(Most recent update: December 1, 2022)

As we return to in-person learning, we are working with many unknowns and encourage everyone to remain as flexible as possible. The BSME Directors are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Budapest, in Europe, and in the United States. BSME will run in-person only if there is confidence that we can do so safely and anticipate successful completion of the program. Once students arrive in Budapest, they are bound by their commitment to the Community Contract for COVID-19 Safety.

Note: Proof of vaccination is required for program participation.

Pre-Arrival Planning

International travel and visa requirements are expected to continue to change. Please pay attention to any changes in restrictions or requirements that may affect your entry into Hungary. Obtaining appropriate visas in advance and arranging travel are the responsibility of the student. Any associated expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Travel expenses are the full responsibility of the student. Compliance with COVID related travel requirements and flight change policies of the airline are the responsibility of the student.

The academic calendar will be finalized at least 90 days before the first day of the program. All tuition and fees will be refunded if the program is cancelled before the first day of the program.

After acceptance to the program, students will be notified by the BSME North American Office with updates, requirements, and travel recommendations. Participation in an online pre-departure orientation is required for each student. As part of this orientation, you will receive updated COVID related policies and travel considerations.

Students are required to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccination. Any expenses related to vaccination are the responsibility of the student. Proof of vaccination should be sent to the BSME North American Office prior to departure.

All students are required to carry health insurance. Proof of insurance is required for participation in BSME. Supplemental travel insurance can be obtained at the discretion of the student. The BSME Budapest Office will coordinate health care with English speaking providers. Students seeking care should contact the BSME Student Coordinator

Housing

Students are housed in BSME approved apartments. Although students share apartments, each student has their own bedroom. If a student is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, they are to report their symptoms to the Student Coordinator and remain isolated in their room/apartment until a COVID-19 test can be administered or is deemed unnecessary. In the case a student tests positive for COVID-19, arrangements will be made for a hotel room for the requisite quarantine/isolation period until one is no longer a transmission risk. Any additional expense for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the program.

While in the shared spaces of their apartment, we expect the students to act responsibly to limit possible transmission of COVID-19. Students who have been identified as close-contacts of positive COVID-19 cases will be required to isolate and participate in classes remotely until they test negative for COVID-19.

All BSME apartments and quarantine hotels have reliable Wi-Fi that will allow for remote participation in programming if required.

Personal Travel and Visitors

Students embark in personal travel at their own risk and expense. Considerations before travel should include the potential for increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 because of travel, the risk of being denied entry/return into a country, and the financial and academic consequences of being stuck in another country during COVID-19. Prior to any travel, students are required to inform the Student Coordinator and provide contact information (cell phone, email, Facebook, etc.) where they will be accessible for the duration of travel.

During COVID-19, no visitors are permitted in the BSME Building or BSME apartments. We strongly encourage students to limit travel and any contact with visitors from outside of the program.

Arrival Procedure

Depending on the current COVID-19 situation, a 7-day “soft quarantine” period and a mandatory COVID-19 PCR may be required after arriving to Hungary. Students will be emailed ahead of time about any such requirements.

If a 7-day “soft quarantine” period is in place, students are expected to stay in their apartment except to exercise, run essential errands, and purchase food or other essentials. While in the shared spaces of their apartment, flatmates are expected to be masked and follow social distancing protocols to limit possible transmission of COVID-19. During this 7-day period, it is expected that students will have no “close contacts” – i.e., any maskless contact with an individual of less than 6 ft. Classes scheduled for this period will be online.

If a mandatory COVID-19 test is required after arrival, it will be arranged and covered by the program.

Building and Classroom Safety

The mask wearing policy in the BSME building is adjusted to the current COVID-19 situation. For current policies see the BSM/E Covid Protocol.

Classrooms and common spaces are cleaned and sanitized regularly, and hand sanitizers are available in the building. Additional sanitizing wipes are available to students upon request.

COVID-19 Pre-Departure Procedures (End of Program)

Prior to departure from Budapest, students should arrange COVID-19 tests for themselves as required by airlines and home countries. Students are encouraged to be particularly diligent in their mask wearing and social distancing in the final week of the program, as a positive COVID-19 test may delay travel and students could incur additional costs associated with hotel stays and flight changes. Travel related costs are the responsibility of the student.

Symptom Monitoring

It is the responsibility of students to closely monitor COVID related symptoms and report any symptoms to the Student Coordinator. Students who are experiencing symptoms are required to self-isolate and participate in classes remotely until they receive a COVID test. Students who test positive will be moved to hotel isolation where they will be monitored, provided food, and can participate in coursework until no longer a transmission risk.

General COVID Procedures

The BSME Budapest Office will monitor COVID-19 cases within (1) the BSME program, (2) the classroom building, (3) Budapest, and (4) Hungary. Students will be notified via email of any relevant updates to the local COVID-19 situation.

Depending on the current COVID-19 situation, students and instructors may be required to self-test regularly with antigen test provided by the program, and report their results to the program.

Students and staff are required to report COVID-related symptoms to the Student Coordinator. Symptoms will be monitored, contact tracing conducted, and tests provided as appropriate.

In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case at BSME, students will be notified if they have been in close contact with the case and a COVID test will be required.

Students are required to follow all local and national regulations. This may include closing of classroom buildings, local curfew or lockdown, or national evacuation. The Student Coordinator will share necessary information and updates via email.

For details see the BSM/E Covid Protocol.

Online Learning

Students who are in isolation/quarantine are able to participate in course work remotely. Class lectures will be recorded and shared. All BSME apartments and negotiated hotel quarantine locations have Wi-Fi that supports online engagement.

Should the national or local government initiate a short-term lockdown in response to a COVID-19 case spike, all BSME courses will move to online with students participating in-country.

In the event that COVID-19 cases spike and travel restrictions are activated such that students need to evacuate, the Student Coordinator will work with students to return home. Courses will transition to online from home school / home country.

Training of Faculty, Staff, and Students

The Hungarian Director will provide faculty and staff training on BSME COVID policies and procedures before the start of the program. Students will receive COVID training as part of both the required pre-departure orientation and arrival orientation.