We hope that you and your families are healthy and well during this challenging time. We would like to provide an update regarding study abroad. As you are aware, Santa Clara University places priority on the health and safety of our students whether at home or abroad. Given the on-going global health pandemic, the University has made some important decisions about our study abroad programs that are described in detail below. 

Study Abroad Programs with start dates on or before August 31
Fall study abroad programs with start dates on or before August 31, 2020 are cancelled.

We know how hard you worked for the opportunity to study abroad and this decision may be disappointing to you. We made the call in light of stringent travel and quarantine restrictions, health advisories, border closures, and embassies suspending issuance of student visas.  

If your schedule permits and your interest remains, we strongly encourage you to consider deferring your application to an available program in Winter/Spring 2021. Please visit our Study Abroad COVID 19 FAQs for more details about application options, recoverable and unrecoverable fees, and campus resources.

Study Abroad Programs with start dates on or after September 1
Study abroad programs with start dates on or after September 1 are still active and have not been cancelled. 

We continue to monitor international health and travel advisories. We are also regularly in communication with our program partners around the world and are working diligently to keep abreast of the rapidly evolving study abroad scenarios.

Fall 2020 Course Registration
All students should engage in the Mandatory May Advising process that begins April 27 and register for fall during the regular registration period, May 11-22. 

Due to current uncertainties, students who are enrolled in a Study Abroad program that is scheduled to begin after September 1 will be permitted to participate in Provisional Registration for Fall courses at SCU, in case your Study Abroad participation does not proceed as planned. As part of Mandatory May Advising, you should meet with your faculty advisor to make a plan for fall enrollment at Santa Clara and discuss potential plans for study abroad in Winter/Spring 2020 or Fall 2021. Once you have met with your advisor, your Provisional Registration hold will be lifted so that you will be able to register for fall classes during your assigned registration time. In the event that you are able to continue with Study Abroad, the Provisional Registration will automatically be cancelled. 

Our dedicated team has worked hard to respond to growing interest in global experiences for SCU students and we were excited to see student participation increase by 10% for 2020-21. While we deal with this unprecedented situation your health and safety are our highest priority and we look forward to working with students on engaged learning abroad in the future.

If you find you are struggling in coping with the challenges and uncertainty related to COVID-19 in any way Santa Clara University has many resources available to students:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in the Cowell Center.
• Campus Ministry is available to offer guidance and pastoral care.
• Students in need of academic assistance and/or accommodations due to mental health reasons may contact the Drahmann Advising and Learning Resources Center in Kenna Hall or Disability Resources in Benson.
• In addition, the Office of Student Life supports a number of programs designed to assist students.

 

Best, 

Sara Branley                                                                                                                     Director of Study Abroad

Susan Popko                                                                                                                       Associate Provost for International Programs

Elsa Chen                                                                                                                            Vice Provost for Academic Affairs