Covid FAQs for Spring 2021
As knowledge of COVID-19 develops around the world, so do the rules and regulations related to controlling the virus. Federal, national and local governments are regularly changing their approach and recommendations for how to avoid and lessen the impact of the virus, and so we must all be flexible and prepared to make adjustments as necessary. It is in everybody’s best interest to make those adjustments and so, while the following notes are in effect today, they will change as necessary for the wellbeing of our students, families and staff and to comply with regulations.
- For Spring 2021 we are operating programs in Seville, Barcelona, and Alicante, Spain, as well as in Córdoba, Argentina. We are NOT operating programs in Havana, Cuba or San Juan, Puerto Rico. While our partner university in Córdoba, Argentina is currently offering virtual learning, we anticipate a reinstatement of in-person classes in time for our February 2021 start date
- All our partner institutions have protocols in place that adhere to strict local regulations, including distancing, group size limitations and interaction, heightened sanitizing, mask-wearing everywhere except in the home, etc.
- Specifically, at our Center in Seville, H-18:
- The Center has experience working with local students throughout July 2020 with no infections (daily temperature monitoring, providing sanitizer for hands and shoes, masks required, 6’+ distancing, reduced occupancy, use of outdoor patio and larger classrooms, etc.)
- The Center follows FECEI (Federación Española de Centros de Enseñanza de Idiomas) protocols per the info sheet below, including a COVID-19 response coordinator on-site to ensure compliance with strict local regulations
- All housing in single rooms will be guaranteed, with one student placed per household
- Class sizes will be limited. We have the advantage of having enough space to spread out which classrooms we’ll use. We can also use our patio for at least 1 class per hour since Seville has a warm climate. All classrooms have windows, which will remain open in normal circumstances to provide better air flow
What COVID protocols are currently in place in Seville?
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- The Center has experience working with local students throughout July 2020 with no infections (daily temperature monitoring, providing sanitizer for hands and shoes, masks required, 6’+ distancing, reduced occupancy, use of outdoor patio and larger classrooms, etc.)
- The Center follows FECEI (Federación Española de Centros de Enseñanza de Idiomas) protocols per the info sheet below, including a COVID-19 response coordinator on-site to ensure compliance with strict local regulations
- All housing in single rooms will be guaranteed, with one student placed per household
- Class sizes will be limited. We have the advantage of having enough space to spread out which classrooms we’ll use. We can also use our patio for at least 1 class per hour since Seville has a warm climate. All classrooms have windows, which will remain open in normal circumstances to provide better air flow
What specific COVID-19 protocols will SSA follow at each site?
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- SSA has arranged an IgG-IgM (rapid blood test) for all students upon arrival on-site
- If the initial result is negative, s/he proceeds to their homestay; if the initial test result is positive, the student will be given a more exhaustive PCR (swab test)
- If the PCR test is negative, the student will proceed to their homestay
- If the PCR test is positive the student will follow doctor’s orders, including possible quarantine; in this case, Spanish Studies will provide lodging in a private apartment with internet access from where the student will be expected to follow most classes online. A tutor will be assigned to help the student navigate the coursework during the isolation period, two meals per day will be catered, and breakfast will be kept in the apartment. Once students have successfully quarantined, they will proceed to their homestay and continue the program normally.
- The above quarantine conditions will also apply in case a student becomes infected with COVID-19 once on site
- So as not to increase our fees for Spring 2021, SSA has made internal adjustments, including eliminating some overnight and day-long study visits and has put those fees toward a COVID Response Fund that will cover the additional costs associated with testing, extra cleaning, isolation room and board, tutoring resources, etc.
Is quarantine needed only for a positive test or also for known contact for an infected person?
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- Unless health personnel determine otherwise, people who have followed the recommendations for distancing, sanitizing, etc. do not have to be quarantined simply because they have been near a person known to be infected with COVID-19
See current CDC interim guidelines here
Is there a 14-day quarantine required upon arrival?
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- Spain: No, you are only required to isolate and quarantine if you show COVID-19 symptoms at any time; this may change at any time per local regulations.
- Argentina: Yes, currently, 14 days in your residence upon arrival are required; this may change at any time per local regulations
Are SSA students attending in person?
Yes, these are all in-person classes; if the pandemic requires, we will move to on-line delivery of coursework
What are the requirements to continue in-person learning and/or move to e-learning?
This will depend on our host institutions; they are responsible to make a decision to go on-line, according to local protocols and regulations; in that case, we will work with students to facilitate the process
How will SSA determine which programs to run?
SSA will make a decision to run or cancel programs taking into consideration a combination of US and host-country health and safety authority recommendations as well as logistics and demand for a program.
When does SSA plan to make the call on whether or not programs will run?
We are continuously monitoring the global health situation and considering recommendations of US and local health authorities, and will make a determination by December 15th for all Spring 2021 programs at that time. Keep in mind that some of our partner institutions may make announcements prior to this date
Will SSA cancel a program after the December 15 date?
We will only cancel a program after that date if the country prohibits students from entering immediately prior to the program start date
Do I need a visa prior for travel to Spain or Argentina?
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- For Spain: Most programs are under 90 days and thus do not require you to obtain a specific student visa prior to traveling. We will provide you with a letter certifying your full-time enrollment status and insurance coverage, which you will need to present at the airports. Students who plan to be in-country for over 90 days (eg. Integrated Program students) must speak with their SSA representative about the need for a visa.
- For Argentina: US citizens enter with their passport and apply for a student residence permit once classes have started
Is a direct flight required?
No, but always check with your airlines to be sure your routing will work
Will I be able to travel to other countries or cities while abroad?
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- Students must remain within the city in which they are studying, and must request to travel to other cities; travel to COVID hotspots will not be authorized by our Resident Directors
- Also, keep in mind that airlines may cancel flights between specific European cities, and that national, regional and local governments may limit travel to/from specific destinations
Refund Policy for Spring 2021 programs:
- We will make a final determination on whether or not programs will run by December 15; if we decide to cancel a program, we will apply any payments made (including the deposit) to a future program, or we will reimburse the full amount.
- Unless we cancel a program, the $500 deposit is always non-refundable.
- Full refund (minus deposit) for students who cancel before December 15, 2020 for any reason.
- If a student withdraws between December 15 and up to the program start date, we will refund 50% of tuition fees; students will forfeit all other fees.
- No refunds will be issued for withdrawals after the program start date.
- There will be no refunds in case of program interruption once a program has started; students will be accommodated in their residence and tuition will be delivered virtually.
Cancellation insurance
- Spanish Studies Abroad does not provide cancellation insurance, nor do we endorse any particular company. There has been an increase in interest in “cancel for any reason” policies, so we at least hope to help our customers research and consider this option.
- This article from National Geographic is a good starting point to consider your options
- For more specific information on costs and offerings, you may wish to consider this insurance broker‘s website or this insurance provider
Coronavirus COVID-19
May 8, 2020
To all our friends and colleagues in study abroad,
Greetings to all of you from our sheltering-in-place team. We are weathering this current storm and we will return to providing life-changing experiences for our students soon.
Spanish Studies Abroad has just finished a long process of providing a financial credit for each of our Spring 2020 students that returned to the USA in March and April, due to fears of the COVID-19. This was a difficult step and we are aware that many study abroad providers were not able to return money for shortened programs, but SSA has done our best to look out for our students’ interests. Students who paid us directly have received a payment and colleges who handle payments were provided with a credit to allow them to return funds to their students.
We have decided not to go ahead with our Seville summer programs, originally slated for July and August. It is too early and there is too much uncertainty regarding flights and COVID-19. While Spain has seen a trend toward fewer new cases and fatalities, the same is not yet true for the USA.
For the Fall 2020 semester, our plan is still to go ahead with our programs, assuming continued progress in the public health crisis. Programs in Spain will begin on September 28 and will be under 90 days in order to avoid the need for a study visa. We will refund 100% of students’ payments prior to the start of programs should they need to cancel.
We also will soon have information on a Fall 2020 virtual learning program for students seeking Spanish college credits. Those details will be announced soon but our academic team is promising a dynamic, international curriculum for students who are not able to travel overseas yet.
April 9, 2020
We appreciate your patience during this time. Most of our students are now back home in the US, in online learning mode, while a number of our students chose to remain in their homestays abroad and are riding out the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine with their host families.
The Spanish Studies Abroad policy on refunds clearly states that there will be no refunds issued once a program has started. This policy is in place because at that point Spanish Studies has already committed to and made payments to our partners in the US and abroad: insurance providers, local universities, on-site staff and faculty, host families, residence halls, local tour guides, vendors, etc.
However, we are considering options to help mitigate the burden for all stakeholders during these unprecedented circumstances. We are taking into account the needs of our students, parents and administrators, as well as our own financial health, that of our workers and providers in the US and abroad, and the hundreds of families and individuals that depend financially on our programs abroad. A situation that is further exacerbated by the fact that most programs for Summer 2020 have now been cancelled.
We work with a great variety of stakeholders located in several countries, and need time to carefully consider how we can minimize everyone’s loss, so we appreciate your understanding during this time. We expect to have finished our policy review and make an announcement before the end of April.
March 31, 2020
Spanish Studies Abroad would like to inform potential future students regarding two issues that could impact their travel for study abroad.
Processing of US passports for first-time applicants: According to the US Department of State’s website, only citizens with an immediate need to travel for “life-or-death” reasons are receiving priority service to obtain passports. If you are applying for a US passport for the first time, please note that many places that process applications (libraries, post offices etc.) are closed or have suspended that service for health reasons. So it is important to check to see where the service is still offered and whether you need to make an appointment ahead of time.
For renewals of passports, it appears that you can send these in by mail but like everything in the current crisis, leave yourself extra time.
Visas for study in Spain: Like almost everything in society now, you should expect disruptions to what were normal processes. Spain’s US consulates are temporarily closed so no study visas are being issued. Keep in mind that an academic visa is not necessary for our summer programs and fall programs that are under 90 days (for example: our Spanish Studies Program in Seville) . We are monitoring what is happening with Spanish consulates and their visa processing in order to keep our future students informed.
March 29, 2020
Spanish Studies Abroad has been informed that two of our students are being treated at home for COVID-19 symptoms after returning from Spain. We are thinking of them and their families and are confident that they will promptly recover.
Spanish Studies Abroad has informed those whom we know to have been in close contact with the affected students: classmates, teachers, host families and local staff. What is clear now is that COVID-19 is a pandemic and most people will come in contact with it sooner or later. We hope and trust that everyone is taking precautions and monitoring their health.
According to CDC guidance, all our students are in the “medium risk” category for having traveled on an airplane and having been in Spain. The CDC recommends: “Stay home for 14 days after returning from Spain, monitor your health, and practice social distancing”.
March 24, 2020
We know this has been a stressful time for everyone and we hope that you are finding moments to take care of your health and well-being despite the circumstances that the global community is experiencing. Spanish Studies Abroad has facilitated the safe return home of most of our students abroad, while ensuring that those who have remained onsite continue to receive the highest level of service and support.
We understand there have been a lot of questions about the current situation and the future of summer and fall programs. We will continue to post updates here on our website for all students, parents, and institutional contacts.
Spanish Studies Abroad is conscious that the coming Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 terms will be the last opportunity for some students to study abroad before graduation, so we have made policy changes offering maximum flexibility and accommodating as many students as possible:
- Our new Summer 2020 program offerings will be based entirely in Seville, Spain, and have been limited to:
- July “Summer Term 2” in Seville: July 3 – July 25, earn 4 – 5 credits, $4,500
- July “Practicum in Education in Seville”: July 1 – August 1, earn 4 credits, $3,500
- August Term (New): July 27 – August 14, earn 3 – 4 credits, $3,200
- We have made the difficult decision to cancel all other Summer programs in Spain, Argentina, Cuba, and Puerto Rico
- Our Fall programs at all sites remain as they were, with the exception of the Spanish Studies Program in Seville, that has been modified as follows:
- New program dates: September 28 – December 16
- Course offerings and credits remain the same and will be distributed to fulfill all semester-hour requirements
- Orientation, Study visit sites, and other components of the program will remain the same
- Full room and board will remain the same, adjusted to the new dates
- Price has been reduced to $14,000
- The fact that the program duration is under 90 days will allow students to participate without having to go through the visa process in advance for entry to Spain
- Our Admissions Team will be reaching out to students who are affected by these changes.
- We have modified our minimum GPA from 3.0 to 2.5 to allow more students the opportunity to go abroad, particularly if this is their last opportunity before they graduate.
- We have eliminated the application deadlines and will review last minute applicants for these programs, right up to the start date, if need be.
- Acceptances are non-binding, and payments are fully refundable. We encourage students to prepare for study abroad by completing their applications as soon as possible.
- Flexible cancellation conditions: students can withdraw up until the day before the program begins; remember, all program payments are fully refundable up to that day!
Please note that it will take some time to reflect all of these adjustments on our website and database. Please be patient as we make these changes, and rest assured that the changes listed here take precedence over what is listed on our website.
We hope that this flexibility will ease the academic, financial, and health concerns related to applying to study abroad during this uncertain time. Our team is always here to support and are available to set up an advising session if you want guidance when choosing a program. You can find more information at www.ssabroad.org, and you can contact us on email at info@spanishstudies.org, and telephone 413-256-0011.
We hope to welcome you on a study abroad program very soon!
March 19, 2020
This afternoon, the US State Department issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” Global Health Advisory. Following is the text of that statement:
“The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.”
Spanish Studies Abroad continues to guarantee our high level of service to those who have stayed in their host countries. Please follow the recommendations of local, US, and world health and other authorities to stay healthy and safe.
As a reminder, our international emergency telephone numbers are listed on our website, at the following address: https://ssabroad.org/students-parents/emergency-contact-information/
March 18, 2020
Spanish Studies Abroad continues to concentrate our primary efforts on the safety of our students, both those who have returned home, as well as those who have chosen to remain in their program abroad. Also within our top priorities is ensuring that all students are provided the means to work toward completing the academic credits they anticipated. Students will receive specific information about your plan of study shortly.
We have received several inquiries about refunds. Our top priority right now is the health and safety of our students who are still abroad or are returning home in the coming days, so we appreciate your patience during this time as we evaluate what program costs (if any) can be refunded.
Please keep in mind that Spanish Studies Abroad has already committed to and made payments to our partners abroad, but we are attempting to recuperate partial room & board costs. Given the variety of housing options and sites that we work with, this may take several weeks, so we appreciate your understanding during this time.
We know that there is abundant information out there with advice re: COVID-19, but we thought the following article excerpt was especially clear and relevant to our stakeholders:
Wondering About Social Distancing? FAQs
Updated March 17, 2020 – NYTimes
- What is social distancing?
It means minimizing contact with people and maintaining a distance of at least six feet between you and others. Avoid public transportation, limit nonessential travel, work from home and skip gatherings. This strategy saved thousands of lives both during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and in Mexico City during the 2009 flu pandemic. - I’m young. Can I continue to socialize?
Please don’t. There is no question that older people and those with underlying health conditions are most vulnerable to the virus, but young people are by no means immune. And there is a greater public health imperative. Even people who show only mild symptoms may pass the virus to many, many others — particularly in the early course of the infection, before they even realize they are sick. - Can I leave my house?
It’s O.K. to go outdoors. The point is not to remain indoors, but to avoid being in close contact with others. When you do leave your home, wipe down any surfaces you come into contact with, avoid touching your face and frequently wash your hands. - Can I go to the supermarket?
Yes, buy as much as you can at a time to minimize the number of trips, and pick a time when the store is least likely to be crowded. Be aware that any surface inside the store may be contaminated, especially the handle of the cart. - Can I go out to dinner at a restaurant?
In general, avoid going out to restaurants. Opt for takeout. - Can family come to visit?
That depends. If everyone in the family is young and healthy, then some careful interaction in small groups is probably OK. Eldery relatives and others at risk should stay away, at least for now. - Can I take my kids to the playground?
Serious illness from this virus in kids is rare. But kids tend to touch their mouths, noses and faces constantly so parents, especially in higher-risk areas, may want to reconsider trips to high-traffic public areas like the playground. If you do go, playgrounds with few kids are ideal. Take hand sanitizer with you and clean any surfaces with disinfecting wipes before they play. - How long will we need to practice social distancing?
That is a big unknown, experts said. A lot will depend on how well the social distancing measures in place work and how much we can slow the pandemic down. But prepare to hunker down for at least a month, and possibly much longer.
March 17, 2020
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all!
In addition to the updates you will find listed below, please note that:
- Throughout today, at this most untimely moment, we have been experiencing difficulties with our US office telephones and calls were temporarily unable to get through on our regular office number. However our emergency number (413-687-7069) and our corporate email system has been available throughout. Our telephone company and IT staff have corrected the problem but should you experience difficulty reaching our office, please call the emergency number.
- Our staff is on call during regular business hours in the US and abroad, working remotely. Please rely on telephone and email to conduct business.
- As of this afternoon, approximately 88% of our students abroad have returned home to the United States, 5% have decided to stay in their host countries, and the remaining 7% have yet to decide. We support all students in the decisions they have made and applaud their cooperation in this difficult period.
- The US Department of Homeland Security has not changed its March 13 statement suspending the entry of most foreign nationals who have been in specific European countries, including Spain – the travel suspension does NOT affect US citizens.
- Currently there are no updates regarding our partner universities abroad. As of this evening, the Universidad de La Habana is still holding classes, and some of our students in Cuba have decided to return home.
March 16, 2020
Spanish Studies Abroad is happy to announce that all of our partner institutions in Spain have confirmed that they will transition to online delivery of coursework for the Spring semester. This guarantees that ALL students in our Seville, Alicante, and Barcelona programs will have the option of finishing their Spring semester coursework, despite COVID-19!
Spanish Studies is working with our Center in Seville and our partners in Spain on the details of how we will proceed in each case. This information will be shared with students and home campuses and will be coordinated through the Spanish Studies Academic Department. Please be patient as we roll out the details – we are expecting that most courses will move forward next week.
Spanish Studies has decided to postpone its pilot High School in Seville July Program to July of 2021.
March 15, 2020
New developments are affecting our students and staff world-wide:
- Spain has transitioned to the point where the government has ordered all people to stay in their homes or residences and may only go outdoors to buy food, for health services, to go to work, and some other minor exclusions. Most of our students in Spain have already returned home or are holding reservations to fly home within the next few days. While students await their return flights, they are being attended to by our staff in Spain by way of 24-hour email and telephone lines. In the meantime, we are preparing to work remotely, as well as for online class delivery of most class work, and students are being kept informed via email and telephone.
- Puerto Rico has imposed a curfew and ordered most businesses shut down, including our partner university, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Our students have been told to return home and we will work with them and their universities to make up their credits.
- Currently, there are no updates as relates to our students in Argentina and Cuba.
- The governor of Massachusetts, home to our US office, declared a state of emergency last week, on March 10th, and has announced exceptional measures to take effect within 48 hours, including the closure schools, bars, restaurants, and other gathering places. Our US Office in Amherst, Massachusetts has transitioned to remote work as of Monday, March 16th.
Spanish Studies Abroad continues to consider the health and safe return of its students as its highest priority, and our experienced staff is in permanent contact to review and weigh contrasted information, and to make decisions that will help ensure the safety and integrity of our students and all stakeholders.
March 13, 2020
Spanish Studies partners abroad are rolling out their protocols on how they will manage course interruptions of this Spring Semester’s programs. It is our priority to work closely with our university partners to ensure that our students can receive credit for their spring semesters.
Seville, Spain
- The Center for Cross-Cultural Study – in-person classes have ended, and all classes will transition to online learning mode. We are developing switching over to remote delivery of classes and academic content for the remainder of the semester so students can complete their coursework. We appreciate your patience during this time as we work with our professors on the logistics for how course content will be delivered; we will keep our students informed.
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO) – the Hispanic Studies Program (SSA’s International Studies Program) will change over to online teaching via Blackboard Collaborate. For students who are taking courses in the University Integration Program (with Spanish students), the university does not as of yet have any information regarding what UPO as an institution plans to do with its regular courses should the University shut down. However, they will do everything in their power to ensure some type of alternative evaluation method so that these students can receive at least partial (if not full) credit for their semester.
- Universidad de Seville (USEV) – we are still waiting on an update from USEV
Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Pompeu Fabra (UPF) – has decided to suspend the in-person nature of both lecture sessions and exams left until the end of the Winter term 2020 (March 24). Faculty has already set contingency plans in anticipation of an eventual suspension of face-to-face classes. These plans will be implemented starting Monday, March 16 and will provide all students with materials to fulfill the two last lecture sessions in a distance learning format. Professors will deliver these materials to fulfill the uncompleted sessions and will make the necessary provisions for a take-in home exam or an alternative way of evaluation. Each professor will duly inform students about the specific activities which will be developed for each course to guarantee full completion of credits to all students.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) – will now switch to an online format for all subjects and all students, this change was originally planned for the 3rd April. This is not the end of the course, professors will provide online material and activities until the scheduled closure of the programme on Wednesday 22nd April. Professors will contact students with instructions for the activities and assessment they will be required to complete. Students who successfully complete the required coursework and assessment will be awarded full credit for the course and certificates will be issued as normal.
Alicante, Spain
- Universidad de Alicante (UA) – will be suspending in-person teaching starting Monday, March 16 and will be suspending extracurricular activities on campus. Coursework in a virtual format will be implemented and the university will provide an announcement and details on that in the coming days.
Córdoba, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC) – Students have completed their first five-credit course during the month of February. The UNC has postponed the start of the remaining courses for one week, as they are preparing for online delivery. Currently, our students in Córdoba are on break.
Havana, Cuba
- Universidad de La Habana (ULH) – Our spring semester program is operating as scheduled with students attending classes at the Universidad de la Habana. The university has not announced contingency plans.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (USC) – USC is taking preventative actions similar to many US mainland universities and will be closing campus (including the residence halls, on March 22). In-person classes will end Friday, March 13 and online coursework will begin starting Monday, March 23rd. Students have been informed by the Resident Director to make plans to return home and continue coursework remotely.
Update on locations in Latin America: March 12, 2020
Spanish Studies Abroad is continuing to monitor the situation of our programs abroad in Spain, Argentina, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Currently, Latin America has been less impacted in comparison to regions of the world, though due to the fluid nature of the problem, these situations could change rapidly.
Some US colleges and universities are recommending that their students return home from abroad. Spanish Studies Abroad is advising students abroad to consult with their home schools and weigh their options to return home or remain abroad. We understand that each individual will make a personal decision, in conjunction with their home institutions and their families. All students, no matter their decision, will be supported by Spanish Studies Abroad. For those who decide to return home, we will work with them and their home institutions to try to ensure that most, if not all, of their semester credits will be completed. Students who remain on site will follow recommendations of the local health authorities. Spanish Studies housing and academic services will remain in place to cater to students who remain on site.
Following is a summary of where our partners abroad in Latin America stand.
Córdoba, Argentina
The WHO reports that there are approximately 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 countrywide, all imported cases (not locally transmitted). There are no reported cases in Córdoba. Students are attending classes as scheduled at the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, and asked to take all health precautions as described by the CDC. The university has not yet announced contingency plans.
Havana, Cuba
Three cases have been declared on the island of Cuba, all Italian tourists who were visiting the colonial town of Trinidad, 185 miles southeast of Havana, and are currently quarantined. Our spring semester program is operating as scheduled with students attending classes at the Universidad de la Habana. The university has not announced contingency plans.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
There have not been any confirmed cases reported at this time, although authorities have reported that there are a number of suspicious cases on the island that are still being evaluated. Universidad del Sagrado Corazón is taking preventative actions similar to many US mainland universities and will be closing campus (including the residence halls). In-person classes will end tomorrow, Friday, March 13 and online coursework will begin starting Monday, March 23rd. Students have been informed by the Resident Director to make plans to return to the mainland US.
March 12, 2020
Late last night, the US Department of State issued a “Global Level 3 Health Advisory – Reconsider Travel”, and the World Health Organization classified the COVID-19 virus as a Pandemic.
Spanish Studies Abroad, along with most of our US institutional partners, recommends that students abroad in Europe make a decision to return to the US within the upcoming days. Yesterday’s announcement limiting entry of non-US nationals to the United States may cause delays in arranging flights to return home, so we are pro-actively requesting that students consult with their families and home universities to make plans now.
We understand each student has individual circumstances and that the decision of when to return home is a personal one, to be taken in consultation with your family and your home institution. Spanish Studies Abroad will support your decision by helping with flight arrangements and working to help students earn as much credit as possible for the semester. Spanish Studies housing and academic services will remain in place to cater to students until they are safely able to return to the US.
Students will need to coordinate with their airlines to change flights; at this point many airlines are waiving fees, so please inquire. Anyone who experiences difficulties changing a flight should request assistance from on-site staff.
Spanish Studies Abroad staff will move to make online delivery of classes available. We are asking for patience in getting this process started as there are many details involved.
For students who decide to remain on site, we will require you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. That also includes any financial responsibility incurred due to the absence of flights and US restrictions.
We know there are many questions and concerns and we continue to be here to help and update as we all respond to this unfortunate situation.
March 11, 2020
Following this evening’s address and proclamation by the President of the United States, the follow up messages by other US authorities, and the changing information referring to a new 30-day travel restriction for most foreign nationals from Europe to the United States, Spanish Studies Abroad is advising students abroad to consult with their home schools and weigh their options to return home or remain abroad.
Spanish Studies understands that each individual will make a personal decision, in conjunction with their home institutions and their families. All students, no matter their decision, will be supported by Spanish Studies Abroad. For those who decide to return home, we will work with them and their home institutions to try to ensure that most, if not all, of their semester credits will be completed. Students who remain on site will follow recommendations of the local health authorities. All Spanish Studies housing and academic services will remain in place to cater to students who remain on site.
Please remain in touch with your on-site programs staff and home institutions, and stay tuned for further guidance and information as this difficult situation unfolds.
March 10, 2020
At this time, the Spanish Studies Abroad summer and fall programs are scheduled to operate normally and students are encouraged to follow through with their applications. For those students who are accepted, applying or thinking of applying for upcoming summer and fall terms, we have temporarily modified our refund policy as follows:
“Students who withdraw from Summer or Fall 2020 programs up to 30 days before the start of their programs will receive a full refund for fees paid to Spanish Studies Abroad. Students who withdraw after that 30 day period, and up to the start date of the program, will be refunded everything except the $500 deposit, which will be applied to a future program. Once the program has begun, there will be no refunds.”
Please refer to the prior statements listed below for more information and links to specific COVID-19 information, and review the updated WHO Recommendations for International Traffic.
March 9, 2020
Spanish Studies Abroad is aware that universities, parents and students are concerned about contingency planning, should students need to return home from abroad before the end of their spring semester.
Following Spanish Studies Abroad directives, our focus will be to take measures to keep our students on track toward their anticipated graduation dates. Spanish Studies will work with each student individually to arrange a plan of study, via internet distance learning, most likely via email. These plans will be coordinated by the Spanish Studies Academic Director, with our on-site professors and in cooperation with the students’ home universities. In the cases where coursework cannot be made up, we will work with the home universities in search of a satisfactory alternative.
This is not a novel situation for Spanish Studies Abroad. We have worked with many students who have had to depart early from a program abroad, generally due to a family emergency. In such cases, Spanish Studies has always worked with the student and the home college to coordinate an appropriate plan of study. The current situation with COVID-19 is similar, though potentially at a larger scale.
Please refer to the prior statements listed below for more information and links to specific COVID-19 information, and review the updated WHO Recommendations for International Traffic.
March 6, 2020
We continue to monitor the situation daily with the coronavirus and its effects. At this time, our summer and fall programs are scheduled to run as anticipated. In light of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, we have adjusted our refund policy as follows:
Spanish Studies will issue a full refund to any student who withdraws before the start date from any Summer or Fall program in a country for which the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel alert
Should a travel alert be issued after the start of a program, Spanish Studies Abroad will work with all students with a focus on keeping our students on track toward their anticipated graduation dates.
Knowledge is power. Please keep informed by reviewing the information below and visiting the official health organization websites listed for the most up-to-date information on how to remain healthy.
We understand that for many students, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and study overseas. As such, we seek to strike the right balance for the students’ benefit.
March 3, 2020
Currently, there are no health-related travel alerts for Spain, Argentina, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Our spring, summer and fall programs are running and scheduled to run as planned. However, in a worst-case scenario, Spanish Studies Abroad will work with students and colleges to make exceptions to our standard refund policy. Our focus will be to take measures to keep our students on track toward their anticipated graduation dates, while postponing programs and/or managing refunds to lessen the burden of unrecoverable costs for all stakeholders.
We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation in Spain and Europe with respect to the coronavirus. At this time, our programs are operating as normal in Spain and we encourage students to continue to enjoy their term abroad. Spanish Studies Abroad did, however, make the decision on February 24 to prohibit our students from traveling to Italy and has provided students with tips for staying healthy while traveling in general (for example: washing hands frequently, utilizing hand sanitizer, avoiding touching eyes/nose/mouth, etc.).
Please refer to the February 28 update for more information.
The below statement has been released by the Forum on Education Abroad to respond to the CDC’s Guidance for Student Foreign Travel for Institutions for Higher Education.
Dear Colleagues,
The Forum on Education Abroad and Pulse have worked together to issue this joint statement regarding COVID-19.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued Guidance for Student Foreign Travel for Institutions of Higher Education on Sunday, March 1, 2020.
We want to point out that the CDC has never before issued guidance like this regarding student mobility. We have reached out to the CDC and asked for more insight into why they issued this statement. Additionally we want to reiterate:
- Both The Forum and Pulse strongly urge colleagues to read this statement as it is written – as guidance to consider. It is not a directive that is being handed down. Instead, the CDC is asking our field to consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs.
- Students are not typically members of the population who may succumb to a virus like COVID-19. Those populations have often included the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
- Unlike typical travelers, students are supported on the ground at their various study sites by professional staff, faculty, and others who work to assure that students are provided information, assistance, guidance, and help when necessary.
We also want to acknowledge that different institutions will have different capacities to manage a complex issue such as COVID-19. Not every organization can be expected to react in the same way as those with professional staff devoted to addressing international health and safety considerations. We urge those institutions to reach out to your colleagues through professional networks. Look to what they are saying and recommending and then scale it so that it fits your context.
Looking to the Standards of Good Practice, particularly Standard 8, is one of the best ways to assess where your institution is in managing this situation. All decisions should be based on measured, careful thought that is consistent with your established emergency action plans. Triggers should have been established in that plan and those triggers ought to be heeded.
Be sure to triangulate your sources of information so that you can create a much more complete picture of what is being recommended during these trying times. Look to multiple sources of information to inform your decision making. Advice provided by the World Health Organization is measured and practical. Other places to seek information include the
Your colleagues at The Forum and Pulse stand ready to assist in providing credible updates as they become available.
Best regards,
Andrea M. Bordeau, Executive Committee, Pulse: Higher Education International Health and Safety Professionals
Natalie A. Mello, Vice President for Programs, Training & Services, The Forum on Education Abroad
Melissa A. Torres, President & CEO, The Forum on Education Abroad
February 28, 2020
Spanish Studies Abroad takes the health and safety of our students very seriously. In the face of the evolving situation with the COVID-19 virus, we have prohibited our students from traveling to Italy until the situation there is cleared. We continue to monitor our students and apply our protocol of accompanied visits to a health center for students who may be ill.
Please be aware that the Spanish Studies Abroad health insurance policy provides for medical emergency evacuation for all Spanish Studies students and accompanying faculty, including in a hypothetical case of COVID-19 infection. Insurance will not cover the evacuation of a student because of “fear” of contagion, but it will cover evacuation of a student who has contracted the virus, if necessary.
Spanish Studies will continue to monitor U.S. and local health agencies and adjust our recommendations accordingly.
- Spanish Studies will follow World Health Organization, CDC, local health officials, and US Government recommendations, and has posted this webpage with links where you will find updated information in English and in Spanish
- In the event of cancellation of programs we will work with students, faculty, and administrators to keep our participants safe by modifying previously planned activities or postponing studies to a future date and making any other necessary adjustments, as necessary and on a case-by-case basis.
- In a worst-case scenario, Spanish Studies Abroad will work with students and colleges to make exceptions to our standard refund policy. Our focus will be to take measures to keep our students on track toward their anticipated graduation dates, while postponing programs and/or managing refunds to lessen the burden of unrecoverable costs for all stakeholders.
- Spanish Studies continues to monitor our students and apply our protocol of accompanied visits to a health center for students who may be ill.
- In the unlikely event that the US Government requires a full evacuation from abroad, it is comforting to know that there are major airports in Spain, Cuba, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the Moron Air Base, a joint US Air Force-Spain military base is only 32 miles from our Center in Seville.
Knowledge is power. Please keep informed by reviewing the information below and visiting the official health organization websites listed for the most up-to-date information on how to remain healthy.
World Health Organization (WHO) Situation Reports:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports
“Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus: Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others.”
World Health Organization (WHO) information and advice: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
World Health Organization (WHO) Myth Busters:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
CDC Situation and Updates page:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
CDC Travel Recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Spanish Government Health website and recommendations ref. COVID-19: https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/home.htm
