COVID-19 Guidelines

COVID-19: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Updated 08^th January 2021

In response to the latest Swiss federal safety measures to combat COVID-19, the following changes will be made effective from Friday 11^th December until further notice. All theory classes will go online in our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and practical sessions that require a physical presence will continue at a reduced size. We continue to be in regular contact with the Swiss Health Authorities to ensure we are implementing the latest health and safety initiatives.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• What is Swiss Education Group's response to the latest Federal safety measures (11th December) to combat COVID-19?  
  • We are in regular contact with the Swiss Health Authorities to ensure we are implementing the latest health and safety initiatives.  
  • We have communicated the latest measures to our students and staff across all campuses, advising on best practice protocols and regularly sharing  the most up-to-date information.  
  • The following changes to class delivery will be in place until 20th January 2021: 
    o    Practical classes continue face-to-face (reduced session size)
    o    Theory classes continue through live streaming on our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
    o    Students have access to accommodation, food, and leisure activities (as permitted by authorities)
  • We intend to be face-to-face for all classes as soon as possible, subject to Cantonal or Federal approval.
• What type of Health & Safety procedures should I follow as I travel to campus?
  • Help us help you - with the three W's - Wash hands, Watch your distance, Wear a mask.
  • Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings, including public transportation and transportation hubs such as airports and stations. It is mandatory to wear a face mask when using or waiting for public transportation in Switzerland (airports, train, bus, boat, cable-cars, etc.). You must also wear a mask outside entrances to restaurants, shops & busy pedestrian zones, and whenever it is not possible to keep the recommended (1.5 m) distances. More detailed information can be found here.
  • Avoid close contact by staying at least 1.5 meters from anyone who is not from your household.
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol). 
  • Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• What should I expect when I arrive on campus?
  • On arrival on campus, students will have their temperature checked, complete a health survey, receive health and safety information, and a face mask.  
  • Anyone presenting with flu, fever, breathing difficulties, or respiratory problems will immediately quarantine on campus, and all necessary support will be provided. 
  • Quarantine on campus is mandatory for students arriving from this list of countries and areas updated and valid from the 15th December 2020.
  • For all other regions and for students who leave campus during the Christmas break for more than 48 hours:
    o    Students must take a certified PCR Covid-19 test within 72 hours of arrival and provide proof of test results or,
    o    Quarantine until taking a Covid-19 test, arranged by the school at the student's expense (approximately CHF 150), quarantining until results are available (typically within 48 hours).
     
  • Students will receive information in a dedicated induction session during arrival weekend, including Student Counsellor opening hours, contacts for medical advice, etc. Students will also complete any outstanding forms, such as emergency contacts, medical history forms, etc.  
  • In the interest of safety, staff, students, and preapproved visitors must wear face masks in public areas. 
• What type of Health & Safety measures can I expect on campus?
  • Face masks are mandatory in all public areas (including classrooms). Masks must be worn while in the restaurant and only removed once seated at the table. 
  • Hand sanitizers and face masks are available to everyone on all campuses and in all administrative offices. 
  • Temperature checks are carried out daily on all staff, students, and preapproved visitors. Checks take place at the campus reception area, where a face mask is also provided.
  • We encourage everyone to maintain strict social distancing (in Switzerland, the minimum distance is 1.5 meters). The use of approved disinfecting products is encouraged.
  • Download the SwissCovid tracing app (on Google Play Store or Apple Apps Store) 
  • All external visitors are required to seek formal approval before considering visiting campus. 
  • Additional cleaning and disinfection of campuses, particularly public areas.  
  • Every student, staff member, and preapproved visitor must fill out a health questionnaire before entering our campus premises. Staff or visitors showing symptoms of flu, fever (38°C+), breathing difficulties, or respiratory problems will not be allowed on campus. 
  • Class group timetables are arranged to have a steady flow of students at meals and optimize restaurant space. 
  • Priority medical appointments are available for any student who require medical assistance – please contact the Front Desk or the Residential Management Team. 
  • We have minimized large public gatherings and unnecessary social activities. Any activity outside regular classes and meals is monitored. We continually follow the latest governmental mandates.
• When do I need to self-quarantine?
  • Students entering Switzerland from high-risk regions must quarantine for ten days until further notice. The list of high-risk countries is updated regularly by the Swiss government. This regulation also applies to anyone who has visited/spent time in the listed countries in the previous 14 days.  
  • For all other regions and students who leave campus during the Christmas break for more than 48 hours:
    o    Students must take a certified PCR Covid-19 test within 72 hours of arrival and provide proof of test results or,
    o    Quarantine until taking a Covid-19 test, arranged by the school at the student's expense (approximately CHF 150), quarantining until results are available (typically within 48 hours).
  • Exceptions to the quarantine requirement: anyone who has transited through and spent less than 24 hours in a country or area with an increased risk of infection.
  • Quarantine, when required, takes place on campus. The academic and operations teams will provide you with all the necessary support during this time. 
  • Any student who is in self-quarantined on campus will be required to stay in the provided accommodation. They will not be permitted to interact with any other person. A staff member will check up on students in self-quarantine each day to follow up on the daily preventative measures and provide meal service. 
  • Students who are worried that they may have flu-like symptoms should phone the student counselor and, if not available, the resident manager who is available 24/7. 
  • If the Swiss authorities ask you upon arrival - please provide your school address as the location where you will quarantine. 
    César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Route Cantonale 51a, CH-1897 Le Bouveret. Phone: +41 24 482 82 82
    Culinary Arts Academy, Switzerland, Route Cantonale 51a, CH-1897 Le Bouveret. Phone: +41 24 482 82 82
    César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Englisch-Grusse-Strasse 43, CH-3902 Brig-Glis. Phone: +41 27 922 04 04
    César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Löwenstrasse 16, CH-6004 Luzern. Phone: +41 41 399 00 00
    Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, Löwenstrasse 16, CH-6004 Luzern. Phone: +41 41 399 00 00
    Hotel Institute Montreux, Avenue des Alpes 15, CH-1820 Montreux. Phone: +41 21 966 46 46
    Swiss Hotel Management School, Rue du Panorama 2, CH-1824 Caux. Phone: +41 21 962 95 55
    Swiss Hotel Management School, Avenue Léopold de Reynier 2, CH-1854 Leysin. Phone: +41 24 493 26 00
• Is COVID-19 testing available while on campus?
  • Yes, it is possible to get tested in case of concern or if any symptoms are being displayed (there may be a cost incurred). For further details, please refer to the Student Counsellor. 
  • PCR testing is carried out by a Doctor, with results available within 24 – 48 hours. 
  • Students awaiting results must self-quarantine.
• What if I have more questions? Where should I go for answers? 
  • Contact student counsellors or any other staff members on campus if you have any concerns or require support. In addition, we have a dedicated email addresses by school for any questions linked to the coronavirus crisis:
    CRCS: 
    CAAS: 
    HIM: 
    SHMS/IHTTI: 

PROGRAM ARRANGEMENTS

• Who do I contact if I have questions related to starting my programme or continuing my studies and internships?
  • Any student (new/returning/current) should contact the following email address:
    CRCS: 
    CAAS: 
    HIM: 
    SHMS/IHTTI: 
• What arrangements are in place for Winter Term in CRCS, HIM, CAAS?
  • Students arriving on campus
    
    Early arrival: Students may arrive on campus any time from 4th January, informing the school (use school email below) in advance of planned arrival time
    Check-in Weekend8-10th of January
    The official starting date for classes is Monday 11th January
    Late arrivals: Students may arrive up to 1 week late, with prior approval from the Dean, but must participate in classes from Monday 11th January
    Covid-19 testing
        o    A list of countries and areas requiring quarantine updated here and valid from the 15th December 2020
        o    For all other regions & students who leave campus during the Christmas break for more than 48 hours:
                  •    Students must take a certified PCR Covid-19 test within 72 hours of arrival and provide proof of test results or,
                  •    Quarantine until taking a covid test, arranged by the school at the student's    expense (approximately CHF150), quarantining until results are available         (typically within 48 hours).
     
• What arrangements are in place for Spring Term in SHMS IHTTI?
  • Students arriving on campus
     
    -  SHMS New Students - BA1, PG, MIB, MA, MSc, 15th February 2021 – 18th June 2021 
    -  SHMS Returning students - BA2, BA3, BA4, 1st February 2021 – 4th June 2021
    -  On-Campus and Off-Campus program delivery is available throughout the February semester:
       •  On-Campus
              Practical classes continue face-to-face
              Theory classes continue through live streaming
              Students will have access to accommodation, food, and leisure activities (as permitted by authorities)
              We intend to be face-to-face for all classes as soon as possible, subject to Cantonal or Federal approval
              Please contact your Assistant Dean for a delayed starting date or early arrival approval: 
                  -   Early arrival - Anytime up to 7 days before the start of intake at no extra charge
                  -   Late arrival: Students may arrive up to 2 weeks late, with prior approval from the Dean, but must participate in classes from the beginning of the semester.
      •  Off-Campus       
            Students choosing to participate in off-campus study and live stream through our VLE must:
                  -   Email your Assistant Dean (contact@shms.com) for approval for off-campus study no later than January 25, 2021 
                  -   Join classes from the start of the semester, attend live streaming of classes and participate in virtual group activities (Students should ensure adequate infrastructure in place to participate in class and group activities, e.g., adequate Wi-Fi)
                  -   Off-Campus fee reduction: Students, while off-campus, will benefit from a 'one-time special' 15%  off your original invoice for the February semester, as a credit to your student account.
    
    -  Covid 19 testing
         •   A list of countries and areas requiring quarantine updated here and valid from the 7 January 2021
         •   For all other regions & students, off-campus for more than 48 hours
               -   Students must take a certified PCR Covid-19 test within 72 hours of arrival and provide proof of test results or,
               -   Quarantine until taking a covid test, arranged by the school at the student's expense (approximately CHF150), quarantining until results are available (typically within 48 hours).
  • Students choosing to remain off-campus and live stream through our VLE must:
    
    -    Email your Assistant Dean for approval for off-campus study no later than 25 January 2021
    -    Join classes from the start of the semester, attend live streaming of classes and participate in virtual group activities (Students should ensure adequate infrastructure in place to participate in class and group activities, e.g., adequate Wi-Fi)
    -    Live streaming will remain available throughout the semester. 
    -    Off-campus fee reduction: Students who choose to follow VLE from home will benefit from a 'one-time special' 15% off your original Spring Semester 2021 invoice as a credit to your student account.
     

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCES

• The current economic situation has caused difficulty for me in paying my fees. Is any financial assistance available? 
  • For students requiring financial assistance, new or returning in 2021, we lower registration fee requirements, offer a favorable payment plan without additional cost, and extended financial aid. All payment plan and financial assistance inquires can be addressed .
• If I defer academic term/semester, who should I contact to inform/receive information?
  • Please contact your Dean for approval:
    CRCS: 
    CAAS: 
    HIM: 
    SHMS/IHTTI: 
• Will I be charged for health insurance if I am not on campus? 
  • Yes. According to Swiss Health Insurance regulations, if the B Permit remains valid, students need to keep their health insurance plans. 
• If I decide to defer my intake, what will happen to my B Permit?
  • The B Permit will be cancelled, and you will have to re-apply for a visa.
• If I am in Switzerland, will my health insurance cover me if I fall ill with COVID-19?
  • Yes. You will be fully insured by your school's insurance company and be fully treated in Switzerland.