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COVID-19 FAQ

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are planning to run with the dates advertised on the program page. If a program requires withdrawal, all applicants will receive notice directly from IEC staff. Additionally, the program website will show notice in bold red letters at the top of the page and we will cease collection of new applications to the program. GC will only withdraw GC-led programs. Students may choose to participate in external programs at their own discretion following GC procedures. 
GC uses a multitude of resources in deciding if a program can operate abroad including the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Department of State, the World Health Organization, and other resources localized by the program destination. Staff and administrators from the IEC, Provost, and Legal Affairs analyze the data prior to making a decision.  
If GC decides to withdraw any or all GC-led programs, every attempt will be made to provide a refund. However, there may be cases where refunds are not possible.

If students are enrolled in partner or unaffiliated programs, any refund policies will be determined by the program host.

As much as possible, IEC staff will work closely with academic and student affairs staff to facilitate transition to alternate arrangements in the instance of last-minute travel interruptions.
All standard payment and cancellation procedures remain in place in all instances of participant withdrawal, regardless of rationale.
If your program is withdrawn, you may be given the opportunity to defer your application until a future term and those details will be provided to you at the time the decision is made for the individual program.

If you have chosen to withdraw from the program, you will need to reapply in order to participate in the future.
Each nation has its own guidelines and restrictions regarding what travelers may or may not do while abroad and some even have variations between vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. As a result, we strongly recommend taking the vaccination in addition practicing any required protocol. In addition, you should review the U.S. State Department travel advisory also the Embassy’s COVID-19 website, which is linked from the travel advisory, for your host nation(s) and any transit or layover nations to ensure you stay up to date with restrictions as they change frequently. You are personally responsible for the cost of testing, quarantine and other COVID-19 supplies that may be necessary.

Additionally, program vendors may have restrictions or requirements that exceed governmental expectations. In these cases, all participants must adhere to the procedures established by the hosts.
While Georgia College has no vaccine or masking mandate at this time, each nation has its own guidelines and restrictions regarding what travelers may or may not do while abroad and some even have variations between vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. As a result, we strongly recommend taking the vaccination in addition practicing any required protocol. Furthermore, you should review the U.S. State Department travel advisory and also the Embassy’s COVID-19 website, which is linked from the travel advisory, for your host nation(s) and any transit or layover nations to ensure you stay up to date with restrictions as they change frequently. You are personally responsible for the cost of testing, quarantine and other COVID-19 supplies that may be necessary.

Additionally, program vendors may have restrictions or requirements that exceed governmental expectations. In these cases, all participants must adhere to the procedures established by the hosts.
Yes. Any COVID-19 testing, quarantine requirements, and other supplies are at the expense of the participant. Some governments require quarantine upon arrival. It is the participant’s responsibility to satisfy any quarantine requirement and be prepared to start the program on the official start date.
That is up to you, your risk tolerance, and your budget. Cancel or Interrupt For Any Reason insurance is available to all GC study abroad participants, regardless of program. Full details on the plan and instructions for enrollment are available within the study abroad application. Participants must enroll within 21 days of commitment to the program. For GC-led programs, we consider you committed to the program on the date that you make your final payment toward the program charge. For all other programs, your date of commitment will be determined by your host institution or provider.
The US Department of State issues all passport books and cards. Due to extended office closure early in the pandemic and extended delays in mail delivery, processing of new and renewed passports takes longer than usual (some report over 4 months). Passports should be valid a minimum of 6 months beyond your travel plans. If you are considering travel abroad in the near future, apply for a passport today. For full and current details on processing times, application materials and any additional information you need, please visit the US Department of State Passport site.
Border-Free GC provides access to international experiences and opportunities to all, free from barriers of all sorts. Leveraging technology to connect with the world, students can participate in a Border-Free study abroad program, take on-campus classes with international components, connect with students abroad in outside the classroom activities and much, much more.