CAPA Summer 2021 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Updated March 8, 2021

Pre-Departure Advising & Orientation

CAPA offers comprehensive pre-departure advising for all programs. In addition, students studying on in-country programs during summer 2021 will have to complete a series of required pre-departure webinars and videos on topics including arrival; health and safety; housing; the CAPA Center experience; and diversity, equity, and inclusion:

Spring Pre-Departure

In addition to the mandatory pre-departure webinars and videos, students will be required to complete modules through CAPA’s Canvas Learning Management System. Each module will share vital information and have a required quiz at the end. By using a pre-departure, module-based approach, students will be able to learn critical details about their summer term at their own pace and in advance of arriving overseas. Plus, students will be able to refer back to the modules at any time prior to departure and while abroad. Please note that students will be required to complete all of the modules prior to the release of housing and internship placement details.

Once abroad, additional in-country orientation will be provided in key areas such as health and safety—including COVID-19 guidelines and the CAPA Guardian Health & Safety app—academics, internships, the program calendar, the My Global City event calendar, local transportation, and housing.

CAPA Pre-Departure Video:

Health & Safety

Will CAPA require students to have obtained a COVID vaccine in order to participate in Summer 2021 programs?

CAPA programs are not currently restricted to those who have been vaccinated. However, restrictions to entry or travel may be imposed by national, regional, or local governments at any time; CAPA continues to monitor the situation in each location where we offer programs and will keep students informed of any changes to requirements. Note that regardless of vaccination status, students should anticipate that there will continue to be COVID-19 related restrictions and students will be required to adhere to all rules and regulations throughout their program.

How will co-curricular and cultural activities be adapted to comply with local guidance on COVID-19?

All activities will follow local social distancing and other COVID-19 guidelines. Group tours and excursions will allow for, or be altered to comply with, the local government’s policies on social distancing or be replaced with local activities. Students will be notified at least 48 hours in advance if an activity is not able to move forward as usual due to COVID-19.

Will you require daily temperature checks?

CAPA anticipates daily temperature checks will be required and this will be confirmed closer to the start of the program and is subject to change at any time based on local guidance. Students should also bring their own thermometers to test themselves prior to leaving their apartments.

Will CAPA provide PPE or cleaning/sanitizing supplies for self-use?

CAPA will issue two face coverings on arrival for all students, and students will be required to conform with all local guidance and regulations regarding the wearing of face coverings at all times. CAPA may also impose restrictions beyond local guidance, including in CAPA housing and study centers. Face coverings must be washed regularly and CAPA recommends students bring or purchase additional face coverings to supplement those from CAPA.

How is CAPA tracking the presence of COVID-19 in the city, country, and region?

CAPA uses a variety of data sources including but not limited to:

Government reporting in each program location
CDC Travel Notices
US Dept of State Travel Advisories and Border information
IATA COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map
Worldometer Case Data
IMHE COVID-19 Projections
Statnews COVID-19 Tracker for 7-day averages

How does CAPA communicate to important stakeholders (home institution, parents) in cases of emergency?

In event of a medical emergency, CAPA contacts the student’s emergency contact. CAPA updates the Notices page of the website with any program changes or situations impacting entire programs. Our Parent Webinar (link) is another resource.

CAPA keeps home institutions informed of anything impacting their programs or students at all times.

How is COVID-19 covered under CAPA’s Health Insurance Policy?

If a student contracts COVID-19 while abroad, all medical expenses are covered. If a student has to return home due to contracting COVID-19, they can claim up to $3,000 for trip interruption coverage through CAPA insurance, and CAPA will assess whether there are any other recoverable costs on a case by case basis.

What COVID-19 precautions will be in place at the CAPA center and in the classroom?

Classrooms will only hold as many students as is suggested by appropriate government regulations on social distancing within educational environments. Where classrooms will not accommodate the group size with social distancing, classes will be divided, with half of the class joining online from their housing in a weekly rotation. Class times, where possible, will be staggered and timed to avoid the peak periods on public transportation where appropriate.
In addition, to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus within the CAPA centers, the following protocols have been developed:

In addition to pre‐departure guidance provided to students on how to best protect themselves from the virus, these details will be covered again thoroughly in an onsite orientation and will be regularly reinforced throughout the semester through emails and posts in the student portal or LMS as well as in class or through Town Halls where required. These communications will also remind students that the CAPA team are available at any time to support them and answer questions they may have.
Hand sanitizer stations will be provided throughout all CAPA centers including in each classroom and by any entrances and exits (additionally all bathrooms will be well stocked with sanitizing soap).
Thorough cleaning by professional cleaning staff will be conducted every evening with disinfectant products, including careful attention to door handles, light switches, desk surfaces and other surface areas that are shared and could carry the virus.
Door handles and any other regularly touched surfaces and desks will also be cleaned with disinfectant wipes by CAPA staff between classes in addition to the nightly cleaning.
Face coverings will be required at all times within the CAPA centers.
Screens, temperature checks and testing will be evaluated and implemented in line with local guidance closer to the start of the program with changes possible at any time during a program. Students should be prepared for all eventualities for monitoring.
Students will not be allowed to congregate within the study centers and will only be able to enter for their scheduled classes. Academic or program advising will in most cases take place via Zoom or phone.

Does CAPA plan on facilitating testing of students or contact tracing while on-program?

CAPA is monitoring new developments and availability in testing in each location, which is changing regularly, and will follow local guidelines and best practices. Students should be prepared to be tested at any time deemed appropriate by CAPA. At this time, CAPA will require students to present a negative test result taken within 72 hours of arrival and testing for those with symptoms. CAPA will need to be informed of all test results in order to take any necessary steps to protect the rest of the community. CAPA will respect US confidentiality where it does not conflict with local regulations or where it is not superseded by the interest of public health and safety. In the event this information needs to be shared, CAPA will endeavor to inform the student in advance of any communication with others. Home campuses will always be informed. Any students who have concerns about testing or the sharing of their results should reconsider participation in the program.

What housing policies are in place related to COVID-19?

To reduce the risk of the spread of the virus, the following protocols have been developed at CAPA housing:

CAPA will house a maximum of two students per room and 4-6 students per apartment. CAPA will offer single rooms within a shared apartment for a supplemental fee.
A thorough cleaning will be carried out in all student housing prior to arrival. These protocols will also be followed on a weekly basis where weekly cleaning is provided.
Students will be given clear guidance on cleaning and disinfecting their living space to reduce the spread of the virus (this is applicable even to those who have a weekly cleaning included as daily hygiene to reduce the spread of the virus within the housing will be the responsibility of the students).
All housing will be provided with disinfectant spray and other cleaning products for students to use.
Posters will be provided in housing outlining the key guidance, with the addition of the guidance for how students can reduce the spread of the virus in their housing through good hygiene and social distancing.
CAPA is not offering homestays in Summer 2021.
No visitors are allowed within CAPA housing. This includes students who are staying in separate apartments within the same building. Parties and indoor gatherings, including with one other person from outside the apartment, will be treated as a major breach and result in serious action, potentially up to dismissal from the program. CAPA will carry out random inspections to monitor compliance with this important regulation.

What is your policy for independent housing requests in light of COVID-19?

CAPA follows its US partner universities’ policies for independent housing. If the student’s home institution allows it, CAPA would require students to sign a non-CAPA housing waiver and to strictly follow CAPA rules regarding face coverings and social distancing.

Are guests permitted (including parents/guardians) to visit students at the start of and during the program?

To reduce the number of contacts and opportunities for transmission within the student population, we discourage parents and other guests from travelling to see their student while the global pandemic is ongoing.
To reduce opportunities for transmission, parents will not be able to enter student housing or the CAPA Center, nor share a hotel room or any other accommodation with their student. They must fully practice social distancing, quarantine measures and any other guidance in place at that time.
A student could travel to the program location with their parent(s) and self-isolate with them for the full period of any government-mandated quarantine, but they will be unable to move into CAPA accommodation until the full quarantine period for the students arriving on the program dates is completed. Any costs for non-CAPA housing in such cases is the responsibility of the student and there is no refund for any nights in CAPA housing that cannot be used. Please note visa regulations may limit early arrivals in some locations.

How is CAPA handling any applicable government mandated quarantines on arrival?

Students will be asked to avoid using public transport and to travel to their accommodations via a private cab. Social distancing and rules on things like face coverings will need to be observed. CAPA can provide information to students on how to book a cab prior to leaving the US. CAPA staff are not able to meet students at the airport.
There will be minimal in-person interaction on arrival at the housing, and students will immediately enter their accommodations and will not be able to leave at any time during the quarantine period. Students will not be allowed to visit students in other apartments within the same building or leave for exercise or shopping or any other reason. CAPA staff will provide information to students on how to access food delivery services and other important resources.
Students will be introduced to CAPA staff and their roles in their program location prior to arrival through an online webinar. Full details on how to contact staff for support during quarantine will be provided.
In addition to thorough pre-departure guidance, an on-site arrival orientation will take place live but be carried out virtually.
An appropriately socially distanced meet and greet activity will be provided once the quarantine comes to an end.
CAPA staff will not be able to interact with the students in-person during the quarantine, although random checks by phone will be made to ensure that all students are accounted for within their apartments to ensure quarantine rules are being followed.
All CAPA support services will remain available in a virtual format, including official student advising office hours. Students will also still have access to CAPA’s 24/7 emergency phone and CAPA Guardian app during the quarantine period.
Students will be provided with information on what to expect during and after quarantine, so they are always aware and prepared for what comes next.
All classes will be held remotely, and all contact hours will be met as normal.
Syllabi will be adapted to take into account the quarantine, particularly in regard to the dates of field studies and other assignments that may be impacted.
Virtual My Global City activities from all of CAPA’s global city locations will be made available to students during the quarantine as will ideas for ways to engage virtually with other CAPA students outside their apartments.
CAPA will ensure there is a plan in place for individual interns which may include starting placements remotely or utilizing projects agreed with home campus to make up internship hours lost during quarantine. Each plan will vary based on the internship site, the program location, and local regulations.
Cleaning services, where this is included, will not be allowed during the period of quarantine and students will be provided with guidance on apartment hygiene, appropriate social distancing measures, and use of face coverings.

Will students be required to obtain visas to travel abroad this summer?

CAPA summer programs do not require visas for US citizens with the notable exception of students participating in an internship in London. Non-US citizens should contact the appropriate consulate for more information.

What types of mental health/counseling is available to students while participating in the program?

CAPA has identified mental health professionals in each program location to which students can be referred. Students will also be advised on any phone and online services available in their program location.

Students with mental health issues are strongly encouraged to continue all medications and contact with their existing health care professionals in their home country while abroad. They should also be aware of the challenges most students experience when studying abroad in an unfamiliar environment and assess whether that is the right choice for them.

What are the public health entry requirements for each country?

CAPA continually monitors entry requirements which can change at any time and advises based on what is in place at the time of travel, e.g. quarantines, visas.

How will CAPA inform students of the local requirements related to COVID-19 (e.g. face masks)?

CAPA will inform students in pre-departure webinars and modules, during the arrival orientation, and while in-country through ongoing communications and reminders using email and the CAPA Community online portal.

Will CAPA limit students’ independent travel?

Students will be provided with regularly updated guidance on travel and other free time activities in line with government advice on reducing the spread of the virus. It may be necessary to restrict independent student travel or certain activities to reduce the risk within the CAPA community beyond the restrictions set by local governments. Restrictions can change at any time based on government guidance or CAPA’s own risk assessment. Students should thus not book travel in advance and be prepared to stay within their global city. In cases where students have not followed the guidance in regards to travel or free time activities or any other guidance related to reducing the risk of spreading the virus, students will be required to be tested and to self‐isolate for 14 days at their own expense, even if they are not showing symptoms This may also lead to disciplinary actions including dismissal from the program with no refunds.

What happens if a student has symptoms of COVID‐19?

CAPA will follow standard protocols as set forth by local governments and health officials. Following is an example of how CAPA may need to respond:

The student should stay at home and not attend the center or their internship site and inform CAPA immediately on the emergency phone
The local public health officials will be contacted in collaboration with CAPA staff, and their guidance followed.
It is likely that the guidance will indicate that the student needs to be self-isolated and CAPA will make those arrangements. CAPA will cover the costs of the accommodations unless the student has been found to have broken any regulations or protocols, in which case the student will bear the cost.
CAPA students and faculty will be informed that there is a student who is self-isolating; students and faculty who share housing or classroom space with the student who is self‐isolating will be informed that the student was in one of these groups with them.
The minimum details deemedThe minimum details deemed necessary will be shared with other students, faculty, and the local government. CAPA will respect US confidentiality where it does not conflict with local regulations or where it is not superseded by the interest of public health and safety.
The local health officials will advise whether any students or faculty who were in contact need to be self‐isolated and tested.
CAPA staff will check in regularly with the student via Zoom and ensure they are aware of how to access food and other products online.
The Home Institution will be kept informed by the Boston team.

What happens if a student tests positive for COVID-19?

CAPA will follow standard protocols as set forth by local governments and health officials. Following is an example of how CAPA may need to respond:

The student will be required to follow the guidelines directed by the local health officials which is likely to include self‐isolation for a specified period. As above, CAPA will make these arrangements and cover the costs if the student has not been found to have broken any regulations or protocols.
CAPA students and faculty will be informed that there is a student who has tested positive; students and faculty who share housing or classroom space with the student who has tested positive will be informed that the student was in one of these groups with them.
The minimum details deemed necessary will be shared with other students, faculty, and the local government. CAPA will respect US confidentiality where it does not conflict with local regulations or where it is not superseded by the interest of public health and safety.
Public health authorities will advisePublic health authorities will advise whether any students or faculty who were in contact need to be self‐isolated and tested. For example, the Track and Trace system in the UK will contact those to which this applies. CAPA will do the contacting for location where such a system is not in place, following the guidance of the Public Health authorities.
CAPA staff will check in regularly with the student via Zoom and ensure they are aware of how to access food and other products online.
The Home Institution will be kept informed by the Boston team.

Can CAPA guarantee access for private/single-room housing that may be used for self-isolation?

Students will be housed in suitable accommodations for isolation where needed. During pre‐departure, students must agree that in the event they are advised to self‐isolate before or after being tested for COVID‐19, these details can be shared in full with CAPA staff and their home institution. The minimum details deemed necessary will be shared with other students, faculty, and the local government. CAPA will respect US confidentiality where it does not conflict with local regulations or where it is not superseded by the interest of public health and safety.

CAPA will provide and cover the cost for housing for self‐isolation if a student is advised they need to do so by the local health authorities while in‐country*. CAPA must be provided with this guidance directly by the local health officials to confirm all details are followed. Students will not be able to leave the self‐isolation location for any reason until the date outlined by the local health authority. CAPA will provide information on access to food deliveries that the students can arrange at their own cost, in the same way that food and groceries would be at the student’s own cost in their regular housing. Every effort will be made to limit CAPA staff travel to the place of isolation to reduce their risk of exposure and that of the students and staff with whom they work. If the students are well enough, they can continue their courses remotely, otherwise an excused absence will be obtained based on information from the local health authorities.

Note that the student would cover that cost of self-isolation housing if they do not adhere to all CAPA regulations related to COVID-19 such as travel and social distancing restrictions.

Internships

What happens with my internship if the program is cancelled after it has started?

If your program is cancelled during the term, CAPA will work with your internship site and your home institution to determine if a placement could continue in a remote capacity or through project-based work for missed hours. The Global Internship Course, for which you earn credit, will continue as an online course for the remainder of the term.

What COVID-19 protocols will exist at an internship site?

As per CAPA Health and Safety Protocols, to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus within internship sites, internship students and the internship host will both review and adhere to the terms and conditions set out within the Learning Agreement Document which outlines the following:

The site’s responsibility to ensure that the intern is fully aware of health and safety regulations and protocols at the site.
The site’s responsibility to follow all local government guidance related to COVID-19 within the work environment (e.g. social distancing, workplace hygiene, staggered working hours, face coverings etc.) that is in place at any time.
The students’ responsibility to observe and adhere to all workplace protocols, company guidelines, and local governmental legislation.

Are CAPA students required to commute to their internship site using public transportation?

CAPA will follow government guidance on public transportation in each of our locations.

Academics

What happens to my courses if my program is shortened or cancelled after it has started?

CAPA courses will be offered as in-class, blended, or online. If conditions shift, making study within the classroom or in-country impossible, then CAPA courses will transition to online only format.

For courses taught by CAPA university partners abroad, including direct enroll programs, course delivery will be determined by these institutions according to their standards and timelines.

CAPA will make every effort possible to ensure a student is able to complete their course work remotely if they are required to return home. Any limitations will be discussed with the student and the student’s home institution upon their departure to set expectations about what is possible.

How is CAPA ensuring Internet stability for online instruction?

CAPA will ensure all instructors have necessary Internet connectivity and proper technology to carry out all requirements of the academic program.

As per CAPA’s Terms and Conditions, students are responsible for ensuring they have access to a stable Internet connection and proper technology. For any student for whom this is a concern, CAPA will work with the student and their home institution to develop a solution.

How will the in-person academic experience be impacted by COVID-19?

Classrooms will only hold as many students as is suggested by appropriate government regulations on social distancing within educational environments. Classes may be divided with half of the class joining online from their housing in a weekly rotation. Class times, where possible, will be staggered and timed to avoid the peak periods on public transportation where appropriate.

In addition, to reduce the risk of the spread of the virus within the CAPA centers, the following protocols have been developed:

In addition to pre‐departure guidance provided to students on how to best protect themselves from the virus, these details will be covered again thoroughly in an onsite orientation and will be regularly reinforced throughout the semester through emails and posts in the student portal or LMS as well as in class or through Town Halls where required. These communications will also remind students that the CAPA team are available at any time to support them and answer questions they may have.
Hand sanitizer stations will be provided throughout all CAPA centers including in each classroom and by any entrances and exits (additionally all bathrooms will be well stocked with sanitizing soap).
Thorough cleaning by professional cleaning staff will be conducted every evening with disinfectant products, including careful attention to door handles, light switches, desk surfaces and other surface areas that are shared and could carry the virus.
Door handles and any other regularly touched surfaces and desks will also be cleaned with disinfectant wipes by CAPA staff between classes in addition to the nightly cleaning.
Face coverings will be required at all times within the CAPA centers.
Screens, temperature checks and testing will be evaluated and implemented in line with local guidance closer to the start of the program with changes possible at any time during a program. Students should be prepared for all eventualities for monitoring.
Students will not be allowed to congregate within the study centers and will only be able to enter for their scheduled classes. Academic or program advising will in most cases take place via Zoom or phone.

CAPA Summer 2021 Programs & Policies

What happens if CAPA cancels my program before it begins?

CAPA will determine whether to cancel the program no later than 30 days before the start of the program. Students may choose to transition to the online program or withdraw entirely. All students will receive a full refund for the in-country program fees. Students choosing to transition to the online program would be refunded their in-country program fee minus their online CAPA program fee. Application fees are non-refundable.

What happens if CAPA cancels an online course?

If CAPA cancels an online course, students enrolled in that course will be offered the opportunity to enroll in a different CAPA online course or withdraw entirely and be refunded the cost of the course. Application fees are nonrefundable.

What are the withdrawal deadlines for in-country summer programs?

Covid-19 Related Withdrawals: If a student is no longer able to travel due to contracting COVID-19, they may cancel up to the date of departure for a full refund but must present a doctor’s note.

Cancellations for any other reason:

46 days or more prior to the program start date: no financial penalty to cancel for any reason, except for $500 for those participating in an internship
45-21 days prior to the program start date: 50% of the program fee + $500 for those participating in an internship
Fewer than 21 days prior to the program start date: 100% of the program fee

What are the withdrawal deadlines for online courses and remote global internships?

60–15 days prior to program start date:
- $150 per online course
- $500 per remote global internship
14 or fewer days to program start date:
- No refund

What are the cancellation penalties if a student chooses to pivot from an in-country program to an online program?

Students may transfer from the in-country to the online CAPA program up to 46 days prior to the program start date. In-country cancellation penalties will apply after 46 days prior to the program start date. Application fees are non-refundable.

Does CAPA offer cancellation insurance?

If a student has to return home due to contracting COVID-19, they can claim up to $3,000 for trip interruption coverage through CAPA insurance, and CAPA will assess whether there are any other recoverable costs on a case-by-case basis.

Under what circumstances would CAPA cancel a program?

If CAPA cancels the program while students are abroad, students will receive a refund for any recoverable program costs, including a pro-rated portion of their housing. Because courses and internships will be transitioned online, the tuition and internship portion of the program fee is non-refundable.

What are CAPA’s billing terms for summer 2021?

For students paying CAPA directly, the full program fee (less prior deposits) is due at 46 days prior to the start of the program. For students using financial aid, students pay 30 percent of the program fee at 46 days prior to departure and the remaining balance is due within one week of the financial aid disbursement date listed on their financial aid disbursement form.

Is CAPA still offering scholarships?

Yes! For more information, visit www.capa.org/scholarships.

Does CAPA offer cancellation insurance?

Under what circumstances would CAPA cancel a program?

CAPA will continuously monitor a variety of data points to determine whether a program can reasonably operate in a location and will review any concerns with institutional partners should they arise. These data points include:

Barriers to travel (e.g. closed borders, limited flights for entry and departure, visa issues etc.)
Ability of the host country to prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks. Key indicators include local healthcare resources such as hospital bed capacity, access to ventilators and PPE, ability to respond to a significant rise in cases.
Trends within the country on numbers of new cases and comparison of the program location to the US in regard to levels and response.
Recommendations from the WHO, CDC and US Department of State. Note that CAPA will not rely solely on these agencies for decision making but instead use their guidance as one data point to inform decisions.

Do you have additional questions or want to learn more about CAPA programs? Contact us at 800.793.0334 or through our website at capa.org/contact-us