Skip to main content

Information for loved ones

Yes, students may cancel their exchange closer to the departure date if they feel uncomfortable about travelling abroad.They must inform their International Liaison Officer (ILO) in writing of their decision. We completely support their decision, especially during these uncertain times. For this reason, we encourage students to register for classes at Concordia University for their exchange semester as a back-up plan and drop their classes before the DNE if they decide to leave for exchange. They should visit the Concordia International Outbound Exchange & Covid webpage for guidelines on how to best prepare for such an event.

The decision to leave their host country in this case is entirely the student's to make based on the situation. When making the decision, they should take into consideration their own safety, possible border closures, reduced and cancelled flights, the possibility to finalize their semester remotely and the financial impact.  

They should also consider that border closures may not allow them to return to Canada or to their home country in the event of the closure of their host institution. They may wish to consider alternative living arrangements, especially if they are planning to live in student housing.

The student should verify with their host institution if they allow students to finish their semester fully from distance, final exams included. They should also keep in mind the time difference if remote teaching will be given synchronously. Concordia University will allow the students to finish their semester remotely and will transfer the credits obtained for the courses that have been pre-approved by their Faculty as long as they have passed them with the minimum required grades as specified in their Faculty permission letter.

It depends!  While in their host country, they will be subject to the local health and safety protocols of their host institution and to the public health directives of their host country. They should inform themselves and remain familiar with local directives. This should include researching nearby testing sites, understanding face covering and sanitizing policies, and finding reliable sources of information about up to date practices. If they become sick and/or test positive for COVID-19 while abroad, they and their loved ones can reach out to their International Liaison Officer for assistance.

They may also wish to consider situations in which they do not receive a positive diagnosis but are in contact with someone who does. Each destination will have different directives for testing, self-isolation, etc. Consider making contingency plans, especially if they are planning to live in shared housing. They may wish to use our COVID Travel Preparation Plan to develop a plan.

Concordia University cannot reimburse tuition fees after the DNE deadline of the student's exchange semester. Students are responsible for the costs of changing return flights and might not be reimbursed for the remaining months of their housing. It is important that they plan for such events. The Concordia COVID Travel Preparation Plan is a useful tool to help students create a  contingency plan.  

Back to top

© Concordia University