This page provides updates on global events impacting our program locations, such as natural disasters, political unrest and disease outbreaks. The following updates are gathered from direct observation by our resident staff, U.S. Department of State recommendations, Overseas Security Advisory Council reports, CDC and WHO guidance, and expert consultation. Information is subject to change.
This page was last updated on April 5, 2020.
As we continue to assess the ongoing COVID-19 developments here and abroad, TEAN has made the very difficult decision to cancel all TEAN Summer 2020 programs. TEAN has reached out to enrolled Summer 2020 students to discuss alternative options, including deferring to later programs or receiving a full refund of paid program fees.
At this time TEAN is not canceling any Fall programs. TEAN is in regular communication with our host university partners who are working on adjusting deadlines and start dates for Fall programs to allow more time for decision making. TEAN will continue to monitor the fast-moving developments related to COVID-19 and provide significant updates to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions as we look forward to hosting students on future programs.
We’ve gathered the below FAQs regarding COVID-19 as they specifically relate to TEAN, our students and our staff.
Q. Will TEAN Fall 2020 programs still be running?
All of our Fall 2020 programs are currently running as scheduled. Should changes need to be made to these programs, TEAN will communicate those changes ASAP with students and advisors.
Q. Will TEAN Summer 2020 programs still be running?
All Summer 2020 study abroad and internship programs have been canceled. All summer 2020 students were given the three options available in our Pre-Departure Refund Policy to choose whether they wanted to attend a different program or receive a refund.
Q. If TEAN cancels a Summer or Fall 2020, Winter or Spring 2021 program prior to the program starting, will I get a refund?
Yes – we have your back! See details here.
Q. What is the refund policy if I voluntarily choose to withdraw from a Fall 2020 study abroad program prior to departure because of concerns about the COVID-19?
All TEAN Fall 2020 study abroad program application and withdrawal deadlines have been extended to give students more time before committing to a program. The application and withdrawal deadlines are now the same dates. If you withdraw prior to the listed application/withdrawal date for your program, we will issue a full refund less the $100 application deposit. If you withdraw after the application/withdrawal deadline, we will work with our partners to recover costs and provide a refund as much as possible. For a list of all application/withdrawal dates see here.
Q. If my home university requires me to cancel my study abroad or intern abroad plans will I get a refund?
If you are required by your home university to cancel your Fall 2020 study abroad plans prior to the start date, TEAN will provide a full refund. If your home university requires students to cancel their program with TEAN after a program has started, TEAN will work to refund all recoverable costs, but the available refund may be minimal, if anything, depending on the program and the date of departure.
Q. I have submitted an application who can I contact for more information?
You can always contact your TEAN Program Manager directly or our TEAN headquarters in Chicago at 312-239-3710.
Please let your TEAN Program Manager know that you have arrived home safely.
With COVID-19 cases rising in the U.S., you should continue to follow the CDC guidelines for staying healthy. This includes practicing good hygiene and being aware of symptoms, including:
Many state and local officials across the U.S. have enacted measures to protect their communities, including social distancing. Make sure you are up to date and able to comply with the recommendations of your local authorities. We encourage you to keep in mind that older adults and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk for COVID-19.
Whether you are feeling unwell or completely fine, out of an abundance of caution, you should consider keeping a safe distance from any loved ones that may fall into the higher risk categories. We also recommend that you call your treating physician at home if you have specific questions about your health after traveling, as they can offer guidance tailored for you and your circumstances.
TEAN has been in communication with your home university but we encourage you to contact them as well to inform them that you have arrived safely back to the U.S.
TEAN has maintained close contact with our host institutions abroad as they formulate plans to allow impacted students to complete their coursework remotely. TEAN Program Managers will be sharing detailed information with you by email.
Australia
Our university partners have indicated that they are moving spring courses online where possible. The vast majority of classes will be available online, however there may be some hands-on courses, such as labs, which will not be possible to move into an online environment.
New Zealand
Our university partners have indicated that they are moving spring courses online where possible. The vast majority of classes will be available online, however there may be some hands-on courses, such as labs, which will not be possible to move into an online environment.
Thailand
Mahidol University has communicated a plan for completing courses remotely. TEAN has shared this information with students and home university contacts.
Singapore
All students at Singapore Management University who have returned to their home countries will be able to complete their courses remotely.
Vietnam
RMIT University has communicated a plan for completing courses remotely. TEAN has shared this information with students and home university contacts.
Your Program Manager will continue to be your main point of contact. We will also be looking into recovering costs for possible refunds and will be in touch.
On March 19th, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) raised their Global Health Advisory to Level 4: Do Not Travel. In the update, the DOS advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, U.S. citizens abroad are urged to arrange for an immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.
At this time, all TEAN programs worldwide have been suspended and students advised to return home. Many TEAN students have already departed their program location; and those who have not yet arranged travel back to the U.S. have been notified of the update to the DOS advisory level. TEAN is working to support students still on-site in making their final transportation arrangements and is liaising with host institutions abroad regarding student academics.
TEAN continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19 and will provide significant updates to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions.
On the morning of March 18th, TEAN communicated with students, parents, and home university advisors the decision to suspend all programs in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. TEAN resident staff in these countries are closely supporting students as they arrange transportation to the U.S. Affected students will continue to have access to TEAN resident staff, housing and insurance while they actively make preparations to depart.
TEAN continues to be in contact with all host institutions in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore to discuss academic options available to complete their coursework remotely or online. Once those details are finalized, TEAN will be in direct communication with students and recommends students continue to communicate directly with their professors.
Though TEAN has now suspended all Spring 2020 programs, we continue to monitor fast-moving developments related to COVID-19 and will continue to provide significant updates to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions as we look forward to hosting students on future programs.
As of March 15th, in addition to previously suspended TEAN programs in China and South Korea, TEAN has made the difficult decision to also suspend TEAN programs in Thailand and Vietnam. TEAN staff have communicated with all TEAN students and have been assisting them in their prompt return to the U.S. Although their semesters have been suspended, TEAN support (e.g. access to resident staff, housing, insurance) will still be available to students while they actively make plans to return home.
TEAN is in contact with all host institutions to discuss the academic options available for students to complete their coursework from a distance. We will continue to communicate with students and our university partners regarding these options.
TEAN continues to monitor fast-moving developments related to COVID-19 and will provide any significant update to students, their parents, and our U.S. partner institutions as necessary.
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Travel Advisory for China remains at a Level 4, advising U.S. citizens to not travel to China at this time. Due to the continuous rapid spread of COVID-19, our Health & Safety team has made the decision to cancel our Summer in Shanghai program to Fudan University.
TEAN staff are in contact with students who had applied to this program to discuss alternative options or deferring to a future term. Students who decide to not proceed with any alternative program are being issued full refunds of any fees paid.
We are closely following COVID-19 developments and have reviewed the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recent public statement regarding students traveling abroad to study.
After carefully considering the message and reviewing additional guidance from organizations like PULSE and the Forum on Education Abroad, TEAN (along with WorldStrides and other organizations that are part of the WorldStrides family) is not suspending any current programs, with the exception of previously suspended programs in South Korea and China.
The health and well-being of our students and staff are of utmost importance. We’re continuing to monitor all program locations regarding the spread of COVID-19 daily and are working closely with staff both in the U.S. and on the ground in host countries to communicate any additional guidelines that are developed in conjunction with our medical director. Should a situation change within a program host country, we have processes in place to respond quickly and will directly communicate with students on our programs, their emergency contacts and their home institutions.
In the meantime, TEAN will support program participants following the guidance of their home university, as each institution has its own policies during this time.
In December 2019, a viral pneumonia outbreak was reported in Wuhan, in the Hubei Province of central China. Authorities identified the virus as a novel (new) coronavirus, which was later named COVID-19. Although initially contained to mainland China with most cases concentrated in Hubei Province, there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 in other countries, including the U.S. On January 30th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This announcement allowed WHO to coordinate international efforts and resources in combating the spread of the virus.
TEAN is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and adjusting student programs as necessary. TEAN’s Spring 2020 programs in China and South Korea have been cancelled. (See country specific information below.) TEAN has been communicating with all Spring 2020 China and South Korea program students, their emergency contacts, and home institutions to work together and provide the best possible outcome for each student in this situation.
TEAN’s Spring programs in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand are currently running as planned. TEAN resident staff in these locations are advising students on best practices to stay healthy while abroad and providing guidance on independent travel.
This page will be updated with new information and announcements as necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us at 312-239-3710.
On January 27th, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Travel Notice for Mainland China to a Level 3 and recommended that all travelers avoid nonessential travel to the country. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) raised its Travel Advisory for China to a Level 4: Do Not Travel and recommended that U.S. citizens not travel to Mainland China at this time.
For these reasons, TEAN cancelled the Shanghai program for Spring 2020. Students had not yet departed for their Spring semester and TEAN staff worked with students on alternative program options. Students who had been planning on attending this program are receiving full refunds.
Beginning February 21st, a new cluster of COVID-19 cases was identified in South Korea. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that there was sustained community spread occurring, particularly in the areas of Daegu and Cheongdo (approximately 145 miles southeast of Seoul). On February 24th, the CDC raised their Travel Notice for South Korea to a Warning Level 3, advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to South Korea.
In light of these developments, TEAN canceled all Spring 2020 programs in South Korea. TEAN staff communicated with all South Korea program students regarding the cancelation of their program and assisted students with returning to the U.S., as well as provided information about alternative program options. TEAN is issuing students full refunds for their semester program fee.