Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Abroad in Tuscany During Spring 2022

Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is required to participate in the program, to enter Italy, or participate in travel during the program. All participants must be fully vaccinated, and, if eligible, must also receive a COVID-19 vaccination booster before departing for Italy (see additional info, below).

Throughout Europe, proof of full vaccination is now required for travel, access to school premises, and participation in school activities. (Full vaccination is defined as receipt of all doses of an approved vaccination series, with the final dose received 14 or more days ago.)

On December 2, the University announced that following consultation with the University’s COVID Task Force and public health officials in Prato, we are requiring all students who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination booster before departing for Italy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved vaccination boosters for all individuals who are six (6) or more months past their final dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two (2) or more months past receiving the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine.

The requirement for a vaccine booster is based on new regulations in Italy that state all COVID-19 vaccines expire six months from the day you received the final dose of your vaccine. Getting a booster shot, if eligible, before departing for Italy will help ensure your vaccination will be valid for the duration of your time abroad

While in Italy, you will need to provide your CDC-issued vaccination card in order to be able to access museums, restaurants, schools, stadiums, gyms, hospitals, and doctor offices, as well as to board any public transportation and flights (and more).

While we would love to encourage everyone to study abroad, if you belong to a group that is at high-risk for COVID-19 complications, we encourage you to postpone your study abroad experience. While Italy's medical system is one of the best in the world and our staff would be happy to support you to the extent they are able, we anticipate that it would be very difficult for you and your loved ones should you be high-risk and fall ill while abroad. Fortunately, most students are not in a high-risk group, due to age and other factors. However, we recommend that you check with your doctor before committing to travel, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions.

• Classes start online (from U.S.): Monday, 19 January
• Classes start online (from U.S.): Monday, 19 January
• Depart JFK Airport: Friday, 4 February
• Arrive in Prato: Saturday, 5 February
• Onsite Orientation: Saturday, 5 February – Sunday, 6 February
• Classes resume in person: Monday, 7 February
• Orientation day in Florence: Friday, 11 February
• Spring Break: 12-20 March
• Easter Holiday (school closed): Monday, April 18
• Liberation Day (school closed): Monday, April 25
• Final in-person day of Prato classes: Monday, May 2
• Depart Italy: Tuesday, May 3
• Arrive USA: Tuesday, May 3
• Reading Day: Wednesday, May 4
• Final Exams Week (Online, from U.S.): Wednesday-Tuesday, 5-11 May

The University carefully monitors developments in close cooperation with various offices on the local, national, and international level such as the CDC, U.S. State Department, International SOS, the Italian government, and Italian health authorities. We will continue to monitor all these important measures as we get closer to Fall and will continue to provide updates and answer questions about the COVID-19 risks in our regular online meetings with students and parents.

We want to provide the very best study abroad experience for each of you. If we feel that your health is at risk beyond our ability to reasonably mitigate that risk or that we can no longer provide an optimal experience for you, we reserve the right to modify, cancel or evacuate the program as needed.

The very successful vaccination program in Italy and throughout Europe, allied with a radically improved health and safety situation, makes it very unlikely that the semester will be cancelled. Be assured that we are monitoring the situation closely and will maintain communication with all applicants as conditions evolve.

Please go to this page and click the "Apply Now" button. If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Office of Study Abroad.

If you have started an application for a past semester, contact the Office of Study Abroad (studyabroad@newhaven.edu) to discuss if your application can be moved to the future semester.

No. Because the residential component of the Tuscany Campus Fall semester has been modified to be under 90 days in length, students will not need a student visa. This also constitutes a cost saving for students.

All students will need to have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the return home. In addition, at airport check-in students will need to provide proof of complete vaccination, proof of a negative Covid test taken no earlier than 72 hours before travel, and a Passenger Location Form. The Study Abroad Office will advise all students fully about these simple requirements during Pre/Departure information sessions. More details can also be found on this page, under the heading "Arrival."

Your Prato classes will all start online the same time as all main campus and online courses, on Wednesday, 19 January.

You will be given an online orientation and welcome session before classes start, on Tuesday, 18 January.

Your professors in Italy and the U.S. (if you are taking any synchronous online courses) might meet on Fridays. Your professors in Italy might also schedule special mandatory trips to museums or sites on Fridays.

Program excursions to Tuscan cities, and other activities like hikes and special events, always happen on Fridays. There will still be some 'free' Fridays on which you can set off on independent travel if the restrictions allow at the time. So do not arrange or pay for any independent travel or events on any Fridays until you have arrived in Prato and you have met your professors, seen and understood the schedule of all your classes, as well as our program of excursions and events.

You can choose from this list of Tuscany Campus courses, one of which is a mandatory Italian language course. You can also choose up to two online courses.

Accommodations will be made to support all students' ability to stay on track academically. All your academic resources and facilities have been reimagined this year to make it possible for students to develop and succeed at the Tuscany Campus despite these challenging times. All courses can transition, if necessary, at any time from 'in person' to 'hybrid' or 'remote', for the entire class or just an individual, and for this reason the availability and flexibility of academic staff and resources are a priority. To this end you should bring a laptop to Italy. There is Wi-Fi in all the residence halls.

The University is committed to helping you stay on track to graduate even though you have taken the exciting decision to study abroad. If the Tuscany Campus program is cancelled before the semester begins or during the early phase of the study abroad semester, we will work with you to obtain your classes. If the program is cancelled close to or beyond the half-way point of your semester abroad, we will assist you in completing coursework remotely, on the main campus, or through a combination of both.

Yes. To help more students study abroad, in Spring 2022, students can choose up to two online courses, and then choose three courses from the Tuscany Campus curriculum, including one of our mandatory Italian language courses. This is intended to help students blend their major requirements with the core courses available in Italy. To choose your courses contact your academic advisor and the Office of Study Abroad.

If you are an absolute beginner, you will automatically be placed in one of the beginners' classes. If not, we will ask you to take an online placement test to decide your level ahead of your registration.

No. The Tuscany Campus is offering its typical selection of classes (pending course enrollment) and may add additional sections to meet social distancing requirements. As usual you will be expected to register for five courses, including up to two online courses.

With social distancing measures in place, there will be fewer seats available in each classroom. As a result, we anticipate that more classes than usual may fill during registration. In conversation with your academic advisor, please prepare for registration by selecting multiple alternative classes to substitute for your first-choice options in case your preferred options fill. Flexibility will be key to stress-free registration!

If at any given point you decide to withdraw from the program, you should immediately reach out to your academic advisor and the Prato staff to discuss your academic options, course availability and the next steps to follow.

You will receive much more information about packing during pre-departure, but, these days, because of the special circumstances, a working laptop is a must, more than ever before. Should you need to quarantine or isolate in Italy or elsewhere, you may need to complete some or all your coursework online. While there are over 30 PCs available to students throughout the school, you will also need to be able to access your courses from your own room at any time. There is Wi-Fi throughout all our residence halls.

This semester we also suggest that you pack some masks (see section about masks for more information).

Yes, students attending the Spring semester in Prato will travel as a group on a direct flight to Italy.

Travel to Italy from the USA is now allowed without any special justification. In addition, exemption from quarantine on arrival can be obtained by presenting the following certificates to the carrier, and subsequently to the competent Italian Authorities. You will need the following documents:

• Proof of negative molecular swab (PCR) carried out within 72 hours prior to entry into Italy, or a negative antigenic test (rapid antigen) carried out within 24 hours prior to entry into Italy (proved via certification from the laboratory that performed the test). This should be scanned and uploaded to a place designated by the Study Abroad Office. It then needs to be presented by the student to a member of airport staff when checking in to the flight at the airport. The Study Abroad Office is available to answer any questions.
• Passenger Location Form in digital format (https://app.euplf.eu). This must be completed by the participant. It must be completed by students before the start of the semester and uploaded to a place designated by the Study Abroad Office. A hardcopy then needs to be presented by the student to a member of airport staff when checking in to the flight at the airport. The Study Abroad Office will remind students how this works and is available to answer any questions.
• Proof of complete vaccination including booster vaccinations. Those vaccinated in the U.S.A. can prove this via the "white card" bearing a CDC logo; This has been fully reconfirmed as valid certification in Italy (those vaccines accepted in Italy as of today are Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca, and J&J). This document does not need to be translated or notarised. This should be scanned and uploaded to a place designated by the Study Abroad Office before departure. It then needs to be presented by the student to a member of airport staff when checking in to the flight at the airport. The Study Abroad Office is available to answer any questions.

No. If you bring the 3 documents outline above, you will be exempt from quarantine.

As always, for this first journey and all subsequent transportation needs, only private bus companies will be utilized by the University, and Tuscany Campus staff will be there to organize pick up and accompany students all the way to Prato. Those private bus companies are obliged to follow the rules and guidelines in compliance with the Italian government, including protective equipment, sanitizing before boarding time, and spacing of seated passengers. Once picked up at the airport, students will be transported directly to the center of Prato and will have a very short walk to their rooms.

Appropriate physical distancing in accordance with Italian regulations will be the standard in each classroom. Classroom furniture will be organized to ensure necessary interpersonal space. All individuals will be required to wear masks within the school premises.

All classrooms have windows as well as air conditioning systems. All classrooms will be aired by staff opening doors and windows at the start of each day. Faculty will be asked to ensure that all windows are opened at the end of each class in order to guarantee sufficient airing between classes. There will be periodic professional cleaning and disinfection of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

This depends on class enrollment, the specific classroom size, and the number of seats that can be arranged in the room while maintaining a 1 meter/3 feet separation between students.

Temperature checks take the form of a temperature scanner at the entrance to the school but not at the entrance to every classroom.

All classrooms will be professionally cleaned and sanitized prior to students' arrival and throughout the semester in accordance with the practice on the main campus and Italian government's COVID-19 regulations governing university halls of residence. There will be daily professional cleaning of classrooms throughout the program duration. There will be periodic professional cleaning and disinfection of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). There will be frequent daily cleaning of classroom touch points such as door handles, entrance doorways, light switches, table surfaces, and marker pens.

Students and instructors are expected to clean the furniture and objects they use at the end of each class using the equipment provided in every classroom.

Yes. Prato's main City Library, and the historic Roncioniana Library Reading Rooms across the street from campus will both be open. Masks will be required, and students will be asked to social distance appropriately. Study spaces have been rearranged so that students will not be seated close to others or directly across from one another.

Student bedrooms vary greatly in size and style in Prato, and typically house between two and four students. Follow this link to see what housing looks like. Students sharing a bedroom will be treated as a 'pod' or 'family group' with regards to any potential need to quarantine. Under normal circumstances, students within the group may associate without social distancing and masks as one does now with family. Outside the group, masks and social distancing should be strictly followed. The exact size and configuration of each bedroom pod will be provided closer to the start of the program.

All housing units, including all bedrooms and bathrooms, and shared spaces like lounges and laundry areas, will be professionally cleaned and sanitized prior to students' arrival and throughout the semester in accordance with the Italian government's COVID-19 regulations governing university halls of residence. There will be daily professional cleaning of communal spaces and bathrooms of Residence Hall facilities throughout the program duration. There will be periodic professional cleaning and disinfection of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Throughout the day there will be cleaning of common touch points such as door handles, light switches, entrances, and stairwells.

Yes. A protocol of student cleaning duties for their own bedrooms, kitchens and living areas will be provided to students during orientation and in each apartment. Students are expected to follow the guidance provided in the protocol information. Failure to comply may affect their health and those of fellow roommates. Equipment Stations for student cleaning duties, including paper rolls, disinfectant spray, and gloves, will be available in many places throughout the residence halls, accompanied by instructions for cleaning. Program staff conduct frequent health and safety inspections.

According to current Italian law and campus policy, the use of face coverings is required in all public spaces in the residence hall except inside personal bedrooms and personal bathrooms when their doors are closed, and where only members of the 'pod' are gathered. Tuscany Campus staff will provide students with some masks upon arrival. Masks are easily available throughout the city at many stores very near the campus, and at supermarkets. Throughout the residence halls there will be dedicated foot-operated garbage containers for the disposal of used masks.

Equipment Stations for student cleaning duties, including paper rolls, disinfectant spray, and gloves, will be available in many places throughout the residence halls, accompanied by instructions for cleaning. Hand sanitizing gel stations are to be found throughout the residence halls. Throughout the residence halls there will be dedicated foot-operated garbage containers for disposal of waste used to clean touch points, used masks, and tissues. Program staff conduct frequent health and safety inspections. Program staff, landlord and/or maintenance personnel will enter apartments only as needed but will wear personal protective equipment and will sign a register.

The University has set aside several isolation bedrooms in the residence halls. These isolation beds are in rooms that will only be used for isolation and will not house any other students or activities. Each isolated student will have access to a private bathroom. Students who are required to isolate will be supported by University staff for all their academic continuity, medical care, and meal delivery. Should additional isolation beds be required, the Prato Campus has agreements in place with local hotels to provide additional capacity.

Wearing a face mask during the entire flight is mandatory except when actively eating or drinking; masks must be at least 2-ply fabric and tight fitting across the nose and mouth. No gaiters, bandanas or loose coverings will be allowed. Coverings must not contain offensive language; during the flight, it is necessary to replace your protective mask with a new one every 4 hours; bring an adequate number of protective masks according to the duration of your flight.

Yes. The Tuscany Campus staff will provide all students with FFP2 masks (similar to a KN95 in the US) for the bus trip to Prato. An initial set of surgical masks will also be provided upon students’ arrival in Italy, enough to last for several days, but students will then be responsible for purchasing any further masks or personal protective equipment. FFP2 masks will also be provided to students and faculty for all program-sponsored excursions where travel by bus or train is required.

No. Many different types of masks are easily available throughout the city of Prato at many stores very near the campus, and at supermarkets.

Many different types of masks are easily available throughout the city at many stores very near the campus, and at supermarkets. However, given that travelers are expected to wear surgical masks (and change them) while in flight and/or at the airport, students should expect to travel with a basic supply of masks. Currently in Prato a set of 10 disposable surgical masks can be acquired for 1 or 2 Euro.

It is mandatory to always have face masks with you. It is mandatory to wear a mask in all public indoor spaces. Masks must be worn in all campus facilities, including residence halls, EXCEPT for when you are in your own room with ONLY the other members of your family unit present.

Face masks (surgical or FFP2) are also now required in all outdoor spaces. Additionally, FFP2 masks are now required on all means of public transportation (bus, metro, trains, etc.), outdoor shows open to the public, sports events and competitions, and other events where large gatherings may occur.

CISI University travel insurance does not cover preventive COVID-19 testing (such as for travel requirements or routine testing without symptoms). However, should a student develop symptoms or become ill, any necessary diagnostic testing will be covered, as will any necessary treatment.

Very likely. Unless vaccine distribution makes this issue moot, we are planning to have monthly routine testing but students will not be required to pay for this testing.

PCR and rapid antigen tests are available privately through many private clinics throughout the city of Prato. Costs start from just 20 Euros per test for the rapid antigen tests (results ready after 15-20 minutes). In the case of a student with symptoms, staff will closely assist with organizing the necessary testing in accordance with current regulations. Tests are covered through CISI insurance only when symptoms are present. Costs are direct to students for preventive testing.

As in the US, the availability and turnaround times for COVID-19 testing may vary depending on the current local and national situation. For this reason, we recommend that students ensure they can secure an appointment for a COVID test needed for independent travel before making any travel arrangements.

During orientation and in your welcome packet, you'll be provided with lots of information about our health policies, the contact information for local health and emergency services, contact information for local English-speaking doctors and other specialists. You will also be shown how to contact the staff at the school, and how to contact the Prato Campus Emergency number at night and on weekends.

Help and assistance from the Prato Campus staff is available 24/7. All students are provided with a cell phone, a sim card, and the campus emergency number to contact outside of school hours. A member of staff is always ready outside of school hours to help you find a doctor or to help you visit the hospital. Although our staff may not be able to physically accompany students to their appointments due to COVID restrictions in Spring 2022, our team can be available by phone or video chat to assist with any medical visits or health concerns.

Students showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to self-isolate in an isolation room until a medical professional can assess the situation and determine if a test is required. Students should notify the staff immediately via phone of their symptoms by either calling the school (during office hours) or the emergency phone after hours and on weekends. More specific instructions will be given during Orientation in Prato.

Once a student results a positive COVID-19 test result, the local health authorities are notified and take the case into their hands. Program staff, while unable to interfere with the clinical side of the process, will provide the student with an isolation bedroom on campus, with a private bathroom, and ongoing support and resources to minimise the impact on their semester. If more than one student tests positive at the same time, they might share an isolation room. Please note that testing positive for COVID-19 will NOT result in a student's repatriation to the United States. Excellent medical care is available throughout Italy.

Prato Campus staff will provide daily support to students in quarantine and in isolation via email, cell phone and video calls. Students will be provided with basic self-care resources (over-the-counter medication, fluids, and other items as advised by doctors) for monitoring in isolation and instructions for daily care. The Tuscany Campus has a longstanding relationship with medics and clinics throughout Prato and Tuscany who will be available to consult with the student regarding any health-related concerns. The services of those doctors are covered by students' international health insurance, CISI.

Should a student's symptoms worsen, or if hospitalization is needed for any reason, Prato Campus staff will coordinate the next steps with one of the program's doctors and local health authorities. All students can contact Prato staff 24/7 as there is an emergency number for contacting Prato staff outside of business hours.

Accommodations will be made to support all students' ability to stay on track academically. All of your academic resources and facilities have been reimagined this year to make it possible for students to develop and succeed at the Tuscany Campus despite these challenging times. All courses can transition if necessary, at any time from 'in person' to 'hybrid' or 'remote', for the entire class or just an individual, and for this reason the availability and flexibility of academic staff and resources are a priority.

The Italian Government has established three different scenarios which are currently in play:

1. COVID positive but without symptoms: The minimum isolation period is 10 days with a negative final test result. This period is reduced to 7 days in the case of booster or if the initial vaccination cycle was completed within the past 120 days.
2. COVID positive with symptoms: The minimum isolation period is 10 days (the last three of which must be without symptoms) with a negative final test result.
3. COVID positive for 21 or more days: The local health department will decide when to release you from isolation and will take into consideration the last date on which you had symptoms. Patients are released after 21 days if they have not had symptoms for at least 7 days.

In Italy, a "contact of a COVID-19 case" is any person who has been in contact with that person within a 48-hour window before the onset of symptoms.

Currently, if you have been vaccinated with three doses, OR if you have had your initial two doses within the past 120 days, no quarantine is required. However, you will still need to monitor for symptoms for 5 days and test immediately should any symptoms arise. You will also be required to wear an FFP2 mask in all public settings (indoor and outdoor) for 10 days.

Examples of close contact in Italy include:

• Anyone whose roommate is a COVID-19 case;
• Anyone who had direct body contact with a COVID-19 case (ex. hand shaking);
• Anyone who had direct unprotected contact with any COVID-19 case's discharge (ex. touched used tissues without certified PPE, such as gloves);
• Anyone who had contact face to face, without PPE, with a COVID-19 case for at least 15 minutes closer than 2 meters apart;
• Anyone who was indoors (in a classroom, meeting room, or a waiting room) with a COVID-19 case without certified PPE;
• Any health professional or COVID-19 case's caregiver who did not work with certified PPE;
• Anyone who travelled by train or airplane with a COVID-19 case with a distance of less than two seats apart.

Currently, if you have been vaccinated with three doses, OR if you have had your initial two doses within the past 120 days, no quarantine is required. However, you will still need to monitor for symptoms for 5 days and test immediately should any symptoms arise. You will also be required to wear an FFP2 mask in all public settings (indoor and outdoor) for 10 days.

You will be notified by staff via email in the event it has been determined that you were a close contact of someone who tested positive. You will be informed of the necessary precautions you will be required to take.

Trained members of the Prato Campus staff will begin the contact tracing process as soon as possible in order to expedite the process. However, local Italian health authorities will also perform contact tracing and will have the final say in who is determined to be a close contact and subsequently, who will be required to quarantine. Should we receive word from staff, faculty, students, or Italian health authorities that someone in our facilities has been exposed to COVID-19, we shall support all impacted individuals by following the protocol issued by the Italian authorities.

The University works in close partnership with Prato Hospital and the City of Prato's Councilor of Public Health to support our staff and students. The campus also works closely with local general practitioners, a mental health counsellor, and a psychologist, all of whom can be utilized by our students within their international health insurance CISI. In addition, the University also has agreements with local public health providers to guarantee U.S. students timely attention and assistance in the case of symptoms or infection.

The Prato Campus also has a group of backup staff available to step in to assist students in case any members of the regular staff need to quarantine or isolate. The Prato Campus Backup Staff do not normally come into any contact with Prato Campus staff or students until required to step in.

Yes. During the Spring semester at the Prato Campus all students, instructors and staff must complete a daily symptom check using CoVerified. All students will be shown how to operate CoVerified app during Pre-Departure meetings and during Orientation in Prato on February 6.

• If anyone reports abnormal symptoms, they will be restricted from campus.
• Employees that report abnormal symptoms should contact the Prato Campus Covid Coordinator and consult with their personal physician.
• Anyone who fails to complete a symptom check on a given day will be "Restricted" in the CoVerified app and cannot come to campus until they complete that day's symptom check.
• If a participant reports abnormal symptoms, they will be restricted from campus until: (i) they have a consultation with a medical professional during which it is established that there is no need to remain restricted; (ii) they have communicated the positive outcome to the Prato Campus Covid Coordinator.

All students can continue to use their Prato Campus vouchers as usual for delivery of food to their residence halls. If students ever need to quarantine or isolate the Prato Campus staff will assist by having meals brought directly to students' rooms.

Based on our experience of this past year we do not anticipate any shortages of food, but as a precautionary measure the Tuscany Campus always keeps a large stockpile of basic food supplies, bottled water and toiletries which can be made available to students in case of necessity. The campus also contains a large professional kitchen which can also be used if necessary.

The Prato Campus also has a group of backup staff available to step in to fulfil all these services in case any members of the regular staff need to quarantine or isolate. The Prato Campus Backup Staff do not normally come into any contact with Prato Campus staff or students until required to step in. Backup staff are fully trained before in all health and safety protocols before the start of the semester.

Yes, travellers who become sick with COVID-19 have medical coverage available. Treatment might also be covered in limited cases of individuals not showing symptoms but where exposure has been declared. That is, if there has been a clear exposure to someone with COVID-19 and a doctor or health official had declared that the traveller has been exposed and needs to be tested or treated.

If a traveller becomes ill with COVID-19 and a medical evacuation is necessary, that evacuation will be covered.

Italian law requires that all non-Italian students living in Italy have medical insurance. The University of New Haven works with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) to assist you in obtaining high-quality health insurance that will fulfil your immigration requirements.

Under Italian law, emergency medical treatment is provided to Italian nationals and foreign nationals alike, regardless of insurance coverage. That said, any treatment received in Italian Emergency Rooms is subject to a fee. If follow-up care is required, the hospital will ask for proof of insurance. Policies on public hospital charges vary from region to region.

CISI offers an insurance plan that covers you wherever you are when outside the U.S. With 24/7 emergency on call operators standing by, you can consult with CISI on their coverage of pre-existing conditions, emergency repatriation, specialist's visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and everything in between. CISI covers mental health concerns and Trip Delay benefits. CISI will even cover the cost of flying a parent or guardian to your current location during an emergency health crisis. All University of New Haven Tuscany Campus students are automatically enrolled with CISI insurance.

The University of New Haven program in Prato traditionally provides students with several accompanied educational excursions throughout the region of Tuscany. They are led by instructors such as Dean Murphy who is an art historian, or by professional licensed local guides such as Silvia Risaliti. Each excursion is a structured learning exercise aimed at helping students truly comprehend the cultural, social and artistic significance of the Italian cities in the modern world.

The Tuscany Campus staff coordinates private transportation and entrances to museums in accordance with strict guidelines to safeguard student health and safety. The exact itinerary of each trip, including access to museums and monuments, will depend on the regulations in place at the time.

If restrictions do not permit us to run any of those excursions, students can attend one of our special multimedia virtual guided tours with Dean Murphy, and then go visit independently - with the Tuscany Campus 'travel pack,' which includes maps, information on 'must see' monuments and tips for shopping and eating. The Tuscany Campus will also provide a financial allowance for those who explore these destinations independently to cover the cost of public transport, key museum entries and a snack. We will organize a 'buddy' system of independent travel for students to help them explore in small groups rather than on their own.

On this page you can find a list of destinations offered in past semesters.

Prato staff always run a massive range of fun and educational activities for our students so that there is never a dull moment at the Tuscany Campus. Among our favourites are the 'Italian Culture Nights' which offer a range of evening activities designed to be both entertaining and culturally enlightening. If students are temporarily quarantined or unable to travel widely, they can immerse themselves in this full portfolio of events which are delivered on campus and online simultaneously, like Italian movie nights, Italian trivia nights, Tombola (Italian-style bingo), virtual guided tours of Italy's greatest sights led by art historians, and typical wine and dessert tastings led with culinary experts.

There are currently no travel restrictions within Italy or member states of the European Community. Air travel is open to anyone who can demonstrate full vaccination and, in some cases, a recent negative covid test.

There are currently no travel restrictions within Italy or member states of the European Community. Air travel is open to anyone who can demonstrate full vaccination and, in some cases, a recent negative covid test.

While you are abroad, our team will work to notify you of common travel destinations that pose significant health risks. It is imperative that you complete the Prato Campus mandatory independent travel form every time you leave your host city. You should also seek to inform yourself on issues of health and safety, regardless of when or where you travel as health and safety topics can sometimes impact how you navigate your destination and what activities or events are available to you.

Students are strongly discouraged by the Prato Campus from traveling to unsafe areas either because of a spike in COVID cases or any other reason at that point in time. Secondly, the University reserves the right to implement travel restrictions on all program participants, including students, with little warning should an outbreak anywhere in Europe cause grave concern for our students.

Should a student be unable to return to Prato as expected, they should contact the Prato Campus 24/7 Emergency Service using their Prato Campus cell phone or any other means possible. They will receive support from our staff 24/7 Emergency Service. Students will be individually responsible for completing coursework during their absence. Professors and staff will work with the absent student to ensure that they can complete their coursework remotely or in a timely manner upon their return to Prato. Any additional costs incurred by a student as result of having to stay in another place during this process will be their own responsibility.

Please note that according to Italian law, individuals who have had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 7 days. Any costs associated with cancelled plans due to quarantine or isolation are the sole responsibility of the student.

In this case our students must immediately inform our Prato Campus 24/7 Emergency Service using their Prato Campus cell phone or any other means possible. The Prato Campus Emergency Service will provide them with instructions together with the Tuscany Campus COVID-19 Coordinator. Accommodations will be made with the student's professors to ensure academic continuity from quarantine or should the student need to take time off from their studies for treatment. It is each student's decision as to whether they will have access to the resources they need to continue their studies successfully outside of Prato.

No. Italian and Schengen area immigration regulations allow for a total of no more than 90 days for a stay in the area. In Spring 2022 you will travel to Italy without a student visa, and as the program lasts just under 90 days there will be no opportunity to travel after the program ends. You will be required to travel back to the United States as planned.

No, they cannot under any circumstances. The Prato Campus has always had a policy in place that prohibits students from hosting overnight guests in their residence halls, regardless of where that guest is coming from or how they are related to the student. This policy is especially important considering COVID-19 as it is crucial that you limit exposure of the virus to your roommates. All guests have always been and will continue to be asked to stay in a hotel, hostel, or other accommodation for the duration of their visit to Prato. The Prato Campus staff can provide a list of many suitable places to stay within close distance of the campus.

If a traveller becomes ill with COVID-19 and a medical evacuation is necessary, that evacuation will be covered.

The program will be evacuated, as per our normal policies, if circumstances threaten the health and safety of our students in ways beyond our control.

A detailed evacuation plan will be shared with students and parents before the start of the program.

You will have full access to Prato Campus staff 24/7 using the Prato Campus 24/7 Emergency number, a Prato Campus cell phone and sim, and the University's LiveSafe emergency app. Student Resident Assistants live in-residence in program housing and maintain regular contact with students. English-speaking health care professionals, counsellors and psychological support are all available in Prato and nearby Florence through CISI insurance.

• CISI Student International Travel Insurance
• Milan airport's information page about COVID-tested flights
• Italian Government Vaccine Dashboard
• Italian Ministry of Health overview of COVID situations and measures
• Italian Institute of Health, Information and Statistics webpages regarding COVID in Italy
• U.S. State Department COVID Information regarding Italy
• U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy
• Centers for Disease Control

You can contact the Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@newhaven.edu.