Study Abroad Advisory

The Office of International Programs is delighted that you are planning to study abroad and we want to let you know that the vast majority of study abroad programs take place without incident. From time to time, however, world events beyond our control call into question the wisdom of supporting particular study abroad programs. Please note that the University of Puget Sound reserves the right to cancel or withdraw approval of a program at any time if it involves risk to students traveling to that country or those countries. Typically the university will cancel or withdraw approval of a program in areas for which there are travel warnings, alerts, or advisories issued by the US State Department (DOS) or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). See the UPS policy limiting study abroad based on health or security risks.

When applying to any program, but especially to those for which a travel warning or advisory might be issued, we strongly recommend that you

1. Develop a back-up plan (for example, an application to a different study abroad site) that you might pursue should the university cancel your program;

2. Check in frequently with the Office of International Programs and consult the DOS and CDC Travel Advisory lists regularly as you apply to study abroad. You may find these at the Web sites listed below. Please bookmark these sites on your computer:
   www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
   wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

3. Become familiar with the refund policy deadlines of the program(s) to which you are applying and be aware of the financial implications to you and your parents should the university cancel approval of the program;

4. Notify the Director of International Programs as soon as possible when you have been accepted to the program. The university may offer, but does not guarantee, a liability waiver permitting study in an area for which a travel warning or advisory has been issued. Such waivers may only be offered if a student in good faith applies to a program that subsequent to acceptance is put on a warning/advisory list. The Director will consult with the Dean about the possibility of a waiver.