Recoverable costs will be refunded in the event university partners are required to suspend the program based on the advice of the CDC or State Department before the expected end date.  These recoverable costs include those related to extra- and co-curricular activities, prorated insurance, prorated local travel, prorated housing costs.

In the event of program interruption, courses will continue in an online format.  In cases where a course involves a placement, FIE will endeavour to work with our local partners to migrate these placements to a remote format as well.  When this is not possible, FIE is committed to offering an alternative.

Students are covered by FIE’s group travel insurance policy with Howden, unless insurance coverage is provided by your home institution. Full policy documents and further insurance information can be found here on our website. Please note that coverage under FIE’s group policy with Howden is only applicable while overseas, so students should not cancel any existing insurance policies. 

FIE takes information and advice about critical incidences from health authorities including the HSE, NHS, Ministerio de Sanidadand CDC. We closely monitor these sources and continually update our website and communication to students with relevant COVID-19 developments.

FIE follows guidance from the UK, Irish and Spanish health authorities regarding the continuation of the program on-site. FIE is prepared to comply with evolving health protocols to have students remain safely on-site. Unless the US or the student’s home school requires all students to return, FIE will follow local guidance/regulations and aim to retain on-site support (even if the US CDC or USDOS recommends returning).

Should students be required to return home, we will support students throughout the departure process and offer remote learning options.

COVID-19-specific information regarding Jordan can be found on the dedicated health and safety section on the program-specific page.

A vaccine is required to participate on the Conflict and the Struggle for Peace: Explorations in Ireland and the Middle East program, and students may be asked to show proof of the required vaccination.

UK

If you test positive for COVID-19 please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The National Health Service currently advises people to try to stay at home for 5 days and avoid contact with other people, and to avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after you took your first test. 

IRELAND

If you test positive for COVID-19 please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  The Health & Safety Executive currently advises people to try to stay at home for 5 days and avoid contact with other people, and to avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after you took your first test. 

SPAIN

If you test positive for COVID-19 please contact FIE.  The Ministry of Health currently advises people to try to stay at home for 5 days and avoid contact with other people, and to avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after you took your first test. 

Self-administered lateral flow tests are readily available from pharmacies in the UK, Ireland and Spain and cost around £2 / €3 per test. During orientation and through communications during the program, the FIE team will signpost local pharmacies and shops.

Students will receive pastoral and academic support for any related absence.

FIE is unable to facilitate boosters for students, visiting faculty, or staff whilst on our study abroad programs. However, the FIE team is happy to signpost to government resources. 

At this time there are no legal requirements to wear face masks in the UK, Ireland or Spain.

FIE is committed to students having as full an experience as possible and receiving their intended academic credit from the programme post-pandemic. Flexibility, resilience, and a sense of humor are essential factors in a student’s success while studying abroad, now more than ever before. Given the changes to work culture favoring remote work we advise internship students to anticipate a blended setting for the internship, with some mix of working remotely and in person.  This mix would likely be different for every student. Students will be required to be flexible with regard to the availability of placements in certain industries. In most cases, students will take public transport to their placement site. Should conditions require it, FIE will endeavor to work with our local partners to migrate these placements to a remote format.  When this is not possible, FIE is committed to offering an alternative.

As in any given term, course offerings are dependent upon enrolment.  Given the uncertainty in enrolments, students will need to be as flexible as possible. As ever, FIE will endeavor to provide the courses that students require.

Hand sanitizer is a permanent fixture in all FIE buildings and FIE has always employed thorough cleaning in our facilities.  FIE continues to closely monitor the situation, and will observe recommended additional protocols as established by local health authorities both in student housing and in classroom/administrative buildings related to cleaning, sanitizing, etc.

FIE and our local academic partners provide guidance to students supporting good personal hygiene and promoting awareness of COVID-19 symptoms.

FIE recognizes that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented and unexpected challenges to students’ mental health and wellbeing. We continue to support good mental health practices by promoting awareness and sharing guides/resources with students, faculty, and staff.

Students have access to a qualified counselor, psychotherapist (with online remote sessions available) and FIE Mental Health First Aid trained staff, and we continue to promote our open-door policy.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and need to remain abroad with FIE, you will be responsible for all living costs, including insurance and housing.  However, you may be able to recover some costs from your insurance provider.

Should you choose to travel during your time abroad, you remain responsible for researching and complying with the entry or exit requirements of any country if you travel outside of the UK, Ireland or Spain.  Situations resulting from personal travel (including required self-isolation due to testing positive for COVID-19, as part of national or local government laws outside of the UK, Ireland or Spain) which prevent you from meeting your academic responsibilities do not constitute a mitigating circumstance and you are financially responsible for the costs of any travel, including required COVID-19 tests, required quarantine, and/or accommodation due to required quarantine or self-isolation.

Please also note: if you travel from the place of your study abroad program to a destination against the advice of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office or the World Health Organisation, your insurance may not be valid.  Please visit FIE's Insurance page for a summary of FIE's insurance policy.

With all restrictions relating to COVID-19 lifted, there are no longer any COVID-19 related adjustments to extra and co-curricular activities.

FIE regularly advise students on local norms and guidance around using public transportation. In addition, FIE advises on alternatives such as walking and biking.  

FIE does not operate a student cafeteria within its residences. FIE students usually cook meals in their residence, purchase take out or eat out. As such students should adhere to local guidance and norms around grocery shopping and restaurants/cafes.