COVID-19 Travel Addendum to the Study Abroad
Student Understanding and Agreement
THIS IS A RELEASE OF LEGAL RIGHTS –READ AND UNDERSTAND BEFORE SIGNING
This is an Addendum to the Student Understanding and Agreement signed by the undersigned student during theonline study abroad application process. This Addendum is necessary because travel during a global pandemic
carries additional risk and issues for consideration.
As a student of Lehigh University (“Lehigh” or the “University”), I understand and agree to the followingstatements:
1. I am being provided the opportunity to participate in a global experience (“Program”) in a foreigncountry. I have chosen to participate in this Program voluntarily and with full knowledge of the risksinvolved.
2. I understand that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, local and national governments have enacted
or may enact border, travel and stay-at-home restrictions; and that the trajectory of the virus at thelocal, national, and international levels is unpredictable. Additionally, health care systems in many
countries may be overwhelmed or may be at risk of becoming overwhelmed by COVID cases.
3. I understand that Lehigh requires all students to be fully vaccinated and boosted (when eligible), unlessthey have an approved medical or religious exemption. For reasons related to student safety, the safetyof others and travel restrictions, Lehigh strongly encourages all study abroad participants to be fully
vaccinated and boosted prior to travel. Unvaccinated students who have been granted a medical or
religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination by Lehigh may be permitted to travel after
engaging in an interactive process with the Study Abroad office. Please note that restrictions may be inplace at overseas partners or by countries that will not allow participants to enroll in a given program,or enter or move within a country. Travel restrictions related to vaccination may change quickly andwithout notice; unvaccinated students approved for travel are responsible for remaining informed ofthese changing conditions and restrictions. Program modifications needed to accommodate anunvaccinated participant may carry additional costs, which will be the responsibility of the participant.
4. I understand that all activities I undertake as part of my Program must comply with allnational/local/domestic laws, travel restrictions, self-isolation/quarantine requirements, and lockdownorders. I agree to abide by all of these, even if they prevent me from conducting activities that may
have been planned as part of my Program. In addition to the other risks described in this document, I
recognize that my participation in the Program means I may be subjected to potential risks, illnesses,injuries, and even death as a result either of contracting COVID-19 or of any actions or omissions ofgovernments, private entities or other parties with respect to COVID-19. I have made my own
investigation of these risks, understand these risks, and assume them knowingly and willingly.
5. I have conducted independent research sufficient to determine the risks associated with living, studying
and traveling within the destination country. I understand that civil authorities in the country may not
be able to protect me as needed and that I may not be able to return to the United States whenconvenient. I further understand the potential for a significant disruption of my educational continuity.
6. I have read and understood all information on the U.S. State Department website(http://travel.state.gov) about the country in which I will be located during the Program. I also havereviewed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health advisory information relating totravel abroad found at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel, and any additional information available from theWorld Health Organization website (https://www.who.int/) and International SOS (go.lehigh.edu/isos).
With knowledge of this information, I have made the independent judgment to participate in the2Program. I take full responsibility for travel both to, during and from the Program location and agree
that I will assume all risks of any such travel.
7. I am aware of my personal medical needs and understand that the mortality rate for those infected with
COVID-19 increases with both age and presence of comorbidities. I have been given the opportunity toreview and complete the ALAMA COVID-19 Medical Risk Assessment tool found athttps://alama.org.uk/covid-19-medical-risk-assessment/ and have made the independent judgment toparticipate in the Program.
8. I understand that the University cannot guarantee my safety, and I acknowledge that my pursuit of anoff-campus program may expose me to significant risk.
9. I have reviewed the Lehigh University Student International Services and Insurance Program:
https://www.universityhealthplans.com/custom/Lehigh_study_abroad.html
I have determined that I have adequate medical insurance to cover my needs in the destination country(including emergency repatriation coverage) or that I have made a personal decision to supplement thisinsurance.
10. I acknowledge and affirm that I have read and fully understand the Student Understanding andAgreement I signed and, in particular, (i) Section B (Cost and Payments), which provides, among otherthings, that all tuition payment policies apply and that, upon my withdrawal or dismissal from theProgram, I am responsible for all non-recoverable funds Lehigh has committed on my behalf, and (ii)
Section D.1 (General Terms and Conditions), which releases and forever discharges the University
from any potential liability resulting from my activities abroad.
11. I understand that if I need to return home from the Program prior to the program end date, I will nothave access to Lehigh housing or campus facilities.
12. I understand that I must follow Lehigh and Program provider requirements, codes of conduct andCOVID-19 protocols; any violations may result in me being dismissed from the Program and I may
forfeit any credit or potential refunds and may be subject to the University’s student conduct process.
13. I understand that Program details and offerings may need to be altered at any time. Lehigh and theProgram provider reserve the right to cancel the Program prior to or after departure. Coursework may
be offered virtually if travel is disrupted or cancelled.
14. I understand that travel during a pandemic may result in flight disruptions, a need to change my flight,
or a need to purchase new airline tickets. I am responsible for reviewing airline information related toflight change fees and for paying any such fees. I also understand that I may incur unanticipated fees orcosts related to quarantine, isolation or a stay after my program end date, and that I may be responsible
for paying some or all of these fees and costs.
15. This Addendum adds to, but does not replace any of the terms and conditions agreed to by me in thesigned Student Understanding and Agreement.
By signing this Addendum, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19, the fact that it can be difficult toidentify in another person, and the inherent risks of exposure to those who may be exposed or infected by COVID19 during my education abroad program and related travel. I further affirm that I have discussed this Addendum
with my parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and they support my travel.
STUDENT: _________________________________________
Print Name:
Date: