May 18, 2023
LMU continues to recommend that all travelers on university-sponsored programs be fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19 and up to date on all applicable inoculations, in accordance with travel guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control.
Note that vaccination and/or testing may still be mandated for a particular destination. Travelers are responsible for being aware of and fully understanding of any and all applicable local, regional, national, and international requirements. These conditions and requirements remain subject to change based upon changing conditions, environments and health and safety considerations.
See also: Changes to LMU Covid-19 Vaccination Policy
December 22, 2022
August 22, 2022
Spring 2022 semester programs abroad are running as scheduled. LMU continues to monitor worldwide events and advises travelers to avoid any regions impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Campus Ministry encourages the LMU community to pray for peace in Ukraine as the Lenten season begins. Read the prayer here.
December 20, 2021
LMU Study Abroad is closely monitoring the news of the Omicron variant and related travel restrictions. At this time, spring semester study abroad programs are continuing to run as scheduled, in accordance with local health and safety protocols, and modifications will be made if needed. Consistent with CDC guidelines for international travel, all study abroad participants are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19. It continues to be advised that study abroad students obtain a Covid-19 vaccine booster when eligible in consultation with a health care provider.
We are following the recommended wait-and-see approach regarding this variant and will communicate any program-related updates with participants directly when more is known about the situation and its impact on programs abroad.
November 23, 2021
LMU continues to monitor health, safety, and travel advisories around the world, including the latest reports of a spike in COVID cases in Europe. The LMU Study Abroad team is in close contact with on-site program colleagues abroad, who are following the regulations and guidance provided by local authorities.
While spring semester study abroad programs are currently planned to run as scheduled, should a particular program not be feasible, LMU Study Abroad will work with our departments on campus to provide contingency plans for the impacted spring semester students. Any changes or updates would be communicated to participants as quickly as possible.
With the recent expanded availability of the Covid booster in the U.S. to populations over age 18, it may be advisable to obtain a booster prior to going abroad. Student participants are encouraged to consult with a health care provider accordingly.
July 16, 2021
University-Sponsored Domestic and International Travel Update
Domestic Travel
Effective July 1, 2021, the travel suspension has been lifted on university-sponsored or grant-funded travel within the United States for faculty and staff who are fully vaccinated with a World Health Organization approved vaccine. Domestic travel includes research trips, conferences, immersion trips, volunteer or work programs, service learning, fellowships, or professional development activities.
Domestic travel by non-vaccinated employees with a university-approved medical or religious exemption are being considered on a case-by-case basis. To request an exemption, please complete the Travel Exception Request Form.
Non-vaccinated faculty and staff must follow CDC protocol upon return from travel: · Receive a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.
o If the test result is negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days. o If the test result is positive, contact LMU’s COVID Support Team and isolate to protect others from getting infected.
· If no test is taken, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel. · Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, regardless of testing status. · Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; contact LMU’s COVID Support Team, isolate, and get tested if symptoms develop. · Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.
As circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, LMU will update its travel guidance in accordance with the latest public health orders. LMU’s travel guidance is subject to change based on guidance and requirements issued by the CDC, state of California, or Los Angeles County. This guidance is effective until further notice and will be reviewed on a regular basis.
International Travel (Suspension Extended)
In alignment with guidance from public health authorities, and, so that we may have the best chance to return healthy in the fall, all university-sponsored international travel is currently suspended. This suspension includes study abroad, programs with international components, research trips, conferences, immersion trips, volunteer or work programs, service learning, fellowships, or professional development activities. LMU will continue to evaluate restrictions and recommendations from the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization, and update our policies accordingly.
April 2021
Due to the continuous unknowns with COVID-19 and related health and safety concerns in locations around the world, a university decision has been made that LMU will not be offering study abroad programming for the fall 2021 semester.
LMU is taking a proactive approach regarding the fall semester so that students and faculty can make plans with more certainty, including campus course registration and planning for housing. We will focus on the positive return to campus in fall and shift study abroad programming to spring 2022.
In the meantime, several virtual programs are available this summer through LMU Study Abroad, including internationally-focused courses based in locations abroad and remote global internships.
Applications for spring 2022 semester programs abroad are open and will be available through October 2, 2021.
February 2021
LMU has recently extended the university international travel suspension due to the covid-19 pandemic and continued travel restrictions worldwide. This suspension includes summer study abroad programs.
LMU Study Abroad is offering several virtual programs this summer, including internationally-focused courses based in locations abroad, as well as remote global internships and Washington, DC program. More information available here.
The feasibility of running fall 2021 programs abroad is still being assessed. The regular application deadline for fall 2021 semester programs has been extended to April 2, 2021, and this application cycle will likely involve extensive contingency planning. LMU continues to monitor health, safety, and travel advisories around the world and will post updated information as it becomes available.
Applications are open for spring 2022 semester programs abroad and will be available through October 2, 2021.
October 2020
Please note that Study Abroad programming is suspended for the spring 2021 semester due to the covid-19 pandemic and continued travel restrictions worldwide.
Students who were planning to study abroad in spring have been notified and their applications will be moved to the following term. Our office will work closely with students who will be studying abroad as seniors next year to assist with any additional planning details.
The Early Action application for fall 2021 programs is open and will be available until December 2, 2020. The regular application deadline for fall 2021 programs is March 2, 2021.
LMU continues to monitor health, safety, and travel advisories around the world and will post updated information as it becomes available.
June 2020
LMU continues to monitor the global, national, and regional coronavirus pandemic to safeguard the well-being of our community. In alignment with guidance from public health authorities, all university-sponsored international travel is suspended through December 2020. This suspension includes study abroad, programs with international components, research trips, conferences, immersion trips, volunteer or work programs, service learning, fellowships, or professional development activities.
LMU will continue to evaluate restrictions and recommendations from the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization, and update our policies accordingly. We invite you to visit lmu.edu/together/ for the latest updates.
As travel restrictions ease and travel is once again possible, LMU will continue to prioritize the safety of students, faculty, and staff. We continue to work closely with our partners abroad to ensure protocols are in place to optimize safety and minimize risk. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about measures in place for their particular programs throughout the application process and during pre-departure orientation.