COVID-19 Updates from International Education

International Student FAQs | Study Abroad FAQs

 

The International Education team continues to montior updates and changes to COVID-19 advisories and precautionary measures from local, state, and federal authorities. This page will provide timely updates for international students and prospective study abroad students.

Additional information on the larger University response to the coronavirus can be found here: richmond.edu/coronavirus

International Students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand All
  • How can I keep updated on current developments related to COVID-19 and share my concerns/questions?

    We encourage you to keep in touch with us and have the following resources available to assist you during this chaotic time:

    • International Education has been Zooming with international students to hear their concerns, answer questions, and refer them to resources. Please email international@richmond.edu if you would like to have a Zoom session with one of our staff.
    • Our new UR International Student Newsletter is going into its 4th edition this week – please check your Richmond email for this valuable source of news, events, tips, and recipes just for international students!
    • The University Response to COVID-19 website has information about preparations for Fall 2020 and announcements to the UR community about the pandemic.
    • UR held 2 webinars on fall planning. The Incoming Students Webinar is available through the UR Admissions YouTube Channel. The Returning Students Webinar will soon be posted to UR’s COVID website. Access to this video will require a netid login.
  • Do I have to quarantine before the start of the semester?

    International students are not subject to a quarantine requirement unless you have been resident in one of these countries at any time during the 14 days prior to your travel; these students should factor into their travel plans the need for a 14-day quarantine in addition to UR’s pre-arrival health monitoring and testing. Please consult the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html for information about quarantines. US citizens who are abroad and are subject to a quarantine requirement can quarantine in the United States.

    Some international students are making arrangements to travel to a country not on this list for at least 14 days prior to the start of the semester so that they can be allowed into the US. So far we’re aware of students choosing Mexico, based on cost and flight availability. The websites https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm and https://www.kayak.com/travel-restrictions may be helpful in your planning.

    We are working on a quarantine option for students who will be arriving from other international destinations to Richmond. You only need to quarantine once.

    Students who have a mandatory quarantine period en route to the United States can receive up to $1,500 support for lodging and meals as they quarantine. Please note that support is NOT available for airfare.
  • Can I take all my classes remotely?
    Students who are high risk for COVID-19, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control, may request an accommodation by completing the University’s request for disability accommodations. A full remote start is not an option for new students. In the instance that a continuing international student is unable to travel, after good faith efforts to secure a visa and arrange for air travel, a committee with representation from the College Deans offices, International Education, and the Provost’s office would review that student’s application (for which an on-line form will be made available). While the University will make every effort to ensure that students are able to continue their academic progress, even if it has to occur via remote instruction, it is not possible to offer all courses in a full-remote semester. This may require a schedule change, as it is unlikely that all courses for which the student is registered would be offered remotely. Please do not ask faculty members about a full-remote semester; instead, send any questions to us at the International inbox (international@richmond.edu).
  • Is there a difference in tuition between in-residence and remote classes?
    UR tuition will remain the same for all students, whether a student is in residence or learning remotely.
  • Are there options to study abroad through UR for the fall?

    There are 2 regional study abroad options for continuing UR students who qualify. Please note that these options are NOT available to incoming 1st year international students.

    For students who are currently in China, one of UR’s international partners, IES Abroad, is offering a program at their Center in Shanghai called "Economy, Business and Culture." The program is available for the fall semester only to Chinese citizens currently living in China, and may appeal particularly to those students who think they may be unable to return to the US for their fall semester.

    Here are some important points to consider:

    • IES application deadline: July 13, 2020
    • Courses taught in English at the IES Center in Shanghai
    • Students may earn 15-18 credits (minimum 3.5 units)
    • As with all UR-approved study abroad, students would pay UR tuition for the semester, but would pay for room and board directly to IES. Fin Aid applies, if relevant.
    • International Education’s $1,000 scholarship would apply, as with regular study abroad
    • Program dates: 9 September – 19 December 2020
    • Enrollment in this program for continuing F-1 students would enable you to keep your visa status active as a study abroad student so there will be no break in your status.

    If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Amy Bergmann or Michele Cox as soon as possible.

    For UR students who are currently in Europe or the UK, Some of UR’s international partners, in Germany, Scotland and Ireland, are extending the application period for their study abroad programs for the fall. These may appeal particularly to those students who think they may be unable to return to the US for their fall semester.

    Here are important points to consider, as well some details about each program.

    • Students may earn a full semester of UR credit (minimum 3.5 units).
    • As with all UR-approved study abroad, students would pay UR tuition for the semester, but would pay for room and board directly to the program. Financial Aid applies, if relevant.
    • International Education’s $1,000 scholarship would apply, as with regular study abroad.
    • Enrollment in this program for continuing F-1 students would enable you to keep your visa status active as a study abroad student so there will be no break in your status.

      1) FU-BEST (Freie Universität Berlin European Studies Program)
    • Application deadline: July 15, 2020
    • Courses taught in English and focused on European Studies at the Freie Universität Berlin; optional German language class available
    • Program dates: 25 August – 11 December, 2020
    • UR Contact: Chris Klein

      2) University of St. Andrews
    • Applications are still being accepted, housing application deadline is June 30, 2020
    • 3.2 UR gpa or higher required
    • Program dates: 7 September – 18 December, 2020 (dependent on exam schedule)
    • UR Contact: Amy Bergmann

    Students from outside the UK will be able to arrive from 24 August in order to complete a 14-day quarantine period before the start of orientation week on 7 September. This two-week stay will be free of charge, and students will not need to pay any additional accommodation costs. Food will be delivered to each student in their room during this quarantine period.

    3) University College Dublin

    • Limited applications are still being accepted.
    • 3.0 UR GPA or higher required
    • Program dates: 14 September – 23 December, 2020 (dependent on exam schedule)
    • UR Contact: Amy Bergman
    If you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities, please contact the UR study abroad advisor listed above as soon as possible.
  • Does the University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) cover COVID-19?

    The SHIP covers COVID-19 testing and treatment. Please refer to the Coronavirus Information page for more information and contact First Student for questions.

  • Can I stay on campus when the University starts operating remotely after Thanksgiving break?
    Because we recognize that travel home during the winter break period may create new challenges for students who live abroad, international students will be offered housing, either on-campus or off, during the winter break if they are in good academic standing (2.0 GPA) and if return to their home country or if reentry to the United States is not possible.
  • 1st year international students only: Who can I contact if I need documentation for an expedited visa appointment?
    You should have received an email from International Admissions on 06/23 about documentation you can use. If you did not receive or no longer have this email, please contact intladm@richmond.edu.
  • 1st year international students only: How late can I arrive and still be able to take classes?
    International students who cannot arrive for new student orientation in August, but who can arrive before the second week of classes in September, will be able to begin their classes on campus. The final date to arrive is September 1 so that they can attend at least one section of each class during this time frame. If you cannot arrive by this date, you will need to defer your enrollment to the Spring 2021 semester.
  • 1st year international students only: Are any classes available remotely?
    While a full remote semester is not an option for 1st year incoming students, they may begin their UR enrollment by taking one remote course, the First Year Seminar (FYS) course offered exclusively for new students unable to arrive on campus for the first semester. This course is required of all UR students and will count toward degree requirements. The FYS course will be offered to you at no charge and hosted across time zones. Students would register for classes and housing assignments in November and arrive in Richmond in January for new student orientation. Please note you will need a computer, camera, reliable internet access, and access to Zoom Video Communications to enroll in this class; if this poses an obstacle, we will work with you on an individual basis to coordinate January arrival without taking FYS.

Study Abroad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated December 7, 2022

Expand All