Study Abroad 2023

Getting Started Action Items

1. Sign up and attend a First Step Information Session no later than October 1 (Spring) or April 1 (Summer and Fall)

2. Complete an Advising Application in Passport Villanova

3. After completing Steps 1 & 2, Schedule an Appointment to meet with an OEA Advisor.

4. Select a program and COMPLETE the approval process in Passport by October 15 (Spring), April 1 (VU Summer) or April 15 (Fall and non-VU Summer).

Students already accepted to participate in Global Citizens and BCIC are not required to complete the above process. 

Travel locations will be reviewed on a program by program basis. Individual country approval may be required for locations that are rated Level 3 or Level 4 by the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories.

Study abroad opportunities are currently available through the following partner programs: 

• Arcadia University College of Global Studies
• Boston University Programs 
• CIEE
• DIS Abroad
• Education Abroad Network (TEAN)
• IES Abroad
• IFSA Butler Study Abroad
• INSTEP Cambridge 
• School for International Training (SIT) 
• USAC
• School for Field Studies (SFS) 

COVID-19 Vaccines and recommended boosters are required for all travelers.  Proof of vaccine status must be logged with the University Student Health Center prior to travel. 

Travel Limitations
When planning for study abroad, you should keep in mind that many countries and programs are still limiting travel outside of the primary host country. Borders can close and new re-entry requirements can be updated quickly, and you don't want to get stuck in a country where you don't have any local support. 

Changing COVID Restrictions
As we have all seen, COVID related recommendations and restrictions can change quickly. If you go abroad, you should be prepared to experience such changes, such as new lockdown requirements, moving to virtual coursework, limitations to programming, etc. As you are researching program options and locations, it may also be helpful to learn more about how that country managed COVID related restrictions in the past, to help inform what you might encounter if such measures return.  

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
Students are not permitted to study abroad on Villanova coordinated programs in locations that are rated Level 4: Do Not Travel by the U.S. Department of State. 

Study in countries rated Level 3 or Level 4 locations will be limited to approved program partners. You should review all travel related guidance provided by the U.S. Department of State about your planned country of study prior to selecting a program or location. 

U.S. Passports
The U.S. Passport Agency is experiencing a back log of applications with processing times of 3-4 months. Please check your Passport expiration date. Your Passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion date of your program. If you need to apply for a new Passport, please do so as soon as possible to avoid any delays. Some countries will require that you apply for a student visa prior to travel, and all student visas will need valid Passports to complete that process. 

The OEA in Garey Hall Top Floor will be open during normal business hours, 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. 

Appointments are required and must be made through Handshake. The OEA is happy to offer both virtual and in-person appointments during this academic year. Please select your prefered meeting type when scheduling your appointment.  

OEA Advisors will continue to be available via email or phone during regular office hours. If you already have an OEA advisor, you can continue to communicate with them, as normal, via email. 

If you do not have an OEA Advisor yet, follow the Getting Started steps in the link above. 

If you need to get in touch with the office via phone, please call our main line at 610-519-6412.  If your call is unable to be answered at that time, please leave a message with your full name, phone number and a brief message. Someone from our office will be back in touch with you shortly.