. When will that be added?
  • Most fees have been added to eBill at this time. Some program costs were recently finalized and fees will be added shortly. Please feel free to email global@elon.edu if you do not see the fee on your eBill account by the first week of January 2022.
  • The required insurance is included in the billable cost of the program.
• How much cash should I carry abroad? How should I go about carrying spending money?
  • Students may want to check with program leaders depending on location about an appropriate amount. A card with no international fees or no ATM fees may be a good solution for many program locations to replenish spending money so students can keep a relatively small amount on their person.
• How do I apply my global experiences grant to my program fee?
  • Students must submit a form to have their grant applied to the program fee, which is accessible through the Academic Advising website.
• When is the Global Engagement Scholarship applied?
  • The information is with financial planning and will be applied soon.

COVID-19

• Should I carry my original vaccine card when I travel?
  • Yes, you may need the original card when traveling. It is recommended that you keep it in a protective sleeve.
  • It is also recommended that you keep an electronic copy of the card, such as with a photo on your phone.
• Will students need to test for COVID prior to travel?
  • This will depend entirely on the country/itinerary, and may change between now and departure. The GEC will continue to monitor closely and communicate with students. If a test is required, students will be responsible for securing a testing appointment within the timeframe required.
  • Students returning to the US at the end of the program are required to have a negative COVID test, currently within one day of the return. This will be included in the program itinerary and costs will be covered by the program.
• Will all students in the course be vaccinated? Can unvaccinated students travel?
  • Elon requires all students traveling abroad to provide documentation of being fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. As of December 28th, 2021, all Elon students traveling for winter 2022 study away courses have submitted proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
  • The GEC cannot discriminate against medical conditions for some students that causes them to be unable to receive the vaccine. Non-vaccination due to medical reasons, while approved by Elon, the host country may have additional restriction, regardless of the reason. These may include not being able to attend classes, museums, restaurants etc.
• Which Covid protocols do I need to follow while abroad?
  • Each country will be different, and so you will need to follow the guidelines provided by local authorities. In some locations, you will need to provide a Covid vaccination card or electronic pass to enter restaurants, museums, and other buildings. Masking requirements will vary as well. Note that in some countries a regular cloth mask is not deemed sufficient, and gaiters are not accepted in most places; you may need to wear a KN95 or other specific type of mask.
• What happens if I contract COVID-19 during the program and I have to quarantine, or I’m hospitalized?
  • Just like Elon follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), you all will need to adhere to local public health protocols. If you test positive, typically the clinic that has given the test will be in touch with the local health department. Instructions will vary, yet you will normally need to quarantine for anywhere from 6-14 days depending on your location and vaccination status at the time.
  • If you do need to quarantine, the experience will be similar to what you can except while quarantining at Elon: you will most likely be in a hotel room, someone will be checking in on you regularly via phone, you will have food brought to you, and you will receive additional medical care if you need it. Once your quarantine ends, the GEC will work with faculty and our partners to get you caught up to the group both physically and academically. It will depend on when and where.
• How do I handle my pre-departure COVID testing?
  • If you are required to be tested prior to travel, please reach out to local testing facilities to make plans for pre-departure testing now. The likelihood of a requirement coming into being is high. More details can be found on the Healthy Elon website.
• What if I got my vaccine through Elon but lost my card?
  • Please contact Rhonda Waller, Executive Director of Global Engagement, at rwaller3@elon.edu

Flights and travel

• How can I find specific entry requirements for my program?
  • The GEC will provide updates as available. At the same time, changes can take place at any time, and it is ultimately the host country immigration officials and/or airline that will be responsible for enforcing regulations. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended that you follow any updates that you receive from your airline and that you check the embassy site for the country your program starts in.
  • If you are flying through another country, please look at the transiting rules for that country/airport. In some situations, you may be required to meet that country’s entry requirements as well.
• When do we confirm flights?
  • If you booked through Direct Travel, you should have received your flight itinerary. You are to check in at the airport and not in advance. Seat assignments have been given to all group participants. If you would like to add your frequent flier number or request an upgrade, please do so at the airport.
• Who can I contact to assist with booking flights?
  • If your flights were booked through Direct Travel, there should be program-specific contact information in the Official Flight Itinerary, but you can also reach out to the team at directed@dt.com. You should have an official flight itinerary or recommended flight (depending on the program) in your MyElonGlobal application. There is also information included on booking domestic connections.
• How will our students know which countries require a visa?
  • You will have been advised of this by your program manager or faculty members. You can also check online for any requirements for the country to which you are traveling.

Logistic and additional questions

• How are cancellations made? What’s Elon’s criteria?
  • Elon consults a number of sources and experts for making decisions, including the U.S. State Department, CDC, WHO, and in-country partners. We take seriously the health of our students, faculty, staff, and host community members. Additionally, we consider protocols for entry into another country. For example, we have cancelled programs in countries that do not permit the arrival of non-nationals or that require an extensive quarantine for all arriving from outside of the country.
• What does insurance cover?
  • The iNext policy taken out for program participants is robust for both travel insurance and health insurance. For travel, if an itinerary is changed due to covered factors (e.g. flight cancellations, weather), the insurance will cover the incremental cost of rebooking that travel. If a student cannot travel due to a medical reason, as certified by an attending physician, the cost of the program may be recoverable. Please note: travel insurance excludes cancellations due to Covid restrictions and costs for known (pre-departure) quarantine regulations.For health care, the policy covers medically necessary, emergency treatment. If a student contracts Covid while on a program, the insurance covers all medical costs and incremental costs due to quarantine requirements up to $250 per day for 10 days.As with all insurance, the policy statement will determine exactly what is covered. Students received an email directly from iNext detailing coverage. If you have specific questions, please contact email kwinpisinger@elon.edu.
• How do I know what vaccinations and medications I need for my program?
  • Please review the CDC site for medical recommendations. Also, there are travel clinics in both Greensboro and Durham where students and faculty have scheduled travel consults. Those clinics have issued prescriptions for malaria meds and have also given various vaccinations that might not be readily available at other clinics.
• What do students do on their free time?
  • Given the short and intense nature of a short-term program, students are asked to stay in the same location/city as planned on the program itinerary. Students usually spend their free time exploring the host community with other peers in the program. It is not uncommon for the faculty to invite students to explore with them.
• Do we need a power of attorney?
  • This is most likely not necessary. You can review information on the GEC travel preparations site.
• Is there a refund/credit for housing/meal plan while I am away for January term?
  • Depending on the meal plan, students typically do see some credit on the e-bill. There is no credit for housing.

Dear participants in Winter Term 2022 study abroad and Study USA programs,

We continue working daily and in close contact with our global partner organizations to monitor changing pandemic conditions and track travel advisories and restrictions reported by the U.S. Department of State, the CDC and airlines.

The top priority of Elon’s Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) is the health and safety of students, faculty and staff who are taking part in these study and travel experiences. All decisions about the status of each program will begin with considerations to protect the well-being of the participants.

In line with CDC recommendations and the university’s recently announced booster requirement for students, we strongly encourage everyone traveling to other countries to receive their COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible.we strongly encourage everyone traveling to other countries to receive their COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible.

COMMUNICATIONS IN THE DAYS AHEAD

The majority of Elon Winter Term study away programs are scheduled to depart for their destinations the first week of January. To keep everyone informed with accurate information, we are implementing special communications for students, faculty and staff who will be traveling abroad or in the United States.

• This is the first of a series of daily email updates from the GEC. We will provide the latest information and announcements via email to you no later than 4 p.m. ET. Please make a point of reading these updates so you are informed of changes that may impact you and others in your program. Feel free to share these email messages with anyone who has an interest in your Winter Term experience.
• We have created a special Winter Term course status webpage. This page will include the latest information we have about each Winter Term program offered through the GEC, as well as in other units at Elon.[KR1]

WINTER TERM 2022 STATUS UPDATES

Here are the most recent course updates:

• The Elon Teaching Fellows program has canceled activities coordinated by The Washington Center, in Washington D.C. The group will instead travel to Washington for the first week of the course, as planned, and return to Elon for weeks two and three. The group will arrive Sunday, Jan. 2, and return via motorcoach to Elon the morning of Sunday, Jan. 9.

For more details, see Elon’s cancellation policy for Winter Term 2022 courses.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions or concerns regarding GEC programs, contact global@elon.edu or call 336.278.6700, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If you need to contact someone after business hours for an emergency, call Elon Campus Safety and Police and ask for the GEC staff member on call: 336.278.5555. For non-GEC programs, it is recommended that you be in touch with your program director(s).

Watch for the next update email tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 28, no later than 4 p.m.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Gozik
Dean of Global Education