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International Programs

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates for International Programs

Frequently Asked Questions for 21-22 Programs

  • Can I make an appointment to speak with someone at International Programs?

    Yes. You may either email intlprograms@union.edu or call at (518) 388-6002. While the college is closed, Lara Atkins - Director, Ginny Casper - Assistant Director and Donna Sichak – Assistant to the Directors are all working remotely.

  • Will my fall program run?

    On June 2nd, Union’s International Risk Management Committee (IRMC) will be meeting to explore options on the potential for our students to study abroad. International Programs will be advising the IRMC that we would like to see decision dates for programs that are based on each location's requirements, allowing time to apply for visas (if required) and the purchase of flights. We will recommend that none of these dates is later than July 1st, but some will be earlier in June due to visa requirements or overseas partner input.

    We remain committed to being flexible and open regarding a study abroad experience for our students. During the coronavirus pandemic, International Programs has continually been assessing the feasibility of international travel and making decisions about programs on an individual basis. Union’s decision to offer 2021–22 programming is subject to change based on health, safety, and travel assessments. While there has been an easing of some travel restrictions, many factors remain challenging related to travel.

  • Should I hold off on booking my flight and applying for my visa for my study abroad program?

    Yes. In light of the uncertainty around international travel, we encourage you to delay the purchase of flights. Many of the consulates are not currently accepting visa applications or appointments at this point. You should gather your visa materials to have ready when it is time to begin the process as recommended in previous emails.

  • Should I take part in fall course registration?

    Pre-COVID, students would not need to register for fall courses because they are studying abroad, and the International Programs offices works with the Registrar to enroll you in your study abroad courses.

    However, because of the uncertainties brought on by COVID, we direct you to petition and register for Fall 2021 courses at Union. This is a precautionary measure that we are taking to ensure that your academic needs are met, whether you end up studying abroad or at Union this fall.

    Please note that, because we had to ensure that the faculty leaders for your programs also had courses to teach at Union this fall should the abroad programs become non-viable, you will see them listed as teaching courses at Union. Do not assume because you see them listed as teaching courses at Union that your programs abroad are canceled. If programs are to be canceled, the official announcement will come from International Programs.

    The fall course schedule will be published Friday, April 30. Petitioning will occur Saturday, May 8 through Tuesday, May 11, 2021. All students expecting to return in the fall or scheduled to study abroad, have been assigned a time to register. Since you will be registering on Student Planning, you may look up your registration appointment time on Self Service, not Webadvising.

    https://selfservice.union.edu/Student/

    If you have any questions about registration, please contact your academic advisor, with whom you’ll be connecting in order to discuss fall courses and have your advising holds removed.

  • What will happen to my housing if my fall program doesn't run?

    Students who typically study abroad are not eligible to participate in the housing lottery (Apartment and General). Due to COVID-19, we understand that study abroad programs may or may not occur. We recognize the uncertainty has put students in unusual positions of not being able to make concrete plans.

    Because of this, students will be able to select housing for the fall, and Residential Life will cancel that assignment once the program is confirmed. Please note, this is a one-year only exception we are granting due to the circumstances with covid and its impact on term abroad. There is no guarantee the space will be available in the winter, but we will make every effort to place students back where they selected when they return if your term abroad program does not get canceled.

    To participate in the housing selection process, please complete the following:

    1. Log onto your housing portal union.edu/myhousing.
    2. Click on the Applications tab on the left column
    3. Complete the "On Campus Returning Application (Fall 2021)

    Please fill out the application before 4/14/2021 at NOON.

    If you are a Greek Student:

    Your chapter can put you on the housing roster for Fall term. Your house manager and chapter leadership is aware of this change and will be in touch with you regarding housing for Fall.

    Important Dates:

    Your specific date and time for selecting a room will be announced during the end of week 3 of spring term. You will have until the end of week 4 to match up/pair up with potential roommates in the system. We strongly encourage you to have conversations with your potential roommates to let them know that should your trip move forward, we will need to fill the beds in the apartment/suites and would require their full cooperation.

    Apartment Housing Selection: Spring Term End of Week 4 during the business day

    General Housing Selection: Spring Term Week 5 during the business day

  • I need to renew my passport. What should I do?

    In normal times, it takes 6-8 weeks to obtain a passport, once you have applied. Facilities are slowly opening, and the services available depend upon the facility location. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html for more information and have your materials ready to apply.

  • Will there be pre-departure meetings for my study abroad program?

    Yes. We are working on planning these meetings and you will be informed of the dates and times. Most of them will take place during the fall term for the mini-term and winter term programs.

  • Will I be charged a withdrawal fee if I decide not to participate in a program?

    As of right now, you will not be charged the $350 fee that is normally charged from up to 60 days before the program start date. We will contact students with more information as we get closer to those dates with further information in regards to our withdrawal fees. Please note that if our office cancels any program, at any time, withdrawal fees do not apply!!