Last updated 10/4/2022
Our Commitment to Health & Safety
WorldStrides has built a 55-year-old reputation for our industry-leading commitment to health and safety. Expecting the unexpected is where we excel. Our experienced team is leading the way now in innovating and evolving to make sure your travel experience is safe, and full of fun, even in uncertain times.
We implement first-rate health, safety, and risk-management protocols into all our programs, based on recommendations from our Health & Safety Team and medical advisors from The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, these policies and protocols helped us safely run programs. As the pandemic and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to evolve, with a focus on returning to normalcy, so too will our policies and protocols.
We will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations for participation on WorldStrides Higher Education Custom Programs unless required by the program country. However, WorldStrides strongly recommends that all participants are up to date on their vaccination and test negative for COVID-19 within two to three days prior to their departure.
All program participants must follow in-country guidelines related to vaccinations, testing, and mask requirements. These destination-specific protocols can be found in your program app prior to departure.
We will continue to evaluate our protocols for 2023 programs and beyond, with our commitment to keep them in place for as long as they are helpful in mitigating the risk of contracting COVID-19 while participating on a WorldStrides program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WorldStrides’ policy regarding vaccinations?
Unless required by the destination, venue, or activity, vaccination is not required to participate in a WorldStrides Higher Ed Custom Program.
What is WorldStrides’ policy regarding pre-departure COVID-19 testing?
Although not required, WorldStrides strongly recommends that participants take a COVID-19 test before travel to reduce the risk of illness on program and having to isolate away from home.
What is WorldStrides’ policy regarding the use of face masks?
Although not required, WorldStrides recommends the use of face masks in crowded spaces and in areas of high transmission. Participants must follow country, local, or venue mask requirements.
What if I test positive for COVID-19 within ten (10) days of my program’s departure?
Participants who test positive for COVID-19 within ten (10) days of the program departure must complete at least five (5) full days of isolation and receive a negative test result on Day 6 OR complete ten (10) full days of isolation to participate on the program. Day 0 is the date of the positive test if asymptomatic or the date of the onset of symptoms. Participants who end isolation before a full ten (10) days have passed must mask when around others through the end of Day 10.
What if I am a close contact of someone who is positive for COVID-19 within ten (10) days of my program’s departure?
To join the program, a minimum of five (5) days must have passed since the last COVID-19 exposure, the participant must be symptom free, and have a negative test before departure. Day 0 is the date of last exposure. The participant must monitor for symptoms and mask for a full ten (10) days after last exposure.
What if I become ill on program?
If a participant exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, WorldStrides will help them get tested and safely separate from the rest of the group while awaiting the results. If the test result is positive, the participant will need to complete the required isolation period. We will be there to provide support every step of the way – securing the necessary care, arranging accommodations and meals, and making arrangements for a new itinerary to return home.