With Penn State about to transition to remote learning for the rest of the semester, students are ready to go home…even if home is halfway across the world.

Before packing up and buying a plane ticket to go abroad, here are some things international students need to know and keep in mind.

Travel Restrictions

The United States still has some travel restrictions in place for people coming abroad from countries with high cases of coronavirus. Non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents coming from countries like China and Brazil, for example, must quarantine for 14 days before entering the U.S.

When traveling outside the United States, re-entry is not guaranteed. There is no way of knowing if the pandemic will escalate and what measures could be taken between countries. Check with your adviser in case you need a fully remote semester and be sure you’re maintaining your degree requirements. 

It’s also a good idea to check the CDC‘s website for more information on travel restrictions amid the pandemic.

Health Requirements

Some countries require mandatory quarantines once you arrive, while others require you to be tested before leaving the country of origin. Be sure you have all the paperwork ready when boarding the plane.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania State Department of Health recommends that everyone entering the state quarantine for 14 days upon returning. Penn State Global Programs is making students aware that they should expect to be tested upon their return.

New measures passed this week also require those entering the state to be tested for the virus within 72 hours.

“Students traveling internationally should be prepared to be tested on their return in January,” Global Programs said. “The precise details of that testing protocol will be announced by Penn State in the next few weeks, but there will be an expectation that returning international students may be tested.”

Travel Signature

Don’t forget to request your travel signature.

You will need a valid re-entry travel signature on your I-20 to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad. The signature is valid for one year, so make sure you have a valid signature before leaving the U.S.

The Directorate of International Student & Scholar Advising (DISSA) might ask for your travel itineraries. You can contact them if in need of specific advice.

Maintain Your Status

According to DISSA Director Masume Assaf, if a student has an initial Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, that person needs an in-person class. If the student has an active SEVIS record and the person had their SEVIS active in spring 2020, the person can have all online classes.

If the student’s SEVIS is active, they can stay home and keep their status if they enroll full time. 

“Again, it’s not always clear cut,” Assaf said. “When in doubt, check with a DISSA International Student Adviser.”

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For more information about the transition to remote learning and leaving the country, check the Global Programs’ website here.