ISEP provided the following guidance and information regarding the current COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) concerns to all students studying in Europe on February 27.
We recommend that all students abroad follow the same precautions to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus. We will continue to update this page as new advice and precautions become available.
The nature of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) merits additional precautions for travelers globally, especially as students plan independent travel during their semester abroad.
ISEP strongly recommends that all students follow the guidelines provided by their home and host institutions regarding travel and healthy habits. For students planning travel over the next few months, we recommend speaking with your host coordinator and home coordinator so they know where you will be and can offer advice about your plans.
Students should remain mindful of enhanced health and safety procedures, especially when traveling. Many countries have implemented health screenings. Some have advised travelers to request a clean bill of health from a medical professional as documentation when travelling internationally. Students should expect changes and delays in their travel itineraries, closures of tourist sites, cancellations of large gatherings, and other precautionary measures.
Students who travel to regions with have increased cases of COVID-19 (for example, northern Italy) may be asked by their host university to monitor their health and/or consult a medical professional, or even self-quarantine, especially if they are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined below.
There is no vaccine to prevent the Coronavirus, and the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. According to the World Health Organization, these are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- When visiting markets, avoid unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals
- Avoid the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products, including raw meat or milk.
Monitor your own health. If you have a fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, please seek medical care immediately.
- Before you go to a university clinic or medical facility, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid physical contact with others.
- Do not travel while sick. Try not to use public transportation or enter crowded spaces.
We know that many of ISEP students are facing unexpected challenges that require patience and understanding. Our team is working diligently to ensure that all ISEP students are able to continue to enjoy a healthy and transformative semester abroad.
ISEP is committed to making student safety our top priority and we urge students to follow all ISEP Emergency and Safety Policies in addition to the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO) and local medical authorities. For updates and additional information, please monitor the WHO and CDC webpages on COVID-19.
We will continue to keep you informed of developments as needed and recommend following our website and #ISEPalerts on the @ISEPStudyAbroad Twitter feed for real-time updates.