Spring 2022 Study Abroad – Important Updates & Booster Recommendations

All CEPA program participants (students, faculty leaders, spouses, etc.) are required:

  • to be fully vaccinated with a vaccine recognized by the European Union prior to the start of the program.
  • the last vaccination date needs to be at least 14 days prior to the departure date of the flight to Europe.
  • CEPA also highly recommends that all program participants receive their booster shot (third vaccination) prior to departure to avoid regular COVID-19 testing and/or not being able to participate in program activities such as restaurant or museum visits.
  • European requirements may differ from U.S. requirements to be considered fully vaccinated. Check the current COVID-19 situation at your destination.

All program participants must bring their vaccination certificate/original proof of vaccination along on the program to gain entry to restaurants and museums. More information on the vaccines can be found on the website of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Please read the COVID-19 Safety Guidance and Emergency Protocol and provide this document to all program participants before departure to Europe.

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We are grateful to each and every one of our students, faculty, university partners, and dedicated team members for their
patience, understanding, and flexibility during the past weeks as we worked tirelessly together to get everyone home quickly and safely.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone during this global health crisis.

No matter where you are in the world, we hope you can:
Stay strong, stay positive, and practice good mental and physical self-care.

We will emerge stronger together.

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Statement regarding COVID-19

Update: Thursday, March 12, 2020, 9:00 AM CET

CEPA’s top priority is the health and safety of our students and faculty leaders. We are aware of the US State Department’s on March 11, 2020 to issue a Global Travel Alert for US citizens to level 3. We are also aware of the US Government administration to restrict “all travel” from foreign nationals coming from continental Europe to the U.S. for the next 30 days, with an exemption for travelers coming from The United Kingdom.

Our crisis management teams are in close contact with student groups currently traveling in Europe as well as student groups planned to arrive in Europe in the coming months.

Communications are being sent regularly to our institution and faculty partners and their students as needed.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.

 

Update: Thursday, March 5, 2020, 10:00 AM CET

CEPA has been continuously monitoring developments of the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) ever since the first outbreak was identified in Wuhan, China.

In addition to reviewing the CDC, US State Department, and WHO announcements and reports, we are also monitoring national and local health ministries in Europe as well as the additional guidance from the following organizations:

Based on multiple sources of information, we are:

  • monitoring program locations in Europe regarding the spread of COVID-19 on a daily basis
  • working closely with staff and coordinators on site in Europe to communicate additional guidelines and recommended safety measures
  • providing information about personal health considerations, resources, and additional travel precautions to students at our locations in France and Germany

On February 28, 2020, the US State Department and CDC issued a travel advisory to avoid all non-essential travel to Italy. Several airlines limited or varied their travel policies and flights to Italy.

On Feb. 29, 2020 the US State Department increased their travel advisory to Level 4 for the Lombardy and Veneto regions in Italy. As a result, some study abroad programs were cancelled.

All other Spring, Summer, and Fall 2020 programs across Europe are continuing as planned until further notice from CEPA or the university partner.

We will provide updates should travel advisory levels in other European countries be heightened.

The safety, security, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are of utmost importance to CEPA. Thankfully, we have not received any reports of CEPA students or staff in Europe or the US becoming sick from the coronavirus. We are making every effort within our means to support program participants and their home institutions in finding safe decisions and feasible solutions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.

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CEPA Safety Announcement: Shooting in Strasbourg, France

10:04 pm (CET)

According to local media reports, a gunman opened fire near the Strasbourg Christmas market. All students at the European Study Center (ESC) Strasbourg are safe and accounted for.

Students, faculty, and staff have been asked to stay at the Château, and all students have been directed to avoid the city center.

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CEPA Safety Announcement: Shooting in Munich, Germany

10:26 pm (CET)

Local media reported about a shooting near Olympia shopping mall. CEPA staff has confirmed that European Study Center (ESC) Heidelberg students, who are in Munich tonight, are safe and indoors. No other students are presently in Munich.

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CEPA Safety Announcement: Attack in Nice, France

09:30 am (CET)

Local media has reported that, last night, a truck driver mowed down night-time crowds celebrating Bastille Day on the seafront in Nice.

CEPA staff has confirmed that all students and faculty members currently in Europe are accounted for and safe. No students are presently in Nice.

We are staying in close touch with all of our students and reminded them to keep their cell phones turned on at all times and to stay in regular contact with our on-site staff.

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CEPA Safety Announcement: Attacks in Brussels, Belgium

09:22 am (CET)

Local media reported about bombings at Brussels airport and the Maelbeek metro station in the city center this morning.

All CEPA students and faculty members currently in Europe are accounted for and safe. No students are presently in Brussels.

We urge students to keep their cell phones turned on at all times and to stay in regular contact with our on-site staff.

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