CAPA is pleased to announce that Australia is now open to all vaccinated international visitors. CAPA will begin programming in Sydney in May.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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?
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
What are the withdrawal deadlines for online courses and remote global internships?
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?
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?
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:
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