Embedded Program Leader Guidelines (COVID-19)

(updated 11/18/2021)

Introduction 

As part of the 2021-2022 program development process, there will be additional requirements and expectations for faculty leading programs as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The information will be updated regularly based on current conditions and you will be responsible for reviewing the details and understanding the implications for your program and making the necessary changes. The information detailed throughout this document will outline the new and existing requirements and set the expectation for new procedures. 

Your program details, itineraries, academic continuity plan and emergency action plan may be shared with Education Abroad leadership, the Global Safety Office, the International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC), the Vice Provost for Global Programs and the Provost. Program viability decisions may be determined based on your detailed submissions. This document has been guided by the Forum Guidelines for Conducting Education Abroad during COVID-19, and any questions or concerns will be the responsibility of the leader to reach out to Global Programs or Education Abroad team for support in understanding and adhering to these requirements and guidelines. This information is subject to change and should only be utilized in this location to ensure the most up-to-date information. 

The Education Abroad staff on the Customized Programs team remains available to address questions, hold individual meetings, and does plan to host information sessions/roundtable discussions throughout the program planning process. Please reach out for more information whenever necessary.

Global Programs Customized Programs: embeddedprograms@psu.edu

  • Matt Lockaby, Campus Associate for Education Abroad (Commonwealth Campus Faculty Leader Support) m.lockaby@psu.edu
  • Michelle Smeal, Customized Programs Coordinator mms106@psu.edu 814-865-4384

Can My Program Run?

This is one of the most common questions we have fielded from program leaders. These are the factors under consideration to determine viability of undergraduate student group travel in academic year 2021-2022.

  • If your program destination is considered University Restricted Travel, leaders must complete the extensive travel petition process outlined in the next section (Restricted Travel Approval Process).
  • If your program is not on the University Restricted Travel List, your program can move forward with the traditional planning process, but leaders should familiarize themselves with the updated information, program leader requirements and resources outlined throughout this website. 
  • Please note that the destinations considered as University Restricted Travel is updated regularly, and our team will alert program leaders if their destination is added to the list during the program planning and approval process.
  • CDC Advisory or Travel Notice level (country-specific)
  • U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory level (country-specific)
  • Country-specific entry requirements or exclusions of host country (i.e., can travelers from U.S. enter? Is quarantine required upon arrival?)
    • For example, if you typically deliver your program over a 4 week period and your country requires a 2 week quarantine, then you may need to adjust your program to have longer in-person instruction and delivery. 
  • Are there restrictions on movement or group activities in the host destination(s)?
  • Can the faculty/program leaders properly uphold the requirements outlined in this document?

Restricted Travel Approval Process

All faculty-led embedded programs must complete the following steps:

  1. Completion of the annual program proposal process through Terra Dotta (New Embedded Program Proposal) which includes the following:
    1. Approval from academic leadership
    2. Completion of an Academic Continuity Plan and Emergency Action Plan
      1. For Winter Break 2021-22 programs – due September 15. 2021
      2. For Spring 2022 programs – due November 1, 2021
      3. For Summer 2022 program – due January 15, 2022
  2. For programs defined as Restricted Travel, Education Abroad will collect and send the program information for review by the Global Safety Office, International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC), the Vice Provost for Global Programs and the Provost. 

Please note that program planning can continue without the official restricted travel approval; which typically happens within 2-3 months of the program departure. 

Leader Responsibilities

Putting pen to paper to outline any and all potential leader responsibility changes due to COVID-19 guidelines is an impossible task, but we have listed here all main responsibilities of Penn State program leaders. Some are the same as always, and some are new or newly detailed.

  • Academic expertise in the content areas covered by the courses for which credit will be awarded
  • Organizing and planning skills, and the ability to keep track of a number of details simultaneously
  • Recruitment techniques and enthusiasm—you must be willing to spend time speaking with students and attending events (in person or virtually!) to promote the program
  • The ability to handle the physical and emotional demands of the program abroad; some short-term programs involve daily tours of sites as well as frequent field study travel by bus where you and your students are on the move, which can be rigorous (note that rigorous travel itineraries may not be possible under current conditions. Please refer to the “travel logistics” section below) 
  • Commitment to be “on-call” 24 hours per day for the duration of the program and to take charge in any situation where students need to be directed, rather than consulted
  • Agreement to serve as 24/7 contact person in the event of an emergency or urgent situation that may arise abroad.
  • Appreciation for the increased contact with students that is inevitable in a field-based setting and commitment to collaborate and communicate with Global Programs especially in regard to the safety and well-being of students; 
  • First-hand, specifically relevant experience in the country/ies hosting the program (strongly preferred).
  • Prior to the start of the education abroad program, a new required emergency preparedness workshop (EPW) within the 6 months prior to travel (NOTE: this is updated to reflect the need to attend EPW immediately prior to leading your program in summer 2022. The EPW session will be updated to focus on group travel during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as address other risks and response procedures.)
  • All Penn State faculty-led programs must have a minimum of two (2) current Penn State employees leading the group. Ideally, this would be two faculty members or one faculty member plus a graduate TA. 
    • The rationale, for the Penn State International Travel policy (FN20), for requiring a minimum of two Penn State employees to lead the program is as follows:
      • Given the number of uncertainties with group travel under the best of circumstances, we know that each group will face unique challenges that may require splitting up into smaller groups for some events, traveling separately between sites, and dealing with unanticipated logistical issues. Having two trusted and trained Penn State leaders will allow the students an added level of support and leadership throughout the program.
    • Exceptions may be made for programs utilizing reputable providers or partners in their international host destinations. Please consult the Customized Programs Team and complete the Single Program Leader Petition. 
  • All programs will be required to complete an Academic Continuity Plan
  • All programs will be required to complete an Emergency Action Plan
  • Make a commitment to upholding and enforcing COVID-19 protocol as outlined by Penn State for all program-related activities (i.e., class sessions, tours, group projects, program-related transportation, housing accommodations, etc.)
  • Consult with Global Programs/Education Abroad if there is any question of the appropriate course of action related to program planning or on-site incidents with regard to COVID-19 guidelines and protocol
  • Uphold Penn State policies and follow Penn State procedures under all circumstances. When in doubt, act in good faith and then follow up with Global Programs immediately for assistance.
  • In terms of program planning, main logistics should continue to be planned as possible, but with clear understanding of financial commitments and only in consultation with the Customized Programs Team. If you are the main point of contact with the host or vendor abroad, please be sure to inquire about the date by which arrangements are subject to financial commitment or penalty upon cancellation.
  • Follow relevant policies and protocol related to program leader family members traveling with the program. Please note that at current time, the typical family accompaniment policy is in place, which means any program leader must request approval for a family member to travel with the group, at least 3 months prior to program departure. Approval is subject to review by the Vice Provost for Global Programs, in conjunction with the office of risk management and possible consultation with academic leadership of the sponsoring academic unit. Please note that the family accompaniment policy could shift in the coming months. Global Programs will update program leaders if there are any changes to this policy (https://policy.psu.edu/policies/tr01). 

Vaccine Requirements

Employee Vaccination Requirements 

Faculty and staff on University-affiliated international travel must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the date of departure, employees should note the following exceptions:

  • Travel funded by non-University funds, such as sponsored research using federal or state grants, is excluded from the vaccination requirement.
  • Unit executives may choose to exempt from the vaccination requirement those employees for whom the requested travel is part of their regular job responsibilities.

Unvaccinated employees who receive permission to travel must sign an acknowledgement of risk. Unvaccinated international travelers should get tested with a viral test three to five days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel. Employees who are not vaccinated because of a medical condition, documented disability or religious belief may request an exemption by contacting the Affirmative Action Office at aao@psu.edu. These policies and protocols are subject to change based on the current University guidelines; for more information please visit the Academic Affairs website for travel guidance.  

Note that the process of requesting an accommodation for medical/disability or religious reasons in order to lead an Education Abroad program is a separate request and review process from the federal contract accommodation request and will be evaluated based on current University policy, international travel protocol, COVID-19 conditions in the destination country, and with regard for the expected duties of the program leader and the anticipated activities of the specific academic program.

Student Vaccination Requirements 

Any student participating in University-affiliated travel, including study abroad, must digitally sign an attestation that they will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their departure/program start date. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. This attestation will be added to all student Education Abroad applications as a required questionnaire during the process of committing and agreeing to terms and conditions of participation, and students that fail to complete it will have their applications withdrawn and their participation in the travel portion of the education abroad course will be cancelled. Students can request exemptions for the following reasons and by contacting the following units at Penn State, and this information is available to students on the vaccination attestation questionnaire.

An exemption for personal reasons will require approval from the Assistant Vice Provost for Global Learning affirming that the study abroad program is essential to the student’s academic progress. Again, this process is included in the education abroad application system during the process of committing to the program.

Students are reminded that exemptions approved by Penn State offices hold no influence with foreign governments. Any student who is not vaccinated, for whatever reason, may be denied entry into a country and/or access to travel means to or from that location. Students whose approval for travel was granted prior to Aug. 1 are exempt from this requirement, but strongly recommended to be fully vaccinated. These policies and protocols are subject to change based on the current University guidelines; for more information please visit the University’s Travel Guidelines on the Virus Info website or read the Penn State News article, Penn State Revises International Travel Policy.

Budget Considerations

Many of the guidelines laid out in this document may have implications for program budgets. Implementing some changes will increase the cost of the program significantly (i.e., if your host destination requires enforcing 6 ft of distance between all passengers on a private coach); while other changes (i.e., eliminating overnight trips to additional countries) will reduce costs.For embedded courses, the planning budget, student fee collection, and payment of expenses are ultimately the responsibility of the program leader and sponsoring academic unit.  We plan to host roundtable sessions to address these topics and answer questions. Please reach out if we can assist you with any related issues.

Leader Compensation

For embedded courses, program leader compensation is determined at the level of the academic unit or department.  Please consult with relevant administrators about how compensation would be affected if the travel component had to be cancelled at any point. While we understand the commitment leaders are taking to academically and logistically create and plan these programs, Global Programs cannot compensate program leaders in the event of a program cancellation.

Financial Payments 

We strongly recommend that program leaders discuss payment processes with relevant financial staff within their department, campus or college.  Please be aware that some financial policies may have changed with regard to travel bookings, use of personal cards for professional travel arrangements, and other safeguards to protect against potential losses based on program cancellation. Global Programs recommends the use of Penn State issued Purchasing Cards (p-cards) for program expenses whenever possible. Seek approval before confirming bookings or paying deposits.  Making payments without authorization from your financial staff may result in failure to be reimbursed for expenses. 

Financial Risk of Planning Programs

It is wholly the academic unit’s responsibility to shoulder any financial risk for Embedded courses up until the date by which the University leadership decides if the program is approved via the international restricted travel committee (IRTC) review process. (For example, no faculty or student should book accommodations or flights until it is known that the program is approved.)  If an Embedded course program is reviewed by IRTC and is approved by the vice provost for Global Programs and the provost, then the financial risk is to be borne by the Global Programs in the event that the program is cancelled by University leadership at a later date prior to the program start.

Due to the lifting of the University-wide travel restriction, not all international locations are currently considered restricted destinations by Penn State.  As such, some education abroad programs will not be reviewed by the international restricted travel committee (IRTC) or the University leadership.  In such cases, the academic unit should consult directly with Global Programs about the plans for the Embedded course and will be expected to follow advice from Education Abroad on prudent planning with regard to financial risk mitigation and health and safety concerns.  Since there would be no official date on which the program to an unrestricted destination would be approved through official review channels, the financial risk in these cases would be assumed by the academic unit.

Planning and Application Timelines

Embedded courses should follow the program timelines listed below in order to ensure that planning remains on track, students have sufficient time to prepare, and Global Programs can review itineraries and rosters in detail.  Please note that the following deadlines are earlier than normal in order to allow for more extensive review and preparation. Please note that the standard annual deadlines for program development can be found on our Global Programs website. 

 For embedded courses with travel during fall 2021 semester:

  • August 23 –  Phase 1 (“pre-decision”) items due, such as general program information, approval from academic leadership.
  • October 1 – Phase 2 (“post-decision”) items due such as final roster, detailed itinerary, emergency contact information

For embedded courses with travel during winter break 2021-22:

  • September 15 – Phase 1 (“pre-decision”) items due, such as general program information, approval from academic leadership
  • October 1 – Phase 2 (“post-decision”) items due such as final roster, detailed itinerary, emergency contact information

For embedded courses with travel during spring semester (except winter break):

  • November 1 – Phase 1 (“pre-decision”) items due, such as general program information, approval from academic leadership
  • January 15 – Phase 2 (“post-decision”) items due such as final roster, detailed itinerary, emergency contact information

For embedded courses with travel during Maymester or summer terms:

  • January 15- Phase 1 (“pre-decision”) items due, such as general program information, approval from academic leadership
  • March 1  – Phase 2 (“post-decision”) items due such as final roster, detailed itinerary, emergency contact information

In terms of program planning, main logistics should continue to be planned as possible, but without financial commitments.  If you are the main point of contact with the host or vendor abroad, please be sure to inquire about the date by which arrangements are subject to financial commitment or penalty upon cancellation. 

Marketing and Recruitment

We realize that marketing your program will be difficult in this environment. We are listing here some of the anticipated challenges and opportunities for marketing and recruitment.

Challenges

  • Some students (or their families) will be very reluctant to resume travel with so many uncertainties on the horizon
  • In-person recruitment events may be limited (fairs, information sessions, etc.)
  • Student interest or commitment to attending virtual recruitment events is somewhat untested

Opportunities

  • Some students will be very eager to participate in any face-to-face learning opportunity – especially something as exciting as study abroad!
  • Ask your colleagues in your department if they will include a slide or short video about your program into their class lecture or Canvas materials at some point in the semester
  • Virtual education abroad fairs and other events can reach students at all Penn State campuses, greatly expanding your recruitment pool. 

Marketing Language

It is appropriate to talk with students about your program as long as you are open and honest about the possibility of either program cancellation or itinerary changes. Suggested language for fliers, slides and materials is included here:

“International travel may be subject to University approval, dates are subject to change, and programming may be altered or cancelled due to changing circumstances.”

PPE and Safety Protocol

At this time, Global Programs anticipates education abroad program leaders will be required to adhere to the standard of the international destination and local protocol. For reference, please read the information provided by the Penn State Instruction, Universal Masking and PPE Recommendations. Global Programs has also referenced the Experiential Courses Guidelines made available at keepteaching.psu.edu. 

The main points impacting a typical study abroad program are as follows:

  • If your program destination(s) requires masks, social distancing, or other safety protocols, students must follow all policies set by the host country/region. 
  • If students are unvaccinated, they are required to remain masked during all program activities that occur indoors or in a closed space. Additionally, unvaccinated students are required to wear masks for outdoor activities where 6 ft. distance between students and/or instructors or other individuals is not possible.
  • Students are expected to bring their own masks (and face shields, if required).
  • Program leaders should bring any other PPE and hand sanitizer either for the duration of the program or confirm that those supplies will be immediately available upon arrival.
  • Note that cloth masks require access to laundry and a commitment to regular cleaning.
  • If program leaders would like to have a travel lapel microphone and mini speaker (or individual student headsets) purchased for the program due to masking policies and physical distancing requirements, program leaders should contact Education Abroad at embeddedprograms@psu.edu to request or discuss this option.
  • When visiting an external site or third party location, all Penn State academic and safety protocol should be followed. Additional regulations from the host institution/third party location may also be enforced, but it is essential that protocol of the local institution meet or exceed Penn State protocol.
  • Program leaders should arrange for class meeting space that is not directly attached to any participant living quarters. For example, in some cases, faculty members hold class in a large living room of the program leader apartment. That is no longer permitted for education abroad programs. Separate classroom space is required.

Mask/PPE/Social Distancing Compliance

Students who do not comply with Penn State COVID-19 protocol are subject to consequences per the Penn State student code of conduct, the COVID-19 student compact, and in consultation with the Office of Student Conduct. Sanctions for individual students who refuse to comply may include expulsion from the education abroad program at the student’s expense.

Please note that if a member of the group is required to quarantine for any reason and violates that quarantine or isolation requirement, the program leader must notify Global Programs right away to determine the appropriate course of action in response. It is important for all program participants to realize that quarantine/isolation regulations can be subject to Penn State student conduct policies and also local laws. Violation of quarantine can result in serious consequences at Penn State as well as potential fines or criminal charges in some countries.

Travel Logistics

Pre-Travel | COVID-19 testing 

Prior to program departure, students may be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result or an acceptable equivalent. Students should be aware of their airline requirements, the timing of tests, PCR vs. Antigen, any connection flight policies, and host destination protocols or quarantines. 

Additionally, program leaders should allocate ample time and guidance to complete return testing, as required by the United States, in advance of their return flight. Please note, the international traveler insurance, United Healthcare Global, will not cover COVID-19 testing required for travel. Students should be expected to arrange and pay for their own travel testing. For travel guidance for US Citizens, please refer to Department of State website and CDC requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test for all air passengers arriving in the United States. 

International Flights

Penn State will not require students and leaders to participate in a group flight. However, faculty coordination of a group flight may minimize the number and scope of travel disruptions and delays in arriving on site. Generally, students should make their own flight arrangements according to their own credit/debit cards and with their own travel needs in mind. Please note that at each layover location, there may be COVID-19 symptom checks or pre-flight requirements. 

Program leaders should not purchase their international flights until your program has been approved through the restricted travel process. Please note that most travel insurance programs do not cover cancellation reimbursement due to COVID-19-related reasons. Faculty must coordinate their travel arrangements through Anthony Travel, Penn State’s preferred travel agency, unless it is not possible to do so. Personal cards should not be used to pay program airfare. However, if the faculty member chooses a flight more expensive than the comparison flight or needs to buy additional flights for approved guest(s) traveling with them, leaders should be prepared to use their personal credit card to pay the balance not covered by Global Programs.

Ground Transportation/Group Transportation

Any ground transportation that takes place during the education abroad program should be carefully considered for its necessity and safety.

  • In-country public transportation (i.e., metro, public buses, train transportation): generally speaking, program leaders should carefully assess and know the local protocols for using public or private transportation and be transparent with students regarding levels of exposure to potentially large crowds. Program leaders should review country-specific information about health and safety concerns related to utilizing public transportation by utilizing the following resources.
    • US Department of State Travel Advisory for your destination country
    • Most of the travel advisories include a link to the local in-country embassy’s COVID-19 information and travel protocol, with reference to local public transportation
    • If you cannot find the local embassy information through the US Department of State link above, then do an online search for US Embassy in (your country), open the embassy page and look for a link about COVID-19 information
  • In-country private coach/bus should follow local guidelines and protocols as it relates to usage and capacity. 

Day trips and overnight excursions

Many of our faculty-led programs typically include day trips and overnight excursions outside of the main host city. Other programs travel constantly because of the nature of the academic discipline being studied. Global Programs will work with faculty leaders to realize the balance between academic needs for excursions with health and safety considerations and risks that are inherent with group movement and various methods of transportation.

Basic guidelines for an acceptable amount of excursions are included here, but we welcome individualized conversations with program leaders as needed:

  • Programs are strongly encouraged to limit mobility to a single country and not cross international borders during program time. If crossing an international border is an academically-essential part of the program, it is recommended to have a single travel day and not return to the original host country. 
    • Please be mindful, even fully-vaccinated individuals may be required to complete pre-travel COVID-19 testing when entering into new countries. 
    • Program leaders must consider contingency plans in the event that any member of the group is unable to cross the border due to COVID-19 complications (or other reasons).
  • We strongly encourage the program to have one home base city where students spend a vast majority of the length of the program.
  • Generally, any group travel outside of the city should be limited to academically-necessary excursions.
  • Any group travel outside of the host city should be planned carefully with the Education Abroad Customized Programs team, in consultation with the Global Safety Office.

Housing and Accommodations

Housing arrangements should be reviewed in light of the following guidance:

  • Student accommodations should be safe and sanitary. While there is not a maximum requirement for occupancy, we recommend two (2) students per bedroom.
  • Private bathrooms are preferred for each bedroom.
  • Running water is required at all overnight accommodation locations. If running water is not available for a limited number of nights (i.e., safari camp for two nights), hand washing and sanitizing stations must be readily available.
  • Program leader lodgings must be within reasonably close proximity to student accommodations in order to assist and support students on short notice.
  • While homestay accommodations will be permitted, all families must be contracted with set expectations either with a third-party provider or individually facilitated by the program leader. 
  • Program leaders should plan for where leaders/students would quarantine or isolate individually if necessary.
  • Students should have access to individual housing options at a premium cost. 

Program Leader Accommodations

  • Program leaders should not share an apartment, hotel room, or other private accommodation with the other leader(s) unless they are a domestic pair or pre-established family unit. 
  • Program leaders should arrange for class meeting space that is not directly attached to any participant living quarters.

Meals

Meals can be an important part of the academic and cultural experience abroad. However, large group meals can also present risks to participants. The following guidance should be followed whenever possible:

  • Avoid scenarios with shared utensils, cutlery, drink pitchers, etc. (large group meals, family style, and self-serve buffet). 
  • For restaurant or dining hall meals, outside seating is strongly preferred. 
  • Participants should order their own, individual meals and drinks rather than sharing plates.

Technology and Internet

Program leaders should consider which, if any, elements of their academic program will be delivered online as a regular practice as well as how they would “switch” to virtual learning experiences if the on-the-ground situation suddenly warranted. Baseline questions to consider are included, but depending on the nature and location of the program, additional questions may be necessary for program leaders to evaluate:

  • Which elements of the program, if any, will be delivered online? Examples include guest lectures from local faculty members, virtual tours of local sites or businesses that currently prohibit in-person group tours.
  • What is the internet access like at my location? Will students be able to use Canvas, Zoom, and other online programs?
  • Are there any restrictions in my destination country for websites or programs that will be vital to my students’ success?
  • If the on-the-ground situation suddenly warranted a move to virtual instruction (and the cancellation of all or most in-person classes, tours, and cultural events), how would I implement an academic continuity plan that would allow students to complete coursework, group projects, and cultural events?

Student Independent Travel (Weekends)

Students often want to travel outside of the main host city on weekends. Under the current COVID-19 circumstances, independent travel by students should be discouraged due to the uncertainty of public transportation, sudden route cancellations, possible border closures, and sudden quarantine restrictions. The following guidelines should be observed:

  • As leader, avoid planning for “long weekends” without academic activities. This will naturally discourage extended independent travel.
  • Set parameters for any possible independent travel.
    • Students should not cross any national borders.
    • Students should not visit any location considered by local authorities to be a “hot spot” that might require quarantine upon arrival or departure.
    • Students should not utilize air transportation for independent travel arrangements.
  • Students must “register” their travel with the program leaders, including exact route and travel schedule, hotel information, and working cell phone number.
  • Students must check email, text messages, and phone twice a day while traveling in case any important messages are sent by the program leader or by Penn State.
  • Students must notify the program leader immediately of any delays, travel disruptions, or COVID-19 related developments.

Quarantine and Isolation

To proactively prepare for the possibility of quarantine or isolation during the program:

  • Program leader should consult with Global Programs about a program continuity plan (academic continuity, excursions or activities)
  • Program leader should research how groceries and meals could be delivered to leaders or students under quarantine or isolation
  • Program leader should consult with Global Programs about potential added expenses or budget impacts related to quarantine procedures

If any member(s) of the education abroad program must participate in quarantine at any point during the program, the following guidance would take effect:

  • Program leaders must notify Global Programs immediately
  • Students should contact their family or trusted contact at home to notify them
  • Program leaders must implement daily virtual check-ins with any student who is under quarantine or isolation

Medical Care and Hospitalization On Site

Program leaders should be aware that routine medical care may have differing availability or protocol due to the pandemic. Please review the following considerations:

  • Contact United Healthcare Global to schedule non-emergency appointments in advance
  • Call ahead to any clinic or hospital (if possible) to ask about arrival and check-in procedures
  • A program leader should accompany the student to appointments whenever possible, but please note that COVID-19 protocol may prevent the program leader from entering the facility
  • If English-language health care is not readily available, consider that the student may be navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system without knowing the local language and norms.
  • Students must be able to contact the leader by cell phone (not relying on WiFi) during the appointment.
  • If any program participant must be hospitalized, the program leader should make every effort to ensure that the student receives quality care and has access to English-speaking providers. 
  • Keep in mind that during hospitalization it is unlikely that the student or leader would be allowed any visitors.

Contracts 

Due to the uncertain nature of planning study abroad programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Global Programs expects that contracts will be established for any company, vendor or third party that is providing essential program services. Examples include long-term housing arrangements for program participants, private bus charters, local “fixers” who coordinate various activities, and third-party providers who offer customized academic programs and services. Penn State Global Programs can assist you in determining which elements of your program may require a contact to be drafted and signed. Please consult with the customized programs team at embeddedprograms@psu.edu. 

References

Penn State Resources 

Other Useful Resources

Contact