TRAVEL GUIDELINES: GETTING TO YOUR HOST INSTITUTION

1)   Please do NOT purchase your airfare until you have checked with the Study Abroad Director for your program.

2)   Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Students will receive a travel credit on their Holy Cross tuition bill (fall bill if studying abroad for the academic year or fall semester, spring bill if studying abroad for the spring semester). The amount of credit is a good faith estimate based on an average round trip flight from Boston to your host city and host institution.

3)   We strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date. You should purchase a non-stop flight that offers, at best, free cancellation or a credit to be used at a later date. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline. Students should purchase a flexible flight. Research many different airlines. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing.

4)   Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses; including but not limited to, visa fees, airline tickets and transportation to and from airports, baggage fees, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency which result from program suspension or termination. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

5)   Travel agents and insurance companies are sources of information about available trip cancellation insurance policies. Students purchasing trip insurance should be aware of what it does and does not cover (Pandemic/Covid-19).

6)   Know what is requested or what the rules are for your airline/airport/destination: (COVID-19 test, mask on airline, quarantine upon arrival)

7)   Consult with CDC.gov and travel.state.gov for travel guidelines

8)   Use the International SOS (ISOS) app as a resource for travel

9)   Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/step.html. Note: This program does not apply to non-U.S. citizens (international students).

   10)  Use the “Check-In” Button on your IntlSOS Assistance App to record and send your current GPS location to the Office of Study Abroad. This                       information is vital for assisting you in the event of an emergency.

•  HC Policy: You must “check-in”:

(a)   When you arrive to your program location

                AND

(b)   Upon arrival any time you travel to a different city

•  Instructions: Complete two steps to “check-in”:

1) Click "Check-in" button on the home screen on the IntlSOS Assistance App

2) Receive check-in confirmation