FAQs for Students Abroad about COVID-19

 

The University is monitoring developments involving COVID-19, including the Canadian government’s latest advisory for all Canadians to return home. 

York International is in contact with students currently abroad. If you have not yet heard from us, please email us at goglobal@yorku.ca

We understand that students will have questions about academic activities abroad and what the impact will be of an early return. The University is working to offer as much flexibility as possible to minimize impacts on students. 

For updates, please go to https://coronavirus.info.yorku.ca/  

Canada announced that non-residents can’t enter the country. I’m an international student on exchange/international placement and want to return to Canada. What should I do?

Effective March 26, 2020, International students who held a valid study permit, or had been approved for a study permit, when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020, will be allowed to enter or return to Canada by air or land.

In addition to health screening protocols before travel, all individuals entering from abroad must isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Canada.

Please refer to the IRCC website for more details.

If you are an international student who is on exchange or international placement and are not able to return to Canada, we advise you to consider returning to your home country if possible. If you need any assistance in this matter, please email goglobal@yorku.ca.

I’m away on exchange/placement do I have to return home?

On March 14, the Government of Canada urged all Canadians currently abroad to return to Canada due to the continued COVID-19 developments and measures taken by foreign governments and commercial airlines.

It is in this regard that York University is strongly urging all York students currently on international experience programs (including academic exchanges, placements, internships, co-op, research, etc.) to return to Canada as soon as possible, while commercial flights are still available.

Global Affairs Canada stated on March 14: “Airlines have cancelled flights. New restrictions may be imposed with little warning. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected.” The decision also recognizes that many international universities are now closing, and more borders will likely be closing to inbound and outbound traffic. 

Please note:

Self-Isolation: on March 14, 2020, the Toronto Public Health has issued a statement that all travellers returning from all countries, including the US, are also being asked to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival back into Toronto.  

Important update: per the Canadian Prime Minister’s press release on March 16, 2020:

  • Canada will be closing is borders to all travellers except Canadian citizens, permanent residents and US citizens
  • For Canadians unable to re-enter, support will be provided until their return
  • Any persons showing symptoms will not be allowed to return to Canada
  • Asymptomatic Canadians will get aid to get back to Canada

Effective, Wednesday, March 18, international entry into Canada will be limited to 4 airports: Toronto; Montreal; Vancouver and Calgary

If I withdraw from my international program and return home, how will this impact my degree completion and graduation?

The University will be coordinating with the partner institutions to discuss alternative ways to complete your term.  Many universities abroad have converted to online or alternate formats for the remainder of term. Your Faculty will work with you to complete any academic work related to your exchange and/or placement to meet your program requirements.

Please contact your Faculty international program coordinators to discuss academic considerations that will be needed to complete your exchange and international programs:

Global Health placements: jlhard@yorku.ca  
Glendon: exchange@glendon.yorku.ca 
Lassonde School of Engineering coops: bob.eichvald@lassonde.yorku.ca
Osgoode Hall Law School ITLIP: cscott@osgoode.yorku.ca  
Schulich School of Business: exchange@schulich.yorku.ca
York International: goglobal@yorku.ca 

My Exchange Host University is continuing classes as usual and has not moved to online classes. If I leave now how will I complete my credits?

Please connect with your Host University’s exchange program coordinator and let them know you would like to return to Canada.

This request should be made as an academic accommodation given the COVID-19 situation.

On your email, please copy goglobal@yorku.ca so we can assist you as necessary.

My Exchange Host University has moved classes online and I will return home, but what about my exams?

The University will be coordinating with the partner institutions to discuss alternative ways to complete your term.  Many universities abroad have converted to online or alternate formats for the remainder of term. 

Please contact your Faculty international program coordinators to discuss academic considerations that will be needed to complete your exchange and international programs. 

Glendon exchange@glendon.yorku.ca 
Osgoode Hall Law School cscott@osgoode.yorku.ca  
Schulich School of Business LHillcoat@schulich.yorku.ca
York International: goglobal@yorku.ca 

My Exchange Host University has moved courses online and I am okay to stay for now. What should I do if that changes?

  • Monitor information from your host university and host governments, and Global Affairs Canada Travel Advisories.
  • As the situation changes, or you change your mind, make plans to leave and update your Faculty international program coordinator.

Email: York International: goglobal@yorku.ca

I am a York student on independent study/research abroad, what advice is the university providing on the COVID-19 situation?

  • Ensure you are registered with York U’s Emergency Contact Program,(password – international).
  • Contact your program/research advisor about the academic implications of returning early.

On March 14, the Government of Canada urged all Canadians currently abroad to return to Canada due to the continued COVID-19 developments and measures taken by foreign governments and commercial airlines.

It is in this regard that York University is strongly urging all York students currently on international experience programs (including academic exchanges, placements, internships, co-op, research, etc.) to return to Canada as soon as possible, while commercial flights are still available.

Global Affairs Canada stated on March 14: “Airlines have cancelled flights. New restrictions may be imposed with little warning. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected.” The decision also recognizes that many international universities are now closing, and more borders will likely be closing to inbound and outbound traffic. 

Please note:

Self-Isolation: on March 14, 2020, the Toronto Public Health has issued a statement that all travellers returning from all countries, including the US, are also being asked to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival back into Toronto.  

Important update: per the Canadian Prime Minister’s press release on March 16, 2020:

  • Canada will be closing is borders to all travellers except Canadian citizens, permanent residents and US citizens
  • For Canadians unable to re-enter, support will be provided until their return
  • Any persons showing symptoms will not be allowed to return to Canada
  • Asymptomatic Canadians will get aid to get back to Canada

 

Effective, Wednesday, March 18, international entry into Canada will be limited to 4 airports: Toronto; Montreal; Vancouver and Calgary

I am planning to travel in the coming days. What should I do?

Based on the guidance of public health officials, the University is advising all members of its community to avoid all non-essential travel abroad.

Additionally, travel insurance coverage may be limited (or not provided). It is recommended that you review your travel insurance before travelling internationally. If you choose to travel, please consult the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 travel advisory website.

As of March 16, 2020, York University has cancelled future university activity to international locations for all students until June 1, 2020.

Financial Assistance

Please click the link below for information on how the Government of Canada will be providing financial assistance to Canadians abroad

https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-to-provide-financial-assistance-to-canadians-abroad.html

Q. Can I get financial assistance for any unexpected costs incurred with ending my exchange/placement early? 

York University is aware that this situation will result in unexpected costs. Financial assistance requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Keep all receipts for expenses. Information on how to apply for financial assistance will be sent in the next few weeks.

Q. I’m registered for a summer international program; can I still go?

York University has cancelled all international programs from March 11 until June 1, 2020. Updates on rescheduling will be sent directly to students.

You can check President Lenton's Community message in the link below:

https://president.yorku.ca/files/2020/03/A-Message-to-the-Community-on-Yorks-response-to-COVID-19.pdf?x89807

Q. I registered for a summer international program, that has now been cancelled. Will there be a refund?

Refunds will be available for programs cancelled by York University. Please contact yuabroad@yorku.ca for details and assistance.

I am on exchange and feeling stressed about the situation. Who can I speak with?