COVID-19 Update

Updated: May 18, 2020

Greetings,

We hope that you are doing well and finding ways to stay active and keep a positive outlook. We wanted to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel all of our Puerto Rico programs for the summer. It was not an easy decision, as we understand that your students are looking forward to a meaningful and fun experience, and as parents, you are looking forward to providing this opportunity for them.

There are simply too many uncontrollable variables at play right now for us to have the confidence we need to put together the quality, safe experiences, that we pride ourselves upon. Once Puerto Rico opens more fully, we’d like to see a sustained period of stability prior to bringing participants back. Hopefully, we will reach that point over the summer, and we can look to add additional opportunities for student and family travel in the fall.

We will proceed with refunding all tuition paid to date less deposits, and deposits will be applied as fully transferable credits for participants or siblings for a program in the fall of 2020 or for a 2021 summer program. Our goal is to refund as much money as possible, and allow for families to recoup 100% of any investment by 2021.

We sincerely thank you for your support, and look forward to traveling with your students soon in the future.

Yours in the journey,

Fritz and Polly

Updated: April 27, 2020

Group flights are being refunded by our travel partner StudentUniverse. Please expect the confirmation of your canceled group flight and your refund in the next 2-3 weeks. If you purchased a connecting flight through StudentUniverse, this will be included in your refund. If you have further questions, please contact Crista Cannata our account manager at StudentUniverse. 

Be well,

The GW Home Office

Updated: April 21, 2020

Dear Global Works Families,

First and foremost, we hope you and your loved ones are healthy, and we are thinking of those struggling through this health and economic crisis.  This is a challenging time for teenagers who are missing out on their vital social connections, school structure, and extracurriculars. We understand that summer has always been something to look forward to and an opportunity for many to experience the world in new ways.

When we were first hired as trip leaders for Global Works in 1997, we never imagined we would have the honor of one day being the directors/ owners of this awesome, tight knit, organization. Our staff, community partners, and participants really do feel like family. In many ways, the current challenges have pulled us collectively together as our community has reached out to support each other. We have gained perspective.

Operating programs around the world hinges upon our ability to manage risk. Given the uncertain environment of travel restrictions, quarantines, and the potential for regional flare ups moving forward, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our international Summer Service Adventure (SSA) programs for the summer of 2020. We are leaving the option of programming in Puerto Rico, a domestic location, to remain open for now. We will revisit our Puerto Rico programs by May 1st.  

We will proceed with refunding all tuition paid to date, and deposits will be applied as fully transferable credits for participants or siblings for a 2021 summer program. Our goal is to refund as much money as possible, and allow for families to recoup 100% of any investment by 2021. For those who have reserved and paid for group flights through our travel partner StudentUniverse, please expect the confirmation of your canceled group flight and your refund in the next 1-2 weeks. To cancel your connecting flight or if you have further questions regarding flights, please contact Crista Cannata at crista.cannata@studentuniverse.com or 617-321-3256.

Current students enrolled on our Puerto Rico program have the option to withdraw now or wait until final decisions are made. If you are registered on a different program, and wish to consider Puerto Rico for this summer, please let us know.

Thank you for your confidence in choosing Global Works, and we look forward to the opportunity to travel abroad with your students in the future.

Yours in the Journey,

Polly and Fritz Moriarty
Directors, Global Works

Updated: April 13, 2020

We continue to monitor the trajectory of COVID-19 around the globe and the various travel restrictions still in place to see when/ if our programs will be appropriate to operate.  We understand that our families and participants will need further guidance soon to make decisions regarding summer plans and flights.

We have instructed our travel partner, Student Universe, not to purchase any group flights until further notice.  This means any group flight purchases will remain refundable though Student Universe until you receive further guidance from Global Works on the status of your progam.

Global Works will provide another update by April 20, 2020.

Global Works is monitoring the evolving situation related to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are our primary resources for assessing the threat level to our participants. At this time, we are  monitoring  the  situation and these agencies. Please stay informed on the CDC’s response.

For Custom Group Travel Programs, Global Works is working in concert with school administrators on a case by case basis to determine the status of your program.

The following terms relate to our Summer Service Adventure Programs:

Tuition Balance Payments

Global Works is postponing final balance payments from April 1, 2020 to May 1, 2020, as we get more clarity on the global situation.

We have instructed our travel partner, Student Universe, not to purchase any group flights until further notice.  This means any group flight purchases will remain refundable though Student Universe until you receive further guidance from Global Works on the status of your progam. If you have yet to purchase airfare, you can wait until closer to those payment due dates to make those reservations. 

At What Point Would Adjustments to Programming Occur?

Global Works could alter or cancel a program or program destination based on the health warnings provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and/or State Department at any time. If a location has a Level 3 Center for Disease Control (CDC) or Level 4 State Department travel restriction in place 45 days prior to departure, then that would trigger a Global Works cancellation. Global Works would also cancel summer programming if the United States is in a State of Emergency or has implemented a nationwide travel restriction 45 days prior to departure.

Traveler Health Rating (CDC) & Global Works Response

CDC Watch – Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
Global Works Response- No changes, continue with existing policies and protocols. Practice usual precautions.
CDC Alert – Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
Global Works Response- Itinerary adjustments possible and implementation of enhanced health and safety protocols.
CDC Warning – Level 3, Avoid Non Essential Travel
Global Works Response- Cancellation of programming (regional or country-specific).

What Happens If A Trip Is Canceled Due To COVID-19 Threat Levels In A Destination?

Global Works would cancel where travel to a destination has been deemed a Level 3 by the CDC, or in cases where Global Works deems a location unsafe for travel. In such an occurrence, participants have the option to switch to another available Global Works program without penalty. If an alternative program is offered and refused by the enrolled, or if Global Works is unable to provide an alternative, any paid tuition (less the deposit, application fees, and PIP plan) will be refunded. *Deposits will be offered as full credits for a 2021 Summer Service Adventure Program*.   Global Works is not responsible for other costs, airfare, and incidental expenses incurred by a participant preparing for a canceled trip.

Refunds and credits are not available in cases where programs have not been canceled.

I purchased the Program Cancellation and Protection Plan (PIP). Does that cover Coronavirus?

PIP Coverage does not cover cancellation due to concerns over the COVID-19. Global Works’ PIP Plan provides tuition protection if you are prevented from taking your trip as well as if your trip is interrupted post-departure due to the following:

1.       Early withdrawal for medical reasons. This would include any medical condition that occurs during the period of coverage and prevents the enrolled student from beginning or continuing the program. Examples of conditions that are covered may include fractures, viruses, or other maladies. Medical conditions that are not covered involve those in which a pre-established medical history exists. Documentation may be required by a licensed physician.

2.       Early withdrawal from a program for an immediate family emergency. This may include the need to return home or withdraw early for an immediate family illness or tragedy. Documentation may be required.

What Has Global Works Implemented To Reinforce The Health And Safety Of Its Travelers?

1. Hand washing before meals
2. We provide hand sanitizer for use.
3. We employ well-trained Trip Leaders to monitor the health of our travelers and to remain vigilant to their environment. Our Trip Leaders and management teams have been specifically briefed on the COVID-19.
4. We will continue to monitor the spread of coronavirus at the global level through our Risk Management Team as well as at the country level by our Directors and their staff.
5. We register all of our groups with the US Embassy in the countries we travel in.
6. In the case of a sudden health warning during your program, we would work with the above resources, and our own, to get the group back home as quickly and safely as possible.
7. In the unlikely event of a quarantine, we would open communication with parents, contact the US Embassy, and work to establish communication with our staff and the group.
8. We have a 24 hour emergency number when programs are running.

What Can I Do To Keep Myself Healthy When Traveling?

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. At minimum, you should do this before every meal and after using the bathroom.
2. Carry hand sanitizer; use this whenever soap and water are not available.
3. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue out.
4. Avoid putting your hands in your mouth. Use antiseptic wipes to clean surfaces in and around eating areas and airplane seating areas. This includes armrests, tray tables, movie screens and remotes, and any lighting and vents overhead