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Undergraduate Global Engagement formerly the office of Global Programs

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Spring 2021 study abroad and frequently asked questions

The Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE) continues to plan for the return of Spring 2021 study abroad, in case the Columbia travel suspension is lifted and it is determined that it is safe to resume program operations abroad.

As updates about Spring 2021 become available, they will be shared. Please see below for frequently asked questions and in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact your UGE adviser with any further questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions for Spring 2021

What do i need to know about planning for spring 2021.

Spring applications are open and students can apply to study abroad. Students are also encouraged to actively consider back-up options to remain at Columbia in case travel continues to be restricted.

Please note that the situation remains fluid which might impact whether your chosen program remains open for study abroad. You should also expect there to be COVID-19 related modifications to programs, such as quarantine periods, which might change the program calendar and social distancing requirements which might affect classes, housing, activities, and trips.

How will decisions be made about whether or not Spring 2021 can move forward?

UGE is coordinating with on campus partners, local institutional officials, and other collaborators to determine the rubrics and protocols by which study abroad can resume. Guidelines provided by U.S., international, and foreign government agencies and non-governmental agencies that formulate policies and recommendations related to health, safety, and travel will inform the decision-making process..

Will certain locations or programs be open for study abroad in Spring 2021?

This will depend on the rubrics developed by Columbia. More information will be shared once they are available in the fall. In the meantime, apply to your program of choice and discuss a back-up alternative to remain at Columbia with your UGE adviser and Advising Dean.

When will a decision be made?

A decision about study abroad for spring 2021 will be made in the fall term, prior to the spring semester registration period.

If I am not a Columbia student, but would like to participate on a Columbia-led program, am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, all students are welcome to apply. Please check with your home institution about any home school policies.

If Columbia cancels study abroad, will I receive any refunds?

Prior to putting down any deposits for Spring 2021, please check with your UGE adviser before proceeding. It is also recommended that you learn about refund policies of your respective program, if applicable.

What about refunds? If my program is cancelled before it is scheduled to begin but after I confirmed participation, will I be refunded all fees? What if the program goes 100% remote directly before the start of the semester? Can I be fully refunded? What are the refund options should the program start in-person but ultimately switch to 100% remote?

Each program will have its own policies regarding all of these questions. Prior to submitting any deposits, please make sure you understand your program’s financial policies.

Will I have the option to defer my acceptance to the following semester?

This depends on individual program policies. You may have a chance to defer your acceptance, but please check with the specific program.

Do I have other opportunities for global learning in case study abroad doesn’t resume in Spring 2021?

Yes, please learn more about the Global Columbia Collaboratory which is a new virtual exchange program that was launched in summer 2020. We anticipate offering it through the 2020-21 academic year.

We also welcome you to reach out to the UGE Peer Advisers who are past participants of study abroad programs and the Global Columbia Collaboratory. They are happy to share their perspectives and experiences that helped them further their global learning and develop global competencies while at Columbia and abroad.

Please follow us on Instagram ( @ColumbiaUndergradGlobal) which will keep you informed about new opportunities for the upcoming year.

As a Columbia College student, can I study abroad in the spring of my first or second year? For example, as a second-year, I can take my CC course online while I study abroad in order to stay on track with the Core.

Current eligibility requirements are still in place for spring 2021, which means that Columbia College students should plan to participate in study abroad during their junior year, during any summer period, or, with special permission, during their senior year.

As a Columbia Engineering student, can I study abroad in the spring of my first year? I can take some required courses on-line while I study abroad in order to stay on track.

Current eligibility requirements are still in place for spring 2021, which means that Columbia Engineering students should plan to participate in study abroad during their sophomore or junior year, during any summer period, or, with special permission, during their senior year.

Will I be able to do a summer study abroad program in Summer A or B session?

Columbia College and Columbia Engineering students are allowed to take 40 credits over the fall, spring, and summer terms. In terms of costs and scheduling, it is not certain whether some study abroad programs will fit into the tuition plan or the Summer A or B sessions, or whether they will follow their own dates and fee schedules. Decisions about summer study abroad programs are ongoing, and details about will be released in the fall semester. All Columbia-sponsored programs abroad are subject to University travel restriction policies.

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Study Abroad in East Asia

Studying abroad allows students to engage with the cultures of East Asia while rapidly progressing in their language abilities. The Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement (UGE) offers a number of study abroad opportunities organized or approved by Columbia University.

Listed below are all Columbia-led study abroad programs in East Asia. Many additional Columbia-approved programs in Korea, China, Nepal, Japan, Indonesia, and Mongolia are also available. Students interested in study abroad should see the UGE Find a Program page for a comprehensive list of offerings and options. Any questions should be addressed to the relevant UGE staff member listed for each program. East Asia Studies majors and concentrators should also discuss their plans to study abroad with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

For information about fellowships to help finance study abroad in East Asia, please see our Undergraduate Fellowships page.

Summer Study Abroad Programs

• Kyoto Summer Programs in Modern Japanese and Classical Japanese (KCJS) The Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) program offers intensive language training for highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students who have completed at least one, two, three, or four years of college-level Japanese or the equivalent.
• Summer Business Chinese Program This nine-week program combines intensive study of Chinese for business purposes with a practical language practicum in a local or multinational business. Applicants must have completed at least two years of college-level Chinese.
• Summer Language Program in Beijing This nine-week program immerses you in Beijing and offers four levels of intensive Chinese language studies from first through fourth year. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are emphasized in the classroom, in drill sections, and through private tutorials. Group excursions in and around Beijing and a week-long travel break give you insight into Chinese society and lifestyle, and provide a variety of environments in which to use your language skills.

Semester and Year Study Abroad Programs

• Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) The Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) is a semester or academic year long program for undergraduates who wish to do work in Japanese language and Japanese studies. The program will help you strengthen your Japanese skills by providing intensive language training and regular interactions with host families and the local community. Applicants must have completed at least one year of college-level Japanese for the fall semester, and three semesters for the spring semester, or the equivalent.

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International Travel Policies and Resources

SIPA students traveling abroad for research, study, summer internships, or other university business are required to be in compliance with Columbia University International Travel Planning and Policy (CU ITPP) . You must be in compliance with CU ITPP to receive international travel grants or stipends and to get academic credit for courses and programs that have international travel as an integral component, and you must be in compliance if you are leading or participating in any recognized student group travel.

This policy is outlined here:

• Comply with ISOS Elevated Risk Approval Process
• Register Trip in ISOS MyTrips
• Submit the SIPA Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release Form

These policies impact students, Officers of Administration, support staff, faculty, and other Columbia employees  travel ing  international ly with students or organizing  international  student  travel . Click  here  for more information.

RESOURCES:  A wide range of supports are available to travelers including:

• Comprehensive website on Columbia Travel through   Office of Global Travel
• Travel support and emergency services through   ISOS
• Pre-travel health assessments through   CU Health Services
• Medical insurance through  Zurich

For any immediate questions or concerns, please contact  Dean Brown  directly at  [email protected] .

More information regarding Columbia University International Travel Planning and Policy (CU ITPP) and related resources are available  here .

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