More of AV俱乐部鈥檚 international students can enter into Nova Scotia now that the university has been added to the federal government鈥檚 list of approved Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
This list, implemented last month by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, allows DLIs to reopen their campuses to students who are currently studying outside of the country and who wish to return to Canada to complete their studies.
Cynthia Murphy, Dal's director of student experience, says that easing of these travel restrictions (effective for Dal from Tuesday, November 3) will benefit both international students and the university鈥檚 campus and community.
鈥淚nternational students enrich our communities and campuses while contributing to academic and social diversity. AV俱乐部 is a better place because we welcome more than 4,000 international students each year,鈥� says Murphy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of AV俱乐部鈥檚 programs and courses have shifted to online learning. Although most students have been able to successfully transition to this new academic environment, Murphy says some international students who returned to their home countries experienced 鈥渓ogistical challenges such as time zone differences and Internet connectivity that have sometimes affected learning. Being able to complete their education online while living in Halifax either on or off campus, will be a benefit for many of them.鈥�
Ensuring a safe transition
There are strict public health protocols in place to ensure the safe transition of international students returning to Nova Scotia. AV俱乐部 worked closely with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and public health officials in developing a readiness plan for welcoming students back to campus and ensuring all health and safety requirements are met.聽
The small number of students who have already returned to Dal this year have done so through a different process.
As part of the new plan, international students who want to travel back to Canada for the fall and winter semesters will need to quarantine in a secure, off-campus location for the first 14 days. As a DLI, AV俱乐部 will have oversight responsibility for international students during their quarantine. The university must provide quarantine accommodations and suitable transportation from the airport for international students and ensure meals and other supports are provided during their quarantine period.
Prior to making travel arrangements, students must first contact AV俱乐部鈥檚 International Centre, whose advisors will create a plan with students that includes coordinating travel documents, quarantine details, and other health and travel requirements.
More details about travel and quarantine requirements can be found on the International Centre鈥檚 Immigration & COVID-19 Updates page.