Coronavirus Updates

August 9, 2021

Concordia University, St. Paul requires that students participating in any of our 2021-2022 study away/abroad programs be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine prior to departure. There were many factors considered before implementing this policy, follow the link to learn more: Health and Safety Information

June 15, 2021

Concordia St. Paul's Off-Campus Travel Committee approved Fall 2021 study abroad to countries that are allowing U.S. Citizens to enter. Students are encouraged to consider purchasing flight insurance to further protect themselves in the event that COVID or other conditions would change which would prevent them from travelling. CSP will work with students this summer to stay upcated on current guidance for entering the country; in addition, students will need to meet all requirements as set forth by our international partners such as required vaccines or a proof of negative COVID test. 

April 26, 2021

A final decision on fall study abroad programs will be decided by June 15th. Programs will be looked at on an individual basis. CSP takes into account current COVID-19 levels within the host country, living situation of students (exposure factor), and DoS Travel Advisories and CDC levels. Students will recieve 100% of financial commitments back if we need to cancel by June 15th. 

February 1st, 2021

All international Travel Seminars and Study Abroad are cancelled for Summer 2021. Select Fall 2021 programs are tentatively open. A final decision on programs will be made by mid-May. For more information, email abroad@csp.edu 


November 5, 2020

Concordia St. Paul will make a decision on May Travel Seminars by February 1st, 2021. Students will have up until that date to withdraw and receive a full refund. Spring semester study abroad and international spring break travel seminars have officially been cancelled. Concordia St. Paul will make a final decision on the The Detroit Service Trip by January 15th 2021.

August 18, 2020

All January travel seminars and service trips have now been cancelled. Programs have been deferred to May 2020 or Academic Year 2021-2022. A decision about Spring Break Travel Seminars and Service Trips and Spring Semester programs will be made by the beginning of November. 

July 1, 2020

All fall study abroad programs have now been cancelled, students have been given the option to defer to another semester. No decision has been made on spring or summer 2021 programs. 

April 20, 2020

We continually assess risk associated with local and global health, safety, and security for all University-approved study abroad programs. If the University cancels a faculty-led travel seminar program due to the risk of COVID-19 prior to departure, students will be contacted and refunded any fees associated with that program. Students studying on semester-long programs should consult the cancellation policy associated with their program. Study abroad programs for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 will continue to be offered.

March 17, 2020

All spring semester study abroad has now been cancelled, students have been instructed to return home. 

March 12, 2020

Concordia University’s Study Abroad Office has been monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation since the World Health Organization’s first international-travel statements. We are confident that our approach is both proactive and prudent, informed by a range of expert sources. We are continually monitoring communiques from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and national health ministries.

On March 1, 2020, the CDC issued a statement recommending that institutions of higher education “consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs” and “consider asking current program participants to return to their home country.” Indeed, CSP has suspended further operations in South Korea and Italy (CSP does not have programs active in other countries listed on the CDC’s specified countries in Europe, China, or Iran), and we are offering alternatives to students in highly impacted countries that were not under a CDC Level 3 Advisory at the time of their departure.
 
However, after a careful review of our other international locations, we are continuing to offer programming as planned. This includes semester programs and faculty-led travel seminars for Concordia students.

Guidance from the WHO advises against interrupting international travel plans in most situations. Here is an excerpt:  
 
WHO continues to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks.

In general, evidence shows that restricting the movement of people and goods during public health emergencies is ineffective in most situations and may divert resources from other interventions. Furthermore, restrictions may interrupt needed aid and technical support, may disrupt businesses, and may have negative social and economic effects on the affected countries. However, in certain circumstances, measures that restrict the movement of people may prove temporarily useful, such as in settings with few international connections and limited response capacities.

The health and safety of students, staff, and faculty is CSP’s number-one priority. As always, we are available 24/7 to support students and faculty in the field or their loved ones back home with questions and concerns.  We will continue to monitor the situation and provide support to our students as we move forward.

If you have any questions, please contact our Study Abroad Staff, Kelly Matthias at 651-641-8236 or Kate Larson at 651-641-8285.

Update 3.13

Language sent to study abroad students returning home: 


We are sorry that you are returning from your study abroad program earlier than expected. We wanted to make you aware of some important action steps. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), it is important that you: 

• Stay at home for 14 days after you return
  • Remain out of public places
  • Limit your interaction with others as much as possible
  • Do not attend school, university/college, or work
  • Do not use public transportation or ride sharing services (e.g., Lyft, Uber, taxi)
  • You may go to grocery stores and pharmacies to obtain essential items, as long as you do not have symptoms. Please limit your time at these locations.
• Monitor your health
  • Check your temperature twice a day
  • If you feel sick with fever or cough, have difficulty breathing, or have body aches or chills:
    •  Seek medical advice.
    • Call your healthcare provider and discuss your travel, exposure and symptoms.
    • Calling ahead will allow your provider to determine if you need to be seen and to prepare the clinic or emergency room to evaluate you.
    • Avoid contact with others.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
    • Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is really important right after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol.
    • Stay home. Do not travel while sick.
• If you have questions please contact: MDH at 1-877-676-5414

If you were informed that you have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 please call MDH
If you were in close contact with a diagnosed case of COVID-19, you are at increased risk of developing COVID-19.

• It is important that you call MDH for further guidance, even if you are not a Minnesota resident.  Please call MDH at 1-877-676-5414

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the following websites:

• Minnesota Department of Health (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Travel Notices (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices)