COVID-19 Safety

Updated February 26, 2023

 

Covid-19 has caused a worldwide challenge, creating new dynamics for travel and study abroad. While we take very seriously creating the conditions for academic success, we prioritize the safety of our students and staff. By God’s grace, we have been able to offer life-changing experiences in safe environments for more than 6 decades. However, our efforts to guarantee our students’ safety are only made possible when students understand their part in contributing to their own and others’ safety. Our commitment to our students is that, at ACA, we continually monitor Public Health advisories and adjust as needed.

Many countries seem to have moved into a no-covid-vaccination requirement for visitors, but sudden restrictions or new health requirements can be enforced at any moment. Therefore, for a safer, easier, and convenient study abroad experience, ACA strongly advises ALL interested students to get fully vaccinated before departing to their ACA program. Otherwise, in the face of sudden restrictions, unvaccinated students may not be allowed to enter the host country or participate in cultural tours or other program activities. Sometimes a negative Covid test may be presented in lieu of a vaccination card, but Covid testing facilities abroad may not be conveniently located, appointments may prove difficult to schedule, and any resulting inconveniences and financial costs of transportation and test fees are the responsibility of the student. Therefore unvaccinated students will be taking the risk of missing out on activities and/or incurring extra costs and inconveniences. 

ACA is not responsible for any consequences or inconveniences resulting from not following ACA guidelines and/or refusing to comply with COVID-19 requirements and protocols of the host country.

 

Here are some guidelines:

BEFORE DEPARTURE

Get the annual Flu Shot, if possible.

COVID-19 Vaccines – Strongly Recommended

Check Latest CDC Recommendations For The Host Country

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html

https://youtu.be/rZvmgOkkDqA

Negative COVID-19 Test  Check with your airline on the requirements for each country on your itinerary. 

 

Don’t Forget To Pack:

  • Face masks (including N-95 model) – at least two or three in your carry-on. Some airlines, in some countries, only allow passengers to board if wearing N-95 masks.
  • Hand sanitizer – use it frequently during your travel to the ACA program.
  • Thermometer – for any necessary personal temperature monitoring. 
  • Smartphone – to use in conjunction with daily monitoring and contact tracing in some countries. You should have an international data plan at departure (not required for the entire duration of the program) to enable you to contact your program director and ISOS in case of an emergency. Not all international airports offer free Wi-Fi. Provide your Program Director with your cell phone number before your departure. 

 

AFTER ARRIVAL

Possible Covid-19 Testing Upon Arrival – It depends on the country’s requirements. 

Health Screening – It may take place at your destination airport. 

Isolation/Quarantine – This means you must remain strictly separated from others. If you are required to quarantine, your Program Director will guide you on how courses will be conducted remotely during that time.

Life on Campus: in Dormitory, Cafeteria, and Classrooms – Our campuses abroad comply with WHO and their government guidelines. 

Face Masks  You may be requested to wear face masks on campus and during program activities.  

Frequent Hand Washing  Wash your hands as frequently as possible.

Health Monitoring – Keep monitoring your health throughout your study abroad program, and do all you can to stay healthy. Make it a new habit. 😊

Contact Tracing – You will be expected to participate in any contact tracing guidelines of the local community, potentially including mobile apps. Your Program Director will expand on this if applicable.

COVID-19 Symptoms or Exposure – Students must immediately notify dorm staff if they believe they have Covid-19 symptoms or have been exposed.

Online Courses When Isolating – ACA is an immersive experience and not an online program, but online courses will be offered to students in isolation until they can resume classes in person.

ACA wishes all our students a safe and memorable study abroad experience. 😊