Summer 2020 Update: New Cancellation Deadline

Last updated: March 12, 2020

At Envision, the health, safety, and security of our program participants is, and always will be, our highest priority, and we will not allow students to travel if we don't think it is safe to do so.

In light of the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we have extended our cancellation deadline to April 21, 2020. Additionally, to help alleviate any concerns and provide added peace of mind to new registrants, students who enroll between now and the new deadline will be able to cancel their registration prior to April 21, 2020 and receive a full refund.

We continue to proactively monitor COVID-19 with the support of our medical and risk management partners, and we are taking steps to ensure health and safety of all of our students during our programs.

Below are answers to questions we are frequently hearing from customers:

What is Envision doing in response to COVID-19?

In addition to extending our cancellation deadline, Envision has taken several measures to ensure the health, safety, and security of the students who will be attending our programs this summer. We have implemented additional training for our staff to encourage best hygiene practices and will continue to update our protocols, with the support of WorldStrides’ Medical Director. We have also been in constant contact with our housing & university partners, who are adjusting their cleaning processes and protocols to meet the situation today, and we have canceled our ISLP delegations to China.

Will my program be cancelled?

We are committed to student safety and will not host any programs in locations that are not deemed safe for travel. Currently, President Trump’s 30-day restriction on travel to the U.S. from Europe and the U.S. Department of State’s global travel alert in response to the COVID-19 outbreak will not impact international travelers who are planning on attending Envision programs, which do not begin until late May.

At this time, all U.S. programs are scheduled to run as planned. However, as we continue to monitor the situation, both nationally and abroad, we won’t hesitate to make changes if the situation warrants it, including canceling or rescheduling programs if necessary.

When will you make decisions about canceling the program?

The situation in constantly evolving, and it is our hope that we will be able to run the programs this summer. We are continuing to monitor the situation and work with our university and affiliated partners and will make sure to update you on the status of the program at least 30 days prior to the session start. We understand your concerns regarding making travel arrangements and would suggest that before booking to consult your airline regarding their current refund policies. You may also want to consider speaking with a travel insurance provider. For more information on Envision’s travel insurance provider, please visit https://www.envisionexperience.com/pages/tuition-and-travel-protection-plan

What if the CDC issues a warning about travel to my program location?

We are following the directions of state officials and working closely with the universities and venues that host our programs. We will continue to work with them and follow guidance from the CDC and World Health Organization, and we will take action as needed.

If your program location is deemed unsafe for travel, we will make our best effort to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, we may cancel your program.

Will I get a refund?

In the event that Envision is unable to run your program session, we will first attempt to reschedule the session. If rescheduling is not possible and we are forced to cancel, you will receive a full refund, including your deposit. 

All other cancellations, including if you choose to cancel your student’s trip after the extended deadline of April 21, 2020, will be managed under the terms and conditions of either the trip protection policy you purchased at the time of your registration or the cancellation policy at the time of your registration.

What if a student gets sick?

Students (and adults too) do sometimes fall ill while traveling. In the event that a student becomes sick, we will follow our best practices to allow the student to rest, and avoid spreading germs, and, where appropriate, seek additional guidance or care for the student.

In response to COVID-19, we have developed additional guidance and protocols. If we have reason to believe a student has been exposed to COVID-19, we will immediately engage local health authorities and our Medical Director, Dr. Neil Sikka of The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Sikka advises that if a person is feeling ill and COVID-19 is suspected, it is essential not to wait until an individual is very sick to seek advice and help. COVID-19 is an influenza-like illness. Like the flu, most people who get COVID-19 will only need rest and over the counter medications to recover fully. However, immediate care helps to avoid the unlikely situation that a person might become very sick and need to go to a clinic or hospital to get better. 

What can I do to stay healthy?

To keep yourself and others safe and healthy: 

• Comply with special instructions issued by local officials.
• Adhere to known, effective best practices to minimize your chance of catching respiratory infections:
  • Do not touch any part of your face without first washing your hands.
  • Avoid contact with persons who are already ill.
  • Avoid unnecessary touching of other persons (e.g. shaking hands in greeting) and limit touching publicly-shared surfaces, where possible.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Wash hands especially after using the restroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
    • Carry hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol) and use it for situations where hand washing might not be possible.
  • When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a tissue.