Information on Coronavirus
1.1. Why this guide
We tell you why we have prepared this page and how it can help you.
Do you have an experience abroad planned or were you considering one of our experiences? Then, you may have some doubts about the Coronavirus situation. At GrowPro, we want to answer all those doubts and, for that purpose, we have prepared this page that we will be updating.
In the media, social media and everyday conversations, we are constantly bombarded with information about the coronavirus and sometimes it is difficult to discern what is important or even what is real. Therefore, having up-to-date and relevant information is essential for you to prepare for your experience abroad.
Here, we will tell you about the situation in our destinations, cancellation policies, postponement, basic recommendations and any other information that needs to be disseminated. Find out more!
1.2. If you have not yet booked your experience
Suggestions and strategies to prepare it.
If you had already made the decision to live a GrowPro experience, but have not yet booked due to the uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus, don't worry!
By filling out any of the experiences you find on our website, you will be able to talk to a Student Advisor. This member of the GrowPro team will be able to advise you and answer any questions you may have about the experience.
1.3. General: frequently asked questions
These are some of the general frequently asked questions we get asked the most.
How long will the Coronavirus problem and its restrictions last?
Restrictions vary by destination, but in general the pace of vaccine application has accelerated, which means that these restrictions are expected to ease in the coming months.
Can I postpone the start of my course?
Yes, you can postpone it without any problem, so you can postpone your experience and not cancel it. To request the change, you can send us an email to support@growproexperience.com and our team will take care of it.
What should I do if I am already scheduled to travel to Australia in the next few weeks?
We recommend postponing your trip to 2022. Australia is currently inaccessible and therefore if your trip is scheduled for the next few weeks, you will need to contact GrowPro's support team. We recommend rescheduling the experience for 2022 and if the problem is solved sooner, we will always help you advance your experience.
Can my health insurance be suspended while I am in Australia for not attending classes or any inconvenience with the school?
No, the medical insurance is associated with the duration of your visa and not with your course. Therefore while you are in Australia it is mandatory that you have health insurance.
Does my health insurance still cover me if I postpone my course?
Yes, your medical insurance will cover the total cost of your experience. Therefore, if you change the date of the course, we will also help you to change the date of the insurance -if necessary-.
1.3.1. Coronavirus in the world
Overall cases of COVID-19 in the week of September 20-26 were 3.3 million, a decrease of 10% from the previous seven days, according to the epidemiological report published periodically by the World Health Organization (WHO).
All regions experienced declines, although in Europe, where there are still more than one million weekly infections, the drop was only 1%, while in the rest of the continents the fall in infections was around 15%.
With regard to the vaccination campaign, and taking the information provided by the health networks of each country, 6.2 billion doses have already been administered worldwide, at a current rate of 25.77 million inoculations per day.
Some 44.8% of the world's population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, although this percentage drops to 2.3% in low-income countries.
The restrictions of each country vary, and each time their governments are so determined, we recommend you to always consult official pages. In addition, on this page: https://www.skyscanner.net/travel-restrictions you can find the entry requirements for any country that the interactive map has registered.
1.4. Australia
[Last updated March 2022]
As of December 15, 2021, the borders in Australia are open to all international students who have a valid visa and are 100% vaccinated. There is also other news on the subject:
- To date, 94.4% of the Australian population has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Until April 2022, international students can work more than 40 hours bi-weekly even if they have not started their course. In this article, you have more information.
- In most states, international students are only required to have an antigen test or PCR test within 24 hours of arrival and isolate themselves. Once they test negative, they can leave quarantine.
- International students entering Australia before March 19, 2022, are eligible for a refund of their student visa. For more information see this post updated with all the news from Australia.
In terms of city-by-city restrictions, Australia's major states have relaxed or maintained some measures:
- New South Wales
- You can sing and dance at all venues.
- You can continue to work from home as directed by your employer.
- There is no limit to the number of people who can be together in a space.
- QR code check-in is not required except in some locations.
- Victoria
- Indoor use of face masks is required for all citizens over 8 years of age.
- At least 2 doses of one of the approved vaccines are required to enter some premises.
- Vaccination requirements apply to all citizens over 18 years of age unless they present a medical exemption issued by a licensed practitioner.
- Queensland
- The use of face masks is required indoors and in places that may be considered unsafe.
- A search must be made to enter businesses or premises where vaccination is required.
- It is not necessary to register to enter businesses or premises where vaccination is not required. For example, supermarkets.
1.5. Canada
[Last updated March 2022]
As of February 28, 2022, travel to Canada just got a whole lot easier. The government has eased restrictions for international students with a valid study permit and these are the main changes:
- 84.38% of the Canadian population has at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
- PCR testing is no longer a requirement for travel to Canada. International students may now present a rapid antigen test performed prior to their scheduled flight.
- International students with a complete vaccination schedule may be randomly selected for a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport. However, they should not be quarantined while awaiting results.
- International students must be vaccinated with 2 doses (or 1 if applicable) of any of these eligible vaccines: AstraZeneca, Bharat Biotech, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm BIBP and Sinovac.
- International students on a full vaccination schedule who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate themselves for 10 days and report their symptoms/results to the Public Health Agency of Canada: 1-833-641-0343.
Regarding restrictions, once you arrive in Canada, these are some of the measures adopted by the government that you should be aware of:
- Vancouver:
- Since February 16, the use of masks is required only in areas where it is mandatory, restaurants, bars and nightclubs are open, and any event may be attended.
- Montreal:
- Restaurants and bars are required not to exceed 50% of their capacity.
- Groups of up to 20 people are allowed in indoor and open spaces.
- Proof of vaccination and an identity card is required to enter certain places.
1.6. New Zealand
[Last updated March 2022]
Borders in New Zealand open from February 27, 2022, but it is a gradual opening. The Government has announced a 5-stage plan that is still in "development" so to speak, but this is what is known so far:
- 94% of the New Zealand population is fully vaccinated.
- As of February 27, 2022, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents enter the country from Australia.
- From March 13, 2022, New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, skilled workers and travellers holding a valid Working Holiday visa enter the country from any destination.
- As of April 12, temporary workers and 5,000 students with valid visas enter the country.
- From July 2022, travellers arriving from Australia, citizens belonging to the Visa Waiver program and accredited workers can enter the country.
- In October 2022, international students and tourists with valid visas can enter the country.
- Applications for new visas resume in August for international students to travel starting in October once their visas are approved.
The government is expected to change these measures soon, so keep our article on open borders in New Zealand in your bookmarks bar. We are constantly updating it to bring you all the latest news.
Vaccines approved in New Zealand:
Any vaccine that has been approved by at least 1 government health authority or approval authority is approved for entry into New Zealand.
There are 29 vaccines that are approved for entry into New Zealand. Note: they are only approved for entry into New Zealand; only some vaccines are approved for use while in New Zealand.
In the following link, you can find information about approved vaccines in New Zealand, as well as information about exemptions for non-vaccinated people.
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