We know the situation with COVID-19 is moving quite quickly so we hope you’re keeping well during this time.  As Public Health advisories have gone out recommending social distancing, closing of restaurants and other safety measures, we want you to have some information about services, supports and resources available for all international students at York.

York International services remain open and accessible to all international students at York.  See below for a new way of getting in touch with us!

York International Services Moving Online

As of March 18, York International will move to online, phone or email advising for all our services.  You can meet with an advisor virtually from wherever you are!

Immigration Advising:

You can now meet with an International Student Advisor & Immigration Specialist online!   and our Advisors will use Zoom to have a video advising session with you.  Prefer to talk over the phone?  That’s available as well! Just let us know what your preference is when you sign up.  You can also email us at iadvisor@yorku.ca.

UHIP Advising:

UHIP Advising will also move online to Zoom!   with our UHIP Administrator over Zoom or the phone.  You can also email uhip@yorku.ca with your questions.

Social Distancing Can Still be Social!

Social distancing doesn’t mean you’re alone!  We’re moving our weekly Coffee Breaks online so you can still connect with other York students.  Starting Monday March 23, we will run Coffee Breaks every weekday afternoon from 2-4pm.  Connect with us online over video chat with your own cup of coffee from home and check in to see how your York community is doing.  Our Student Staff and Peers will be available to chat, laugh, and share their strategies of staying healthy, active and connected during social distancing.  Check out our YI Events calendar or our social media starting Friday for more info and how to join!

Can’t wait for Monday?  You don’t have to! We’ll be hosting our first  this Thursday March 19 from 2-4pm.  Check our  for more info!

What’s Open on Campus and in Toronto?

Many restaurants and campus dining facilities are no longer open for dining but are still open for take out and delivery.  If you are living in residence, you’ll receive information on which cafeterias are open for service.  You can also download different food delivery apps like Door Dash, Foodora or others to get meals delivered if you need.

You should also get a few supplies for your residence room or apartment.  Some groceries and snacks for some easy and healthy meals may help you get through some late night cravings, eat healthier and save money.  Only have a microwave?  No problem!  You can use the microwave to make cheesy scrambled eggs, steamed veggies, “baked” potatoes, frozen meals, even cake in a mug!  Also make sure to have some things like any medicines and other health necessities on hand.

International Students in Residence

If you are already in residence at York and you can’t travel back to your home country because of recent travel restrictions/border restrictions or other circumstances, you are not required to move out of residence.  Make sure to to let them know of your plans whether you’re staying or leaving early.

Stay Informed

Whether you’re looking for what the experts are saying about staying safe or looking for the latest info about COVID-19 at York, we’ve got the resources for you!

: for how to protect yourself, what social distancing means and more!

: for the latest updates on what’s happening at York around COVID-19

:  we’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions from international students and some that we think you should know more about!

:  provides essential mental health support and resources for York students

: confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario for professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being. Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

Stay safe everyone.  Wash your hands, practice social distancing and support each other!

York International

The post YI is now Virtual! and other updates for International Students appeared first on Global Engagement.

Yesterday you received an email from . This included information about suspending face-to-face classes and moving courses to online formats. As an international student, we understand you may have some additional questions and concerns about what this means for you.

I want to reiterate President Lenton’s message and say that York is here to support every member of the community during this time. The University is open and our services and supports remain open and available to you.

• York International and other services are available across campus to support international students.
• International Student Advisors & Immigration Specialists are on hand to answer your immigration questions.
• Our UHIP staff will be available to answer questions about health insurance for international students. For questions regarding your UHIP coverage, please email uhip@yorku.ca.
• Student Counselling & Development will remain open for students looking to speak to a counsellor.
• Residence Life and Housing staff will be on hand to support students living in residence.
• Many services can be offered in alternate formats including over email, phone or virtually if you do not wish to come onto campus or will be away from campus.

TRAVELLING HOME?
Some of you are likely considering travel to your home countries during this time. The move to online formats for classes gives you the flexibility to do so as you see fit. The University is considering options for final exams and will communicate decisions as quickly as possible.

You should also check for travel restrictions in your home country and/or in Canada as you plan your travels.  There is some uncertainty in future travel restrictions so please consider and evaluate your options carefully in making a decision about your travel plans.

RESIDENCES ARE OPEN
If you are not planning on returning to your home country and live in residence on campus, current plans are for York residences to remain open.

STUDY PERMIT INFORMATION
We are also working to get information from Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada about anything that may be important regarding study permits. We will update you as information becomes available. Please make sure to check  regularly for these updates as well.

For questions regarding immigration and general international student well-being, please email iadvisor@yorku.ca.

We understand this is a difficult time and you may be feeling anxious and worried. We encourage you to continue taking preventative and safety measures including frequent hand washing, sanitizing surfaces regularly and staying home if you are feeling ill.

York will continue to update the community on the most current information on COVID-19 via the  and through email.

Sincerely,

Lucy Fromowitz
Vice-Provost Students

The post A Message from the Vice-Provost Students regarding COVID-19 appeared first on Global Engagement.