Frequently Asked Questions

As COVID-19 continues to affect life around the globe in unprecedented ways, the safety of our students remains our highest priority. Spoleto Study Abroad has put into place a series of protocols and procedures based on the most up-to-date information from the United States and Italy to reflect this unprecedented time. It is our goal to be as transparent and informative as possible, and provide students and parents with the information they need to fulfill their goal of a safe international education experience. If you have further questions, please contact us.

What are your covid-19 health and safety protocols?

We take the safety of our students, staff, and community members very seriously and have updated our operating procedures to adhere to the health and safety regulations put forth by the US and Italian governments. These include:

Social Distancing - Students and staff are expected to social distance whenever possible. Rooms will be double occupancy and beds will be at least 6’ apart from one another. Classrooms will be set up to allow for adequate physical distancing between students while they are learning in the school setting. If the group is traveling on a bus, students will be spaced out and the bus will not be full to capacity.
Facemasks - Facemasks must be worn at all times when out in the community, in class, and when interacting with others within a 6’ distance, except while eating.
Hand sanitation - Students and staff are expected to wash their hands regularly and are encouraged to carry hand sanitizer at all times.
Testing Requirements - All students will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding the plane for Italy. Students will also be required to be tested while in Italy to return home.
Cleaning of common areas - All of the common areas in the convent and the classroom are wiped down daily.
Vaccination Requirements - All students that are eligible to receive a vaccination at the time of travel will be required to receive their second dose no earlier than 2 weeks prior to traveling to Italy. Medical exceptions can be made.
Airfare - There are many “Covid-free” flights, meaning all passengers will need to show proof of a negative test prior to boarding. Students are encouraged to fly on one of these flights.
Meals - Our meals are usually traditional family-style, but this year we will serve individual meals and students will be seated in smaller pods to minimize contact while eating.
Quarantining - If a student exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, that student will be required to quarantine for the remainder of the program to minimize contact with other students and the community. Any student or staff in contact with that student will also be required to quarantine. Students will be monitored and fed meals in their rooms.

Is there a chance the 2021 summer intensive program could be canceled?

We have updated our protocols and policies to ensure we are operating as safely as possible this summer, but given the unknown nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it continues to have on Italy and the world, there is a chance the 2021 summer program will not run. We will continue to closely monitor the situation at home and abroad and will stay connected to the most up-to-date information put forth by the U.S and Italian governments to determine whether we can safely offer a summer experience this summer. We are waiting to learn more about the country’s travel protocols and border openings, which will heavily dictate our decision to travel this summer. Should the program need to be canceled due to the pandemic, we will keep you informed of any decisions by June 1. We will provide any updated information as soon as we have it.

What IS your 2021 REfund policY?

If Spoleto Study Abroad cancels the 2021 summer program due to COVID-19 restrictions, all fees paid to Spoleto Study Abroad, minus the non-refundable $95 application fee and credit card fees, will be refunded in the form of a check. Should you wish instead to hold your place for the 2022 summer program, all money paid can be transferred to the following year and you will not need to resubmit an application.

If you decide to withdraw from the program for any reason and the program is not canceled, a written notice must be provided to Spoleto Study Abroad. Refunds may be issued depending on when the withdrawal request is made, which is outlined below.

Payment Refund Policy for Withdrawal Requests

$95 application fee Non-refundable (due with application)
50% Deposit Non-refundable (due 2 weeks after acceptance)
50% Balance Refundable until June 25 (due June 1)

When do I need to decide about participation in Spoleto Study Abroad’s Summer program?

We encourage all students to apply to the program if they would like to participate. We do not want financial commitments to hold students up from signing up for the program so we have made our refund policy lenient this year if the program is canceled due to COVID-19. We will make everyone aware by June 1 at the latest if we need to cancel the program. If you have been accepted and need to withdraw from the program, we request all written notices by June 1 so we can plan accordingly.

Can I defer my 2021 summer application to the following year?

If the program is canceled due to COVID-19, you may choose to defer your summer application to the following year. All fees paid will be transferred to the following year. If the program is not canceled, you will have to reapply to the 2022 program and forfeit any non-refundable payments made to the program.

Are students required to be vaccinated before traveling with Spoleto Study Abroad?

Any person 16 and older will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination starting in April in most states. If your state is offering a vaccine you will be required to receive both doses at least 2 weeks prior to the program. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from receiving the vaccine, you will need to provide a doctor’s note for an exemption.

Will I need to be tested for COVID-19 before traveling with Spoleto Study Abroad?

All students will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to the date of departure for the summer program. Students will also have to take a test in Italy for re-entry into the United States.

What happens if I get sick while in italy?

If a student shows symptoms of COVID-19, they will be quarantined in the convent and given a COVID test. If the test comes back positive, any student or staff that was exposed to this student within the previous 5 days of the symptoms presenting or the positive test will also be quarantined. Anyone who tests positive or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive will remain in quarantine for at least 10 days and will need to make alternate travel arrangements in order to travel back home. If a student should become so ill that hospitalization is required, we will bring the student to the local hospital for treatment. Parents will be informed if their student presents any symptoms, tests positive, or has any exposure risk during their stay.

Should I book flights now?

As travel to Italy opens up, we do suggest booking your flights as soon as you are accepted into the program. We also highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to ensure that your purchase is protected should you need to cancel or reschedule. Because of the unknown nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a chance the 2021 summer program will not run.

Can I receive Financial Aid?

We have a very limited pool of scholarship funding and at this time do not offer scholarship opportunities, though we hope to build this up for future programs.