Student Services

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Student services

Our aim is to respond to the needs of our participants by offering the experience and advice of our faculty and staff, who are at hand 24 hours seven days a week during the program (and throughout the year via email) and available to address any questions or concerns a participant may have, including academic, safety, travel, entertainment, food, etc. We encourage students to organize their own explorations, however, we also organize tours, trips and other educational and fun activities, such as Italian film nights, community festivals, local dinner events, concerts, cooking classes and pot-lucks.

Orientation

In San Gemini, the day before classes begin, we conduct a 2-hour orientation and invite all participants and staff to a welcoming reception. The orientation is designed to help students navigate their stay in San Gemini as smoothly as possible. Issues covered in orientation include: accommodations, linen, laundry, kitchen, electricity, environmental considerations, trash and recycling, the classrooms, the office, class schedules, food, open-market, stores, restaurants, swimming pool, money, telephones, internet, public transport, local laws, safety, local customs and practices, medical services, insurance, etc.

We coordinate Zoom calls with participants and staff members a month before programs begin in order to review the program, travel to San Gemini and answer any questions.

We provide a travel logistics document that covers travel to San Gemini and other issues such as being a safe traveler, what to pack, money exchange, etc.

The first day of class includes an overview of the local history and a tour of San Gemini and the nearby ancient Roman town of Carsulae, both towns being integral to the programs’ field work.


Health and Safety Protocol

  • SGPS requires all students purchase comprehensive study abroad insurance from CISI.

  • Health and safety issues are reviewed during our orientation (see above).

  • Students are also asked to read and sign the rules and regulations and liability release form

Travel Abroad Advice for Participants

Italy is generally a very safe place. Nevertheless, you must be careful in some situations and watch out for pickpockets. This problem exists mostly at large train stations (Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples) and at some major tourist attractions. Unsuspecting tourists are prime targets.

San Gemini is a small, very safe town and you don't have any of these problems. However, you need to follow common sense precautions, such as: lock the doors when you leave the apartment and do not leave expensive equipment lying around unsupervised.

Things to do when traveling:

Always carry your passport and money in the front pocket of pants or inside pocket of jacket (close to your body and hard to reach).

  • Make sure that your luggage is always with you.

  • Do not carry expensive equipment in obvious camera or computer bags.

  • Never take rides from people offering a car service at rail stations, take only official taxi cabs.

  • Keep copies of your passport, credit cards and driver’s license both with you and at home.

  • Shoulder bags: do not put all your valuables in one wallet inside your bag. That is the first thing pickpockets take.

Below are some resources with advice for travelers, including individuals who self-define as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and female. As many of these websites conclude, the best experiences and most meaningful connections when studying abroad come from having flexibility, an open mind, and a willingness to work to understand each other. Ultimately, it is up to the student to familiarize themselves with the culture and attitudes of a foreign country. Regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation, when we meet new people and share new experiences, it is our similarities that we celebrate, and that help us look out for each other.

COVID 19

COVID 19 Policy and updates

On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization Director-General concurs that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

The health and safety of our participants continue to be a priority. IIRPS and SGPS programs monitor and adhere to all requirements maintained by our collaborating organizations (see also WVU Education Abroad COVID-19 Travel Policy) as well as the Italian and US Government agencies.

All SGPS participants must abide by the local health and safety guidelines, including vaccination requirements. IIRPS will update and confirm with all participants COVID regulations one-month prior to the beginning of each program.

SGPS applicants are currently no longer asked to provide COVID vaccination status prior to acceptance to the program.

All SGPS applicants may be asked to provide COVID vaccination status prior to acceptance to the program, in accordance with SGPS adherence to requirements maintained by our collaborating organizations as well as the Italian Government. Applicants requiring exemptions due to documented medical reasons will need to contact Polly Withers.

All SGPS participants are no longer being required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the orientation day before classes start at the beginning of each session. Participants may be required to fill out a health screener and have their temperatures taken every Monday at the beginning of classes.

COVID Travel Guidelines and Compliances*

All students traveling internationally must comply with Italian expectations for travel, including testing mandates, prior to departure. There is not currently a travel alert for Italy and the US requiring travelers to be fully vaccinated or to be able to show proof of vaccination before flying. Travelers may be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to departing.

Before departing, it is the participant’s responsibility to know:

  • What test and documentation is needed prior to traveling to Italy

  • Understand and comply with all masking requirements on airlines and local masking ordinances while traveling

COVID-specific Safety Procedures*

  • If a participant is not feeling well and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please immediately tell a member of the SGPS staff. Put on a mask and keep mindful of others by self-distancing.

  • If you don’t know the vaccination status of the group, mask while indoors

  • Mask while outdoors in large crowds

  • Social distance when you can

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer

  • Comply with quarantining regulations during the program

 * For general safety and travel guidelines, please see our Student Services webpage and our Travel Logistics document.

What happens if a participant or member of staff contracts COVID during the Program?

  • If a participant is not feeling well and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please immediately tell a member of the SGPS staff. Put on a mask and keep mindful of others by self-distancing.

  • The insurance plan SGPS requires for participation covers COVID as any other illness. The policy would cover testing, medication, doctor visits and hospitalization. Testing is only covered if medically necessary, meaning if the participant is sick or showing symptoms. It is not covered for preventative measures like country entry.

  • Participants may be required to quarantine, depending on current local regulations. SGPS will assist in finding accommodations, but this may incur extra housing fees for the participant. Applicants will be required to pay these fees.

  • If a member of faculty becomes sick, we have a virtual option with qualified teaching assistants continuing in-person workshops.

Should you experience any issues with any Italian establishment please refer them to the original Italian-language decrees at the following links: 
Equipollenza certificazioni vaccinali e di guarigione rilasciate dagli Stati Terzi per gli usi previsti dall’ art. 3 del decreto-legge 23 luglio 2021: and
Equivalenza di vaccini anti SARS-CoV-2/COVID somministrati all’estero