Important Information: HCAYS Program

Update: Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 Semesters

Posted: September 21, 2020

After much thought and consideration, and with profound disappointment, HCAYS has decided to suspend the program for Spring 2021.

In making this decision, we have considered many factors, such as evolving travel limitations, restrictive entry requirements, and most importantly, your safety. Our program philosophy – a personalized and complete cultural immersion and transformative educational experience – also factored highly in our decision.

It has not been easy to make this decision due to many unknown potential risks, uncertainties, and evolving restrictions and regulations. As we consulted relevant parties and sources, we pondered the best and safest way to operate the program. We still do not have all the answers, and we are disappointed, as you must be, but we believe it is better to err on the side of safety and to give you as much advance notification as possible.

We are optimistic that the program will resume in Fall 2021 and that we will be able to make all the appropriate preparations during the spring semester, including, but not limited to: implementing rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols, requiring personal protection and face coverings, examining classroom capacity and revising class schedules, planning appropriate gathering spaces, and modifying travel practices.

We sincerely hope that you can defer your participation to the fall semester. If you decide to withdraw, however, we will refund any deposits that you may have already made (Hamilton College students may keep these payments on your account). Please let us know as soon as possible how you would like to proceed, and we will plan accordingly.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We hope to see you in the fall semester. Please stay safe and healthy. ¡Cuídense mucho!

Sincerely,

HCAYS team

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Update: HCAYS Fall 2020 Program Suspended

Posted May 27, 2020

After much thought and consideration, and with profound disappointment, HCAYS has decided to suspend the program for Fall 2020.

In making this decision, we have considered many factors, such as evolving travel limitations, restrictive entry requirements, and most importantly, your safety. Our program philosophy – a personalized and complete cultural immersion and transformative educational experience – also factored highly in our decision. Even with the implementation of emerging best practices and the changes that we will incorporate to continue our program in the near future, Madrid would have to move to a more advanced phase in order for HCAYS to fulfill our academic and educational goals, while keeping everyone safe.

It has not been easy to make this decision due to many unknown potential risks, uncertainties, and evolving restrictions and regulations. As we consulted relevant parties and sources, we pondered the best and safest way to operate the program. We still do not have all the answers, and we are disappointed, as you must be, but we believe it is better to err on the side of safety and to give you as much advance notification as possible.

We are optimistic that the program will resume in Spring 2021 and that we will be able to make all the appropriate preparations during the fall semester, including, but not limited to: implementing rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols, requiring personal protection and face coverings, examining classroom capacity and revising class schedules, planning appropriate gathering spaces, and modifying travel practices.

We sincerely hope that you can defer your participation to the spring semester. If you decide to withdraw, however, we will refund any payments you have already made. Please let us know as soon as possible how you would like to proceed, and we will plan accordingly. Your visa application materials and passport will be returned via UPS express mail.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We hope to see you in the spring semester. Please stay safe and healthy. ¡Cuídense mucho!

Sincerely,

HCAYS team