Go Global has cancelled all in-person term one and full-year international exchange programs due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In an email sent to students on April 27, the Go Global team wrote that the decision was made based on advice and guidelines from the BC CDC, Global Affairs Canada and UBC’s Student Safety Abroad Policy.
Students were given four options: first, to withdraw from exchange altogether; second, to defer until term two; third, continue with an in person exchange in their home country; or fourth, to do a virtual exchange, if their host university offers such a program.
Those that choose to withdraw their application will receive a $415 credit refund on their tuition account in the next four to six weeks.
Deferring exchange to term two comes with several caveats, as outlined in the email. Go Global wrote that it cannot guarantee a term two exchange spot. Students who intend to graduate in May 2022 also cannot go on exchange for term two, as faculties won’t be able to review transfer credit in time for graduation.
Approval for students choosing to go on exchange in their current country of residence will be on a case-by-case basis and subject to a high-risk authorization process and approval by the host university. Students will be contacted later with further details if they select this option.
Students will still be eligible for a refund should their host university cancel in-person programming.
Go Global wrote in the email that students could not defer their exchange to the 2022/23 academic year.
“If you would like to participate in a Go Global program in the next academic year, please withdraw now and reapply during the correct application period,” the email read.
Students must fill out a Go Global survey to indicate what option they’ve chosen by May 6.