Study Abroad & COVID-19
As countries around the world continue to re-open and once again welcome international students, we are constantly re-evaluating what study abroad should look like in a world with COVID. Vanessa Sterling, CET’s Director of Health & Safety, worked alongside the program managers to thoughtfully develop a plan for specific on-site changes to protect the safety of students, faculty, and staff abroad. These changes are published within CET’s COVID Playbook, a detailed instruction manual that each CET program site implements in our classrooms and student housing, communication policies, and during out-of-class activities.
COVID Playbook in Action
We developed the COVID Playbook to ensure the safety and comfort of American students navigating the world abroad. Here are a few of the specifics that apply to every program:
Vaccines
CET requires* all students for in-person standard programs (college, gap, and high school) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including all CDC-recommended boosters.
Many countries have entry requirements that include a full course of WHO-approved vaccine for all non-citizens. Having all program participants (students, faculty, and staff) fully vaccinated allows CET to deliver the most academically and experientially robust versions of our programs while the virus continues to circulate.
All students will be required to upload a digital copy of their vaccine certification (i.e., CDC vaccination card) into their CET online account by prior to arrival per the deadline listed.
*CET recognizes that some students may not be able to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, a medical condition, or due to vaccine availability. We will consider exemptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis. Students should contact CET’s Director for Health & Safety, Vanessa Sterling ([email protected]) as soon as possible if they wish to request an exemption. Please note: Many locations do not allow exemptions due to host country or host institution regulations.
Quarantine on arrival
- Each country has a different plan for international arrivals.
- CET on-site staff will provide a full briefing on this before student arrivals.
- Requirements change both frequently and quickly, so students should monitor their email carefully for updates.
- Students with layovers in third countries (i.e. a student traveling to Prague via Frankfurt, Germany) should consult with their airline about requirements for transit.
- Where allowed, students will quarantine on arrival in their program housing.
- CET on-site staff will support students throughout the quarantine period, as able, with accessing local SIM cards, groceries and food delivery, medical emergencies, and adjustment to daily life.
INSURANCE
- All students on CET’s standard college, gap, and high school programs are covered by GeoBlue. GeoBlue covers expenses related to exposure to or illness from COVID in all our program locations.
- GeoBlue insurance covers medical expenses but not out-of-hospital quarantine-related expenses such as meals, accommodations, surveillance testing.
- GeoBlue also covers medically necessary evacuation but not evacuation-by-choice.
CET Centers & CLassrooms
- If needed, reorient the common area to ensure all chairs are at least 1.8 meters apart from each other.
- If that is not possible, turn desks so that staff members are not facing each other.
- Staff with individual offices should plan to work with doors closed as often as possible.
- When able/feasible, windows should be open.
- Each desk should have a hand sanitizer bottle.
- Each person should have a hand soap container and paper towels (if not available in the restroom.) This should be labeled with their name and not shared.
- Keyboards should not be shared. If unavoidable, they should be wiped down after use.
- If there is a reception area, tape a perimeter on the floor 1.8 meters (6 feet) from the reception desk chair.
- Post bilingual signs on the reception desk informing people to practice social distancing.
- Place a hand sanitizer bottle on the desk for common use.
- If there is a land line/office phone, that should be wiped down after each user.
Note: The following protocols apply to CET-controlled classrooms only. For classrooms on host university campuses, CET abides by local regulations and precautions which may be different from what you see below.
Seating Arrangements
- Move chairs and desks to allow for 1.8 meters space between students.
- Move podium to allow for 1.8 meters space between students and the instructor.
- Create and post a diagram in the room showing proper seating placement.
- Discuss this with each instructor.
- Ask instructors to include mention of this proper seating placement with each class.
- Open windows if the climate allows.
Supplies
- Each room will be supplied with hand sanitizer bottles, sanitizing wipes (or a spray bottle and paper towels), proper seating placement diagram, and a garbage can.
- Each instructor will be supplied with their own chalk/white-board marker set and eraser.
Cleaning Protocols
- Rooms will be professionally cleaned weekly using professional-grade cleaning products.
- After each class, the instructor should wipe down the surface of the lecturn (if used), chair, computer keyboard (if used), and the board.
- Before leaving each class, each student should wipe down their chair and desktop.
- Classrooms located on the campus of a host institution will abide by their cleaning protocols.
STUDENT HOUSING
We will provide single and double occupancy bedrooms based on suitability, availability, request, and following host institution requirements (for programs with on-campus accommodation). We prioritize assigning singles to those with documented medical necessity.
Double rooms will be redesigned accordingly:
- Measure to see if each bed’s headboard can be 6 feet/1.8 meters apart. Consider reversing the head/foot orientation or rearranging/removing furniture.
- Post a diagram in each room indicating the proper furniture set-up to allow for adequate spacing.
- Mention this diagram in Orientation. Remind students if they move the furniture it is at their own risk.
- If adequate spacing is not possible, the room should house only one student until further notice
- Living room spaces should have seating that can be spaced by 1.8 meters.
- Kitchen table (if applicable) should have moveable chairs (i.e. not bench seating).
- Each living area should have a prominently placed, labeled storage place for an initial supply of hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, and a thermometer. (i.e. a large plastic bin)
- Windows should be operational and having working locks.
- Bathrooms should be stocked with an initial supply of liquid soap and antibacterial hand wipes.
- Before students arrive, each room and/or area is cleaned professionally by a contractor or building staff member who has been trained for infection control cleaning.
- During Fall or Spring Break, each room and/or area should again be cleaned professionally. Students should be alerted to this before they depart for break.
- If a student reports being ill with COVID-like symptoms, his/her/their apartment (OUTSIDE of the student’s room) should be cleaned professionally.
CET is not currently hosting local roommates. Students on all programs will live with other CET program participants only. CET will re-evaluate hosting roommates on a country-by-country basis as the situation evolves.
On-site staff are arranging other appropriate ways to connect with local students in compliance with COVID standards and precautions.
Out-of-class & independent experiences
We are re-evaluating all field-based components in the same way we’ve thought through the on-campus experience. Any components that cannot be run safely under the COVID Playbook guidelines will be replaced as necessary.
- When making reservations, on-site staff will request a copy of any COVID-related protocol the vendor has for evaluation.
- If no formal protocol exists, staff will refer to the housing and classroom sections of this playbook to develop questions to ask each vendor.
- If a vendor has no adequate plans for infection risk mitigation, on-site staff will consider another vendor and/or discuss with the Program Manager.
- Before departure, on-site staff will research the current PPE/infection mitigation strategies on public transport, in ride shares, and taxis in the excursion destination. If these are different from your program site, share the information with students in writing.
- CET will arrange social distancing on coaches/private buses.
- If using a coach for the day, encourage students to sit in the same seats throughout.
- Bring extra hand sanitizing wipes to distribute to students, if needed, to clean seats.
- In addition to protocols for housing, CET will ask hotel staff about recommendations for use of common areas, including dining facilities, hallways, recreational facilities, and lobby lounges.
- CET will recommend that students remove any comforter/heavy blankets from bedding (as these are not cleaned frequently.)
- CET will communicate these requests to students via WhatsApp/WeChat/Line and keep a screen capture of that message.
- For homestays, CET will share Housing guidelines with providers/families before arrival. If they are unable to accommodate CET requests, inform students of what will be different while staying in home stays and recommend alternatives, if available.
Before we even begin matching students with suitable internships, on-site staff will have meetings with each potential host organization. In addition to covering the types of tasks and projects students might do, these meetings will also cover their in-office policies for station setups, cleaning schedules, and work-from-home policies.
Assessing Internship Placement Sites
- If possible, on-site staff will request an in-person tour of the site. If not possible, a call will be arranged with the internship supervisor to request information on the workplace’s infection control plan, special procedures, etc.
- Discuss with the supervisor what the student will be expected to do towards transmission control, if anything (i.e. wear a mask in the office, use disposable coffee cups, clean workstation before leaving, etc.)
- If the site has made no specific modifications to adapt to possible COVID transmission, discuss with your Program Manager if it is appropriate for placement at the current time.
- For potential new sites, have a call with the internship supervisor to request information on the workplace’s infection control plan, special procedures, etc. before the site is formally added to our internship site list.
- Discuss with the supervisor if the student would be able to work from home if necessary and what that might look like, be limited to, etc.
- When making placements, consider the health profile of the student, especially if the student has indicated that he/she/they have a significant pre-existing medical condition on their Health and Wellness form in TDS.
We reserve the right to restrict certain locations/countries as deemed necessary. These restrictions will fluctuate throughout the term under the guidance of local authorities, border closings, and infection rates. Students must evaluate COVID-related policies for their intended destination(s) and stay aware of border closings, transport changes, etc. CET will not excuse class absences due to COVID-related independent travel delays.
COVID-Related Country Changes
Check this section to see what COVID-related changes are in effect at each country. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Student Services Coordinator.
Brazil
- Masks are mandatory in public places.
- Students can expect temperature checks upon entering the CET Center and in some public facilities (e.g., shopping malls, hospitals).
- With the advance of vaccination (99.2% of adults have received at least one dose in the city of São Paulo) and a significant reduction in the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19, São Paulo ended the restriction of hours for commercial establishments such as shopping malls, restaurants, museums, and parks. Social distancing is recommended. Events with large audiences are prohibited.
- The situation of each city in the state of São Paulo is monitored on a weekly basis. Openings and restrictions may be reassessed accordingly.
- There are no restrictions on intercity or interstate travel.
- The CET Brazil Traveling Seminar will be reduced from seven to five days.
- All field-based and extracurricular activities will be evaluated prior to inclusion in the term calendar, in order to ensure the safety of students and the local community.
- Students will not share apartments with local roommates. Students will live with CET program participants only. Instead of roommates, students will have Brazilian “buddies,” with whom they will share language and cultural activities throughout the term.
COLOMBIA
- The local government of Cali has imposed a curfew on weekends, and the selling and consumption of alcohol in public places is prohibited.
- Restaurants are reopening gradually, especially those with outdoor seating.
- Social distancing of 1.5m (5 ft) is standard.
- Masks are mandatory in public places.
- The Colombian national health authority handles all COVID-19 responses. CET can assist students with this if there is a suspected or confirmed case.
- CET staff will administer daily temperature checks on all students when they enter the CET Center.
- The CET Colombia Traveling Seminar will be reduced from seven to four days and will take place mostly in Cartagena.
- Students will not share apartments with local roommates. Students will live with CET program participants only.
Czech Republic
- KN95-equivalent mask usage and social distancing are required in public spaces.
- All Covid-related care is coordinated and supervised by the Czech Ministry of Hygiene.
- To limit the spread, the Czech government has imposed lockdowns and has restricted inter-region from time to time.
- The Czech Republic will participate in the EU-Zone’s “Green Pass” that will allow vaccinated people access to many public areas, including restaurants, museums, trains, long-distance buses and air travel within Europe. Students on Prague-based programs will receive detailed information on the “Green Pass” process as it becomes available.
- Students live in single rooms or doubles (if the room is large enough to allow for more than 6 feet between beds) in shared apartments with shared kitchens.
- All activities will be coordinated with and may be modified by “Green Pass” requirements.
- The CET Center limits access to only students, instructors, and staff.
GREATER CHINA
Beijing and Shanghai
- Mask usage and social distancing are required in public spaces.
- The Chinese Ministry of Health coordinates care for those who test positive for COVID-19. CET staff will be able to support students, but under the guidelines of the ministry.
- In both Beijing and Shanghai (as well as most other major cities), use of a health-tracking app is required to check individual’s health status before entering many public places.
- “Health Kit” (健康宝) within WeChat is used in Beijing and recognized in most other major cities. The “隋申码” accessible within in Alipay is used in Shanghai.
Taipei
- Taiwan has maintained rigorous entry controls throughout the pandemic resulting in very few cases overall (below 2,000 total from January 2020-August 2021.)
- The Taiwanese Ministry of Health coordinates all COVID responses. Masking and social distancing are still mandated in many public spaces.
Beijing and Shanghai based programs (College & Gap)
- Campus access is limited to students, instructors, and staff.
- Students can expect temperature checks upon entering the CET Center.
CET Taiwan
- Our host institution has changed building entries and exits to allow for socially-distant pedestrian traffic flows.
- Students will be required to use the national “digital fence” app for reporting symptoms and any potential contact tracing.
- Students share apartments with ample space for distancing in each room.
CET Global Perspectives: China
- We have suspended this program for summer 2022, and all applicants have been notified.
FRANCE
There are no updates at this time.
CET Global Perspectives: France
- We are planning for a normal program for summer 2022, but constantly re-evaluating the situation on the ground and will provide updates here as the situation evolves.
Italy
- COVID-19 vaccination is required for all public and private university students, faculty, and staff.
- COVD-19 vaccination or recent negative test is required to enter many public spaces, such as indoor restaurants, museums, gyms, and public transportation.
- Italy will participate in the EU Zone’s “Green Pass” that will allow vaccinated people access to many public areas, including restaurants, museums, trains, long-distance buses and air travel within Europe. Students on Florence and Siena-based programs will receive detailed information on the “Green Pass” process as it becomes available.
- Mask usage and social distancing are required in public spaces.
- To limit the spread, the Italian government has imposed lockdowns and has restricted inter-region from time to time.
CET Florence & CET Siena
- Students live in single rooms or doubles (if the room is large enough to allow for more than 6 feet between beds) in shared apartments with shared kitchens.
- Students can expect temperature checks upon entering the CET Center.
- The CET Center limits access to students, instructors, and staff only.
CET Global Perspectives: Italy
- We are planning for a normal program for summer 2022, but constantly re-evaluating the situation on the ground and will provide updates here as the situation evolves.
JAPAN
- Mask usage and social distancing are encouraged and largely practiced in public spaces.
- To limit the spread, the Japanese government has imposed several temporary states of emergency that request individuals to restrict their movements and businesses to close or limit their hours.
- As of August 2021, Japan is experiencing its fifth and worst wave of COVID-19.
- Federal and local governments are directing the vaccine distribution, with 33% of the population fully vaccinated (August 9, 2021).
CET Japan & AICAD in Japan
- Osaka Gakuin University (OGU) and Osaka University of the Arts (OUA) have occasionally limited campus access for all students. When access is not limited, CET students also have full access. Fall 2021 students have access to the campus, although some courses remain virtual/hybrid and some facilities have limited capacity (i.e. gyms).
- Temperature checks are required for entry to some buildings and masks are required at all times in all buildings.
- Students live in single rooms in shared apartments with shared kitchens.
CET Global Perspectives: Japan
- We have suspended this program for summer 2022, and all applicants have been notified.
JORDAN
- The local requirements for limiting the spread of COVID-19 are changing based on current case rates.
- Mask usage and social distancing are required in public spaces.
- The Government of Jordan has implemented social distancing regulations and mandatory mask wearing in business establishments, public transportation, and government facilities due to COVID-19. Starting July 1, the daily curfew begins at 12 a.m. for businesses and 1 a.m. for individuals and ends at 6 a.m. the next morning,
- To minimize transmission risks associated with COVID-19, the roommate program will remain suspended for the summer 2022 term. CET Jordan will continue running the Jordanian “neighbor” program with local peers living next door to students and engaging in cultural activities together.
- CET has been monitoring the situation in Amman and at the University of Jordan with regards to COVID-19 safety and has determined it is advisable to continue operating in CET’s off-campus center for the summer 2022 term. Student housing is walking distance from the CET Center, where students take classes and access staff offices. Students have access to amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants in their neighborhood.
- Program academics are unchanged and there are no anticipated changes to program activities and field-based components.
Updated April 18
SPAIN
There are no updates at this time.
CET Global Perspectives: Spain
- We are planning for a normal program for summer 2022, but constantly re-evaluating the situation on the ground and will provide updates here as the situation evolves.
USA
There are no updates at this time.
CET Global Perspectives: Washington, DC
- We are planning for a normal program for summer 2022, but constantly re-evaluating the situation on the ground and will provide updates here as the situation evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions and answers to help you understand how CET programs will operate differently after COVID-19.
We are constantly assessing our locations for the following pillars for safe operation:
- The local medical system remains open and accessible to treat both COVID and non-COVID illness or injury, including reasonable access to COVID testing. CET and our medical insurance partner GeoBlue work with a variety of medical facilities in each location to meet any health challenge a student may have abroad.
- The closest US consulate or embassy’s American Citizen Services division is open for (at least) emergency services (i.e., a lost passport).
- Airlines are operating with reliable frequency between the host city and US destinations (either direct or with connections).
- Borders are open such that American citizens can reliably leave the host country and return to the US.
- Our on-site professional staff are confident that local conditions can support the program and its students. Our colleagues abroad live and work in our host cities and have extensive networks to draw on for information and assistance, so they are best equipped to interpret all the variables to make sound local-level assessments.
- While integrating local regulations and restrictions, we can still meet the academic/experiential goals of the program.
If any of these come into question, CET would immediately contact and collaborate with all stakeholders to determine the best way forward.
Because the pandemic affected countries to varying degrees, re-opening looks different for each of our program locations. The COVID Playbook is a step-by-step instruction manual of operations for on-site staff at all of our program locations. Its contents are designed to be applicable to all sites while still providing flexibility to accommodate local regulations and recommendations. Some of the topics covered include socially distant seating arrangements for classrooms and other shared spaces, communication policies, outbreak management, etc.
We hosted a webinar on the COVID Playbook in July 2020, you can view a recording of the webinar for more information here. Please note that some of the information may be outdated due to the rapidly changing circumstances of the pandemic. Please refer to the information on this page for the most up-to-date details.
If a student exhibits relevant symptoms, they follow the set protocol to return home and call TeleMD (the telemedicine services included with GeoBlue insurance). If they are advised to seek in-person medical attention, a staff member will accompany them to the clinic and communicates with the CET team and students as necessary.
If a student requires isolation, any roommates/apartment mates are informed to meet staff at the CET Center until the student is safely in quarantined in their room with their computer, textbooks, course materials, phone, thermometer, food, and medications. A staff member will deliver anything else required to the student’s door. Once cleared from isolation, the student’s room is professionally cleaned.
All program locations are equipped with the capability to run classes virtually in the event of an instructor falling ill. Any off-site, experiential components slate for this period will be rescheduled for a later date.
This is location-dependent. Please check with your Student Service Coordinator for more information.
Each program site’s medical facilities and COVID-handling capabilities will be evaluated in order to determine whether or not a program will run.
Assessing healthcare facilities covered by geoblue insurance
- Staff will contact each of the GeoBlue in-network facilities (including TeleMed services) to learn their arrangements for treating suspected cases of COVID. If this represents a different way of working with the facility than normal, (i.e. using a different entry, limiting the number of visitors, etc.) staff will make a note.
- If the facility has an intensive care unit (ICU), staff will request information on its capacity and how usage is determined.
- Starting in Fall 2020, CET will make recommendations to students on health care based on these metrics and our other previous experiences with each facility.
- If staff feel that none of the current GeoBlue-accepting facilities are suitable for a COVID patient, the situation will be discussed with the Program Manager.
Local testing protocol
- Staff will gather and record the locally recommended protocols of symptoms, exposure protocols, contact-tracing protocols, and when to seek emergency care for your site.
- This information will be emailed to all students when they arrive on site (as well as what to do if a student feels sick) and mention it in Orientation.
- If there are changes to local regulations and/or recommendations, staff will update students (and roommates, where applicable) via email as soon as possible.
CET will provide information on testing resources in each location, including addresses, contact information, pricing, and recommended timing. That said, each student is responsible to schedule and pay for the test.
