- Regardless of CDC or State Department Advisory Level, all study abroad and international group student travel for Berkeley coursework or credit involving Berkeley faculty, students, or staff (including advance travel for program planning and site evaluations, faculty-led programs, MBA exchanges, etc., both undergraduate and graduate) must complete a 2-step Study Abroad Travel Protocol. This involves approval first at the decanal level and then from Berkeley Study Abroad. In addition, according to campus guidelines, all international travel to State Department Level 4 (Do Not Travel) destinations for any reasons other than COVID-19, will require approval from the vice provost for academic planning/senior international officer. Berkeley Study Abroad will facilitate the third level of approval if necessary.
- Anyone engaged in planning for university-related study abroad and international group student travel is encouraged to contact Berkeley Study Abroad (studyabroad@berkeley.edu) early in the planning process to maintain a comprehensive and effective program that includes risk assessment and mitigation, emergency preparedness and response, and business recovery. Berkeley Study Abroad will also assist in identifying and navigating local resources to support a strong academic and student experience.
- Travel by UC Berkeley faculty, staff, or students must also comply with local, national and international travel restrictions. Self-quarantine may be required on arrival and return.
- Students considering independent study abroad or planned leave for study abroad should reach out to the Berkeley Study Abroad office for advising (studyabroad@berkeley.edu.
- Please note that:
- UCEAP programs authorized to operate are reviewed and approved by UCOP and do not require additional approval from the Berkeley Study Abroad office nor the Berkeley campus.
- Students, staff, or faculty considering other types of university-related international travel, including research, international business, executive education, etc. do not require approval from the Berkeley Study Abroad office, but should refer to the campus guidelines and approval processes for International Travel. Any international travel to State Department Level 4 locations for any reasons other than solely COVID-19 is subject to further review.
Step 1
Faculty, staff or students who wish to travel for university-related study abroad or student group travel, must first request in writing, approval from their dean.
Step 2
- At least 90 days in advance of departure, submit the respective Dean’s written approval along with the Travel Safety Evaluation Form to studyabroad@berkeley.edu.
- Berkeley Study Abroad will assess the health and safety risks of the proposed travel for the given location(s) and work with Risk Services, faculty director(s) and program staff to develop safety plans, coordinate resources and minimize risk to participants and the host community.
Step 3 (for State Department Level 4 destinations)
- Per campus guidelines, international travel to countries rated State Department Level 4 (do not travel) for reasons other than COVID-19 will require additional approval from the vice provost for academic planning. Berkeley Study Abroad will facilitate the approval on behalf of the travelers via the campus International Travel Protocol.
Please contact studyabroad@berkeley.edu with questions regarding travel for study abroad.