COVID-19

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• Can students currently enter Switzerland to attend NJC?

  The Swiss government has put in place guidelines to maintain the safety of residents of Switzerland. At this time, travellers from Canada are able to enter Switzerland without any need for quarantine or restrictions. Students are required to apply for a Swiss Student Visa. 

  
  Travellers arriving from certain countries and areas considered to be high-risk for COVID-19 are required to quarantine for a 10-day period. The list of at-risk countries is updated regularly and can be reached by clicking here.

• How is COVID-19 impacting NJC’s program this year?

  NJC will continue to offer the key elements of our program while following the health guidelines set out by the Swiss Government.   With the safety of our students and staff as our highest priority, students are able to enjoy:

  • In-class instruction on NJC’s campus
  • Access to community life in Neuchâtel 
  • Restaurants, gardens, leisure and entertainment venues 
  • Travel throughout Switzerland and to permissible countries in Europe

  
  

   The situation is fluid and will be continuously monitored as set by the “médecin cantonal” (Public Health office). Our Head of School communicates with students and families on a continuous basis with updates.

• What school measures has NJC put in place to help ensure the health and safety of its students and staff?

  On campus, strict cleaning measures are in place and social distancing and other safety protocols are being enforced. These protocols include:

  
  

  • Covid-19 posters will be placed around school and handwashing stations with sanitizing solutions will be available throughout all buildings and classrooms on campus.

  • Classrooms and common areas have been set up so that, as much as possible, students will maintain a distance of  1.5m apart.  In areas where social distancing is not possible, students and staff will wear masks.

  • Masks are available to students and faculty members at all times and garbage cans specifically for masks have been placed around campus. 

  • Assigned seating in class to help with traceability.  Students will be asked to download the Swiss Covid app. 

  • Photocopiers will be disinfected after each use.  

  • Microcity, where students each lunch daily, has taken the following safety measures: 

  • • Ground markings to direct traffic flow
    • Limiting the number of people in the kitchen area to no more than 6
    • Eliminating all buffet stations.   
    • Reducing the total number of tables
    • Providing NJC with its own eating area

• How do I get a Swiss student visa?

  As of June 8, 2020, Swiss consulates have resumed processing Swiss Student Visas. We encourage families who are applying for the upcoming academic year to submit applications as soon as possible.

  
  

  If a student holds a passport from an EU country, they may be exempt from the student visa process. Please contact the admissions office for more information.

• What happens if students need to quarantine when they first arrive in Switzerland?

  Should students be entering from a country that requires them to quarantine, they will remain in the pension ( host families) homes for the period required.

• Will students be able to travel?

  One of the hallmarks of our program is access to travel, and students enjoy curriculum-based and independent travel. The health and safety of students is the highest priority. Students will need to respect all protocols set out by the school and the countries that they visit.

• Will NJC host its standard events?

  The calendar of 2020/21 events is updated regularly with the safety of students, staff and prospective visitors to Switzerland as the school's top priority.

• What if someone gets sick?

  If a student feels unwell, the school must be informed immediately. NJC works directly with a husband-wife doctor team that is always available to students. As well, Neuchâtel has 2 hospitals. COVID-19 testing is readily available in Switzerland.  NJC will follow all protocols set out by the Swiss authorities as well as those set out in our school pandemic policy.

• How will classes be completed if students have to return home during the school year?

  In March 2020, NJC successfully moved to a Google Meets platform through Google Classroom. Direct interactive instruction, regular advisory group meetings, guest speakers, school spirit events and weekly assemblies transitioned seamlessly to this platform. If NJC’s program needs to be modified to online delivery, we will use Google Meets/Classroom once again.