UPDATE: international travel information for students

UPDATE: international travel information for students

Due to ongoing effects of COVID-19 in international and national contexts, York University is providing an update to the travel guidance issued on April 14, 2020.

What does this mean for you?

International Mobility Programs for Students (Exchanges, Internships, Co-op & Other Programs)

The University has made the difficult decision to cancel or postpone all University-sponsored or sanctioned [1] international mobility programs for the Fall term for outgoing and incoming students. The University has weighed numerous considerations in arriving at this decision, such as international health insurance coverage for York affiliates, international travel restrictions, the emergence of a second-wave of COVID-19, and the overall impact of international travel on student and employee physical safety, mental and physical health, and academic success.

Winter 2021 programs will be reviewed in early September 2020.

Students affected have been and will continue to be contacted directly by York International or the Program Administrator responsible for coordinating these mobility opportunities to find alternatives and/or postpone their international experience. While current COVID19 risks and challenges prevent us from in-person visits and exchanges, this setting serves as an opportunity to explore alternative collaboration models with our partner institutions around the world and develop creative approaches to building and enhancing global engagement and intercultural competencies.

The University is working towards developing alternatives including Virtual Exchanges, Remote Internships and Online Exchanges. If you are an impacted student, please contact your program coordinator or goglobal@yorku.ca for more information

For all travellers arriving in Canada and onto campus

The Government of Canada’s has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act. It applies to all travellers arriving in Canada. There is a 14-day self-isolation requirement. There is currently a quarantine plan (off-campus hotel) for anyone arriving until August 31 (those that already have a valid study permit).

For Fall 2020, plans are being developed to support those arriving to on-campus residence and visitors (scholars, researchers, visiting students). If you are aware of any international arrivals, please contact goglobal@yorku.ca.

The University community’s safety and well-being remains our utmost priority and therefore, based on the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 travel advisory website, we strongly advise all members of the University community to continue to avoid all non-essential travel at this time.

This travel guidance will be re-evaluated when the Government of Canada begins to lift travel advisories.

Stay well,

Lisa Philipps
Provost & Vice-President Academic
York University

[1] University-sanctioned activities refers to any activities involving travel outside of Canada that have been approved, authorized, funded, and/or supported by a York University unit, department, staff, and/or faculty member