REPORT 3

COVID-19

SNAPSHOT SURVEY SERIESCOVID-19 EFFECTS ON U.S.
HIGHER EDUCATION CAMPUSESNew Realities for Global Student Mobility
in Summer and Fall 2020
Mirka Martel, Ph.D.
July 2020

COVID-19 Effects on U.S. Higher Education Campuses
New Realities for Global Student Mobility in Summer and Fall 2020

Mirka Martel, Ph.D.
July 2020

COVID-19 Snapshot Survey Series
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is studying the effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on international
educational exchange at U.S. higher education institutions. Our aim in this series is to provide more information
about the effects that COVID-19 has had on international student mobility, and the measures U.S. higher education
institutions are taking to support international students currently on campus and those overseas, international
students interested in studying in the United States, and U.S. students planning to study abroad.
Report 1: Academic Student Mobility to and from Mainland China
The first report in the series focuses on the effects of COVID-19 on academic student mobility to and from China.
Report 2: From Emergency Response to Planning for Future Student Mobility
The second report takes a broader look at COVID-19 realities on U.S. campuses in spring 2020 and institutional
adjustments to plan for student exchange in summer and fall 2020.
Report 3: New Realities for Global Student Mobility in Summer and Fall 2020
The third report analyzes institutional adjustments to instruction in summer 2020 and plans for fall 2020 that
affect inbound and outbound options for academic student exchange.
To download these reports, visit IIE’s COVID-19 page: https://www.iie.org/Connect/COVID-19

Introduction
This third report in the COVID-19 Snapshot Survey Series continues to map the effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus)
on U.S. higher education institutions and global academic mobility to and from the United States. As in the firsttwo reports, the Institute of International Education (IIE) is analyzing the ways U.S. institutions have responded tothe pandemic and the effects of institutional safety measures and travel restrictions on academic mobility. In
summer 2020, U.S. institutions began the semester with new realities. Most colleges and universities offeredvirtual instruction while simultaneously supporting international students who remained on campus or who could
not travel to the United States. Looking ahead to fall 2020, institutions that have traditionally welcomed U.S. andinternational students for the start of the academic year are facing the realities of safety and security on campus.
They are exploring what in-person, virtual, and hybrid instruction may require of students, faculty, and staff, andhow new or continued travel restrictions will affect international students and U.S. students studying abroad.
U.S. institutions place the health and safety of their students, faculty, and staff as their highest priority, ensuring
they can provide a safe academic space to offer instruction. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued
to spread worldwide, infecting more than 16 million people globally, with over 4 million cases in the United States.i
Of particular concern to higher education institutions is that a larger share of the new coronavirus infections areamong the 18-49 demographic, which includes university-age students.ii, iii While evidence has demonstrated thatthe spread can be limited, to date the most potent defense continues to be social distancing and limiting exposure
to others who may have the virus. In collegiate environments, accounting for these safety precautions will require
moving to a new normal.
The three main sections of the report present data on U.S. higher education institutions and the effects of COVID19 on 1) institutional responses in summer and fall 2020; 2) current and prospective international students; and3) U.S. study abroad.

Survey Respondent Institutions
IIE administered the third survey to U.S. higher education institutions from July 9-24, 2020. We sent the survey to
the IIENetwork and U.S. higher education institutions participating in Open Doors®, and 520 institutions completed
the survey.iv Many of these colleges and universities (94%) also responded to the most recent Open Doors 2019
Report on International Educational Exchange report and hosted over 550,000 international students in 2018/19,v
which represents half of all international students as of the Open Doors 2019 report.vi

Institution Sector

Institution Type1%

Doctoral Universities

7%

48%

34%

16%

PublicPrivate not-for-profit

Master's Colleges &Universities
Associate's Colleges

Private for-profit
17%

51%

25%

2

Baccalaureate
Colleges
Special Focus
Institutions

U.S. Institutional Response in Summer 2020
86% of institutions changed their mode of instruction in summer 2020 from previous
semesters.
For those offering instruction, summer 2020 was the first full academic semester or term during the COVID-19
pandemic. Planning for summer 2020 was shortened in part by the massive emergency response that institutions
took in spring 2020 to temporarily close facilities and transition to a remote environment amid the COVID-19
outbreak. As a result and out of an abundance of caution, most institutions offered virtual instruction only.
This section analyzes the response by U.S. colleges and universities in summer 2020, with an emphasis on thedecisions that most impacted international student mobility and U.S. study abroad.

Mode of Instruction in Summer 2020

Most U.S. higher education institutions conducted coursework online in summer 2020, with approximately onefifth (20%) opting for a hybrid model of in-person and virtual instruction. For most of these institutions, in-person
instruction included limited lab or coursework on campus, with the majority of classes online. A comparison of
institutional summer plans from the second to the third report reveals that most institutions that made a later
decision (moving from “no decision” in May 2020 to an answer category in July 2020) selected a hybrid model of
instruction. What is particularly notable is that the vast majority (88%) of institutions that offered virtual or hybrid
instruction models of instruction noted a different approach from previous semesters, meaning that they wereable to transform and adapt their modes of instruction to offer students options for summer programs off campus.
A minimal number of institutions (25) indicated that no classes took place in summer 2020. Most of these
institutions (84%) did not offer summer coursework traditionally; as such, this change was not significantly
different from previous semesters. Only six institutions indicated that summer classes took place only in person,
and these were primarily small institutions with fewer than 5,000 students.

3

Institutional Operations in Summer 202076%
All on-campus
events canceled

63%
Some campus
buildings andoffices closed

46%
Some dormitories
and student
housing closed

86%International travelfor staff/faculty
canceled

58%
Domestic travel for
staff/faculty
canceled

71%
International travelfor students
canceled

Most institutions continued to restrict access to their buildings and offices throughout the summer. However,some institutions have relaxed access for faculty and staff, and some lab activity has resumed, particularly if
related to COVID-19 research.
▪

▪

▪

▪

Events: The vast majority of on-campus events remain canceled (76%); however, institutions mentionedthat some small gatherings are now allowed with proper social distancing, while most large-scale eventsare canceled or held virtually.
Campus buildings, offices, and dorms: A much smaller proportion of institutions (approximately 25%)
indicated that all campus facilities or dorms were closed. Most institutions noted that while facilities wereclosed to the public, the administration is allowing essential staff (e.g., maintenance staff, technology
support) and faculty to return to campus. All individuals on campus need to adhere to safety precautions
and practice social distancing. Some institutions continue to offer limited student housing forinternational students or students who do not have housing options outside their college or university.
Faculty and staff travel: Most institutions canceled staff travel, both international (86%) and domestic(58%), though some institutions reported that “essential” domestic travel could be authorized if approved
separately by institutional leadership.
Student travel: Most institutions confirmed that travel for U.S. students, both international (71%) anddomestic (48%), was canceled. This complements our second COVID-19 report finding that 93% of study
abroad programs were canceled entirely or in part in summer 2020.

International Students Enrolled in Summer 2020
Our survey inquired about the number of international students enrolled at U.S. higher education institutions insummer 2020. The following section provides data on two types of students: those who were physically on campus
and those who were enrolled but could not make it to the United States in time for the summer semester.

4▪

International students on campus in summer 2020. 302 institutions reported over 40,000 international
students enrolled in classes and on campus in summer 2020. Most of these students had continued
enrollment in courses from the spring 2020 semester. It is important to note that this total does notreflect international students who may have stayed in the United States over the summer on their student
visa but were not on campus.

▪

International students unable to come to campus in summer 2020. In addition to the international
students already on campus, institutions estimated an additional 7,297 new or continuing students
enrolled for the summer semester were not able to come to the United States to attend classes. To best
support these students, colleges and universities offered them a range of options, including enrolling inclasses online (58%), deferment to the fall (40%) or spring (39%) semesters or beyond, or refunds (10%).

What is your office offering enrolled international students who cannot come to your campus?

58%• Enrollment in online classes

40%• Deferment to fall 202039%

• Deferment to spring 2021 or beyond

10%• Refunds

Since the release of our report on COVID-19, U.S. higher education institutions have begun to shift their approachin working with students unable to travel to the United States. Earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges anduniversities were more likely to offer a leave of absence, deferment, or refunds to students. As institutions havedeveloped virtual courses for all students, more colleges and universities have pivoted to offering virtualenrollment. The preparations for virtual enrollment and potential effects on international students in fall 2020 are
discussed in the next section.

5

Support to International Students on Campus in Summer 2020

U.S. higher education institutions are proactively working to support international students through several
initiatives. Institutional respondents noted increases in international students seeking guidance on their status
for the summer and fall semesters due to changes in U.S. guidelines regarding international students over the pastmonth. As a result, three out of four institutions (78%) provided guidance to their international students on
student visas. Many institutions also supported their international students with necessary paperwork by allowing
electronic signatures on documentation and visa forms (68%).
As noted in our previous COVID-19 reports, colleges and universities continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their international students (72%) and provide support, including housing (57%) and emergency student
funding (42%). Furthermore, 60% of institutions have now released a written statement or letter in support ofinternational students on their campus, which is an increase compared to our prior report.
In addition to the assistance reported by institutions, there has been a groundswell of support and advocacy forinternational students by institutions and organizations throughout the United States. For example, IIE has
launched an Emergency Student Funding opportunity that has committed over $2 million in aid and provided over
600 students with funding for their necessary living expenses.vii

6

U.S. Institutional Plans for Fall 2020
92% of U.S. higher education institutions are prioritizing reopening their campuses in some
capacity in fall 2020.
The considerations that institutions are making for fall 2020 — from offering virtual instruction to providing options
for in-person classes, events, housing, and student services on campus — will affect both U.S. and international
students. Most institutions are also reconsidering the academic calendar and planning for the realities of COVID-19
in fall/winter 2020. In this section we also provide a summary of resources that institutions are prioritizing when
making decisions regarding COVID-19 response on their campuses.

Mode of Instruction in Fall 2020

A majority of colleges and universities (87%) plan to offer hybrid instruction in fall 2020. When asked to describe
the hybrid model, descriptions ranged from leaving decisions of whether to hold classes in person or online to
departments and faculty, to others implementing institution-wide standards, such as 1) limiting in-person
instruction to a certain percentage (e.g., 20% of classes will be held in person); 2) restricting in-person instruction
to class size (e.g., maximum eight students or fewer for in-person instruction); 3) offering in-person instruction
until a specific date, such as Thanksgiving, after which instruction will be online; or 4) only allowing in-person
instruction for certain types of classes, such as labs or practicums.
Over 90% of institutions indicated that their approach to the fall semester (whether virtual-only or a hybrid model)
would be new and different from previous semesters. Most institutions are preparing for both the knowns andunknowns of the coming semester, particularly regarding the rate of COVID-19 infection across the United Statesand on U.S. campuses, emergency response if there is a COVID-19 outbreak on campus, and preparations forcontinuous instruction.

7

Changes to the Academic Calendar in Fall 2020
In addition to changes in the mode of instruction, 41% of respondent institutions indicated that their institution
had announced a change to the academic calendar. Among these institutions, 84% anticipate ending the semester
early, preparing for a possible second wave of COVID-19 infections in winter 2020. Most institutions plan to either
start the semester early and end early (52%) or begin the semester at the usual time and shorten the semester(32%). Institutions who did not respond to this question may keep the calendar the same or have not yet decided
on calendar changes.

Safety Measures on Campus in Fall 2020
As most institutions plan to have some form of in-person instruction during the fall semester, colleges anduniversities are taking precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on campus. Institutions are
considering multiple measures to ensure that campus life, while limited, will continue.

8

83% of institutions are planning to publish safety guidelines to address public health efforts. As institutions work
to prepare their COVID-19 institutional protocols, respondents noted using resources from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) (85%), their state government (84%), their local government (73%) or the federal
government (52%). Many institutions are also looking for guidance internally, specifically through an institutional
coronavirus task force (80%) or faculty public health experts (43%), to help with decision-making moving forward.

Sharing COVID-19 Institutional Response with International Students
Institutions are prioritizing sharing their COVID-19 response and plan not only with U.S. students but also withcurrent and prospective international students. Information regarding COVID-19 is critical for students to makeinformed decisions on returning to campus or selecting which institution to attend this fall. When asked how
institutions are sharing information about COVID-19 with international students, most colleges and universities
noted that they are sending direct emails (95%) or posting updated information on their website (85%).
Approximately half of the institutions indicated that they also share information via webinars (53%) or on social
media (51%). A smaller proportion of institutions sent direct mail or have shared this information in college fairs.

9International Students in Fall 2020
The fall semester is traditionally a time to welcome new and continuing international
students to campus. As institutions prepare for a new normal in fall 2020, they are also
preparing for changes in their international student populations.
While some international students will be able to continue their studies in person or virtually from the UnitedStates, a new class of international students will very likely begin their international experience through online
enrollment. Despite this challenge, most institutions are committed to welcoming these students on campus assoon as possible. This section outlines the possibilities for international students to enroll in classes, in person or
virtually, this fall semester.

Will International Students Currently on Campus Remain?
As mentioned in a previous section, 302 institutions reported over 40,000 international students on their campus
as of summer 2020. When asked whether these international students will remain through the fall 2020 semester,
91% said they anticipate that the majority of their students will stay through fall 2020. This is a positive indicationthat many institutions are confident that international students who were enrolled as of 2020 and remained in
the United States may continue with their studies.

Applications and Enrollment of New International Students in Fall 2020
Since spring 2020, U.S. higher education institutions have prioritized recruitment of new international students,
ensuring that international students can apply and accept admission at their institutions once COVID-19
restrictions are lifted. While some institutions are still accepting student decisions, this is the first indication of thepotential impact COVID-19 will have on international student enrollment in the coming semester.
How did international student application numbers for academic year 2020/21 compare to the previous year?

Approximately half of the institutions (50%) noted that their application numbers are lower than in previous years,
while one-quarter (26%) indicated application data that was about the same as last year. Decreases in application
10

numbers may be the case for both U.S. and international students, as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic andsocial realities may drive students to consider their academic options or gap years. Further, given the uncertainties
of the upcoming fall and spring semesters, applications also may have declined due to students choosing to wait
to submit their application.
U.S. colleges and universities have offered flexible options for enrollment for admitted international students,
with some students planning to begin studies in fall 2020 and others indicating their intention to defer to a futuresemester. Among 286 reporting institutions, 57,555 international students have accepted enrollment thus far infall 2020, and an additional 4,488 have deferred to the spring semester and beyond.

International Student Decisions in Fall 2020

Even if students accept enrollment in fall 2020, the question remains whether they will be able to come to theUnited States by the start of the academic semester and whether their institution will be providing in-person
instruction. As a result, institutions are already offering options to students enrolled for fall 2020 who are not able
to make it to campus by the start of the semester. Most institutions are offering students the ability to defer theirenrollment to spring 2021 (87%) or online registration in classes (78%). Institutions are proactively working withstudents to provide several enrollment alternatives and thereby prevent withdrawals.
While virtual enrollment will likely be the reality for both U.S. and international students in fall 2020, 90% ofcolleges and universities expect that there will be difficulties associated with implementing virtual enrollment forinternational students. Most institutions are frank in reporting the challenges of virtual enrollment, including
concerns about decreases in enrollment, less student engagement with faculty and peers, and access and ability
to attend online classes.
11What are some long-term challenges of virtual enrollment for international students?

75%

Decrease in enrollment

74% Decrease in student engagement with faculty and peers
68%

Inability to access online courses

62% Adapting the course schedule to different time zones
59% Inability to access student services and support on campus
48% Increase in withdrawals

12Study Abroad in Fall 2020
Most study abroad programs will be canceled in the fall semester due to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic and institutions’ decisions to restrict outbound student and scholar
exchange.
This section focuses on the likelihood of study abroad programs and graduate learning overseas opportunities
happening in fall 2020, and how this may affect study abroad options for the academic year. Looking to the future,
we also analyze the how study abroad programs are preparing to resume programs once it is safe to do so.

Study Abroad Programs in Fall 2020

Study abroad programs for undergraduate students in the fall largely remain canceled. However, some institutions
are offering options for in-person study abroad on an individual basis or through a virtual study abroad program.
Some institutions also reported offering domestic study away programs, allowing students to study at anotherinstitution in the United States. While representing a smaller proportion of programs, graduate programs overseas
are also canceled, particularly group or faculty-led programs. The decision to cancel study abroad programs has
likely been driven by several factors, including the safety and security of students and faculty. As such, 66% of
institutions reported that they are not accepting any exceptions to their policy and are canceling all study abroad
programs. Approximately 14% of colleges and universities indicated that the decision had not been made whether
to allow students to request a study abroad exemption.
Due to widespread cancellations, institutions indicated that the effects on study abroad numbers in the 2020/21
academic year would be significant. Over 79% of colleges and universities expect a substantial decline in study
abroad numbers for the academic year, while 18% expect some decline. Only 1% of institutions expect study
abroad numbers to remain the same and 2% indicate an expected increase.

13How will COVID-19 impact U.S. study abroad in academic year 2020/21?

Looking Ahead to Future Semesters
Despite the anticipated decrease in study abroad until travel and institutional restrictions lift, institutions arelooking ahead to future semesters when U.S. study abroad resumes. Positively, 84% of institutional respondents
indicated that they have continued to promote future U.S. study abroad programs. The promotion of study abroadon campuses will continue to be a priority for institutions due to a number of factors, including student interestand the designation of study abroad as a high-impact practice that improves student outcomes.viii
Is your office promoting U.S. study abroad for future semesters?

40%• Yes, with the same amount of frequency

38%• Yes, but with less frequency

6%• Yes, with more frequency

16%

• No

While institutions remain committed to offering study abroad programs, many colleges and universities arereconsidering and updating their safety and emergency protocols. 51% of institutions indicated that they had
updated their future protocols as a result of COVID-19, taking into consideration numerous updates: travel andhealth insurance policies; waivers and release forms; institutional evacuation plans and support to students inhost universities if they shut down; and revised refund policies. A considerable number of respondent institutions
also noted that they would be revisiting faculty-led programs and ensuring that their procedures and guidancealign with the institution’s broader study abroad policies. For many institutions, strengthening their data collection
processes and measures will also improve their preparation for emergency response and decrease risk and liability
in emergency situations.

14Key Takeaways and Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic has required U.S. higher education institutions to make flexible and timely changes tothe instruction and services they offer to both domestic and international students. Our research series explores
this response longitudinally and provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of the global health crisis on
university administration and higher education delivery more broadly.
Four takeaways can be highlighted from this report:
1. Institutions are facing new opportunities and challenges in their modes of instruction and service delivery.
While approaches to instruction may have been expanding to include virtual and hybrid modes, the COVID19 pandemic has propelled a majority of institutions to consider their pivot to virtual instruction. For 92% of
institutions, their approach to teaching in the fall will be unlike any other semester previously, providing an
opportunity to expand their instruction methods in the future and learn new instruction practices. However,institutions also understand the new challenges of virtual instruction and will need to plan for these to succeedin this new normal.
2. Institutions are prioritizing the safety and security of everyone on campus and planning extensively for fall2020. The higher education community is taking an informed and united approach to safety and security,
considering the various measures necessary to make students, parents, faculty, and staff feel comfortable
about returning to campus. The evolving nature of COVID-19 will also require institutions to continue to beflexible and pivot, if necessary, as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.
3. International student enrollment will be affected by student decisions and options for virtual enrollment
for new students. Promising findings indicate that over 40,000 international students remained enrolled on
campus in summer 2020, and most of these will continue their education in the United States. We also
anticipate that additional international students may continue to enroll in fall 2020. Decision-making for new
international students in the fall will be closely tied to the options institutions offer to students who may not
be able to make it to the United States by the beginning of the semester.
4. Study abroad looks to future semesters. The resilience of U.S. study abroad shows that while programs are
currently canceled, institutions are prioritizing promotion of study abroad programs in future semesters. Once
travel restrictions in the United States and other countries lift, U.S. higher education institutions will need toprioritize study abroad options for U.S. students and scholars, filling the temporary decrease that may havebeen created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the fall 2020 semester quickly approaching, U.S. institutions are in planning mode to prepare their campuses
and coursework for all students. Our analysis indicates that while flexibility will be critical, institutions haveconsiderations and plans in place to successfully enroll students in the coming semester and provide ongoingacademic excellence that makes the United States a top destination for international students.

15

iCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Cases, Data, and Surveillance https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/cases-updates/index.html
ii
Bosman, J. & Mervosh, S. (July 23, 2020). As virus surges, younger people account for ‘disturbing’ number of cases. The
New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/us/coronavirus-cases-young-people.html
iii
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Key Updates for Week 29, ending July 18, 2020.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html
iv
The IIENetwork is a membership-based community of over 1,300 higher education institutions and other organizations in
the United States and abroad. Open Doors 2019. For more information, visit www.opendoorsdata.org.
v
30 respondents branched out of the survey because they were not affiliated with a U.S. higher education institution.
vi
Open Doors 2019. For more information, visit www.opendoorsdata.org.
vii
IIE. (2020). Assisting International Students in the COVID-19 Crisis. https://www.iie.org/en/Donate/Where-to-give/IIEEmergency-Student-Fund/IIE-COVID-19-Response
viii
National Survey of Student Engagement, High-Impact Practices, https://nsse.indiana.edu/nsse/survey-instruments/highimpact-practices.html; and The Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education, Results,
https://www.usg.edu/cassie/results

16