The following information contains updates on AIRR-NA member country responses to COVID-19, updated as of 12 June, 2020, and is intended for informational purposes only. AIRR-NA does not provide official guidance for students, families, or counselors – you should reach out to the relevant university, embassy, consulate, or public health department for the most up-to-date information.
Australia
In contrast to almost all other countries, in Australia, we are cautiously optimistic that the virus has been contained. We have recorded 7,000 cases and so far, only 100 deaths. Australia is now moving into easing restrictions and recovery is well underway. Australia’s borders are currently closed and thus, students commencing in the July 2020 intake will commence their studies from their home country and will transition to Australia once it is safe to do.
Canada
Canada’s response has been managed by each province’s Public Health Office, so the best recommendation is to check with provincial health offices for regionally accurate information. Provinces across the country are beginning to ease restrictions at different rates, but the land border to the US remains closed. Most universities will offer online classes in the Fall with the hopes of welcoming students to campus for the second semester if it is deemed safe to do so.
France
France eased confinement measure for COVID-19 on May 11th and since then the number of new cases has remained low and has stabilized. The French government as well as institutions of higher education feel strongly that international students play an important role, and are needed and welcomed in France. Plans are already in preparation, taking into account safety measures, to receive international students on campuses for the fall semester, or possibly online at the beginning in the event of a delayed starting time
Ireland
Ireland implemented significant measures in March to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which included the closure of schools and businesses and the restriction of movement within the country. On May 18th, Ireland began Phase 1 of reopening and is projected to enter Phase 4 by July 20th. (For more details about Ireland’s reopening plan please visit www.gov.ie.) Universities are set to open for the Fall semester, albeit with modified schedules and teaching delivery in line with national and international health guidelines. Students who arrive in Ireland from overseas should prepare to present a Public Health Passenger Locator Form to customs officials upon arrival, as well as plan to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival in Ireland. Supports will be in place for self-isolating international students, and students should contact their university’s International Office directly for details regarding these supports, travel and coursework delivery. More information about studying in Ireland is also available on the Education in Ireland website at www.educationinireland.com.
Italy
After 3 months of lockdown, the virus has been almost totally contained in Rome, Italy. With less than 5 new cases per day, the city is starting to re-open shops and facilities and people can now freely move around Italian regions. Even though the borders with non-EU countries are still closed, classes are not commencing until the end of September 2020, hence there is still plenty of time and the universities are closely monitoring the situation.
Switzerland
Thanks to Switzerland’s efficient quarantining, monitoring and treatment of the virus, it has been ranked as one the the safest countries in the world for COVID-19. Switzerland has experienced economic resilience, lifted restrictions and has begun to reopen its borders. Precautionary measures and uses on hygiene and social distancing are still observed. Public and private universities are currently open and expecting to resume classes this fall.
United Kingdom
For the upcoming Fall semester, most universities in the United Kingdom are planning on opening “business as usual” with guidelines in place to protect the health and well-being of our students. The majority have announced they will have a combination of online teaching and smaller face-to-face lectures or seminars. Students who plan to arrive and study on campus can apply for their visa, but this is dependent on if their state of residence deems the visa offices as essential. Students may need to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival in the U.K. Of course, we recommend contacting each university for the most updated information on their individual policies and guidelines.