In line with the W&M International Travel Policy, given the current CDC and Department of State Travel Alerts, the International Travel Review Committee (ITRC) as been reviewing the impact of COVID-19 globally.

For Winter Break 2022, and Spring 2022 study abroad programs, the ITRC is continuing to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on an individual country basis. Students therefore do not need to file pandemic petitions at this time. GEO will notify students if an individual petition is required for a particular destination

For students going abroad not through a registered study abroad program through the Global Education Office, they must petition for approval if their destination country is on the following list of countries on W&M's advisory list: https://www.wm.edu/offices/revescenter/safety_health_security/travel_alerts_and_warnings/index.php 

The International Travel Review Committee (ITRC) will review petitions on a rolling basis and will consider the following factors in evaluating each application:

• COVID-19 circumstances onsite
• Pandemic response plans of program
• Level of local familiarity, especially residency in proposed study abroad host country
• Extent of support resources through program or personally
• Individual preparation for the study abroad experience, including linguistic preparation, previous in-country experience
• Urgency of why need to study abroad in Summer 2021

Deadline for Winter Break and Spring 2022 petitions is November 1st, 2021. Petitions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we encourage you to apply ahead of the deadline if you need an earlier response.
 
While your petition is being reviewed, please make sure you consider other plans, in case the petition is not approved.

For questions regarding risk, health and safety, please contact Nick Vasquez, International Travel and Security Manager. For questions related to study abroad programs and processes, please contact your global education advisor or wmabroad@wm.edu.