Fairmont Student Travel Advisory (May 15, 2020)
We are so very proud of our students and faculty for how well they have adjusted to our remote learning format. As we near the end of our academic year we understand that families want to be together for the summer break. At this time we must advise you on the possible challenges your student may face if they return to their home country for the summer.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System “SEVIS”, and Fairmont Schools highly recommend all international students remain in the country during the summer break. Remaining in the United States allows the student to maintain their status even during school closure. Many areas throughout the world continue to experience COVID-19 outbreaks and as such, international travel may continue to be disrupted well into the fall. Additionally, some U.S. Consulates throughout the world continue to remain closed with no dates scheduled to reopen.
We understand your concerns and Fairmont is doing everything we can to ensure that students and staff stay safe, practice social distancing, and follow CDC guidelines during this time. I strongly urge you to stay in California. If you decide to return to your home country, please keep in mind the following information regarding F-1 Student Visa Travel. Students choosing to disregard our advice and return to their home country during the summer must be aware of the long term implications of such travel:
Due to the fact that we cannot guarantee re-entry to the U.S., this puts your I-20 and F-1 visa in jeopardy along with their current and long-term enrollment at Fairmont Schools. The same applies to our seniors who have plans to attend a US college or university in the fall.
Once school resumes on campus, all international students must be in the United States to begin course work. Students will no longer be allowed to participate in online/remote classwork per SEVP guidelines· If you are unable to return to the U.S. for any reason (Visa renewal delays or ongoing travel restrictions) Fairmont Schools is required to terminate your I-20 which may prohibit all first-semester coursework and credit.
If a student has traveled to a high-risk area, they must return to the United States for mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to campus.
If a student travels to a high-risk area, Fairmont’s IMG Health Insurance policy will not cover an ongoing/long term COVID-19 related medical treatment.
Per Fairmont Schools policy, when the student returns to the US if quarantine is required then that self-quarantine must be with an approved guardian outside of the Boarding and Homestay programs.
We highly encourage our students to stay engaged over the summer and offer a wide range of summer school courses. Students may take summer school courses for remediation, advancement or for personal growth. To see our list of summer school courses and directions on how to register please click here.
Finally, we will continue to update you as more information becomes available. However, should you have questions regarding your I-20 and/or F-1 visa, as always, you may contact Betty Petersen.
We hope you all continue to stay safe.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Lucia
Head of School, Fairmont Prep Academy
