INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
     ARRIVAL GUIDE
       2020-2021

 Keeping Safe During COVID-19
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
Introduction
We look forward to welcoming you to the Rocky Mountains!

Because of the pandemic and regulations of federal and provincial authorities, this year will require
new pre-departure, travel, and arrival protocols for international students coming to Canada.

You MUST review this document before travelling to Canada. To ensure that you have read and
understood this document, you must complete and sign the COVID Agreement Protocol on page 14,
and submit it to RMISP 2 weeks before you arrive.

Please note that if you don’t follow the protocols, you could be denied entry into the country;
dismissed from the program with no refund; or fined by government authorities.

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    2
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
Table of Contents

  COVID-19 Definitions                                                                                                                                           4

  PRE-DEPARTURE                                                                                                                                                  5

  ArriveCAN app                                                                                                                                                  6

  Support for Travellers Self-Isolation Plan                                                                                                                     7

  Airport and Flight                                                                                                                                             8

  Arrival in Canada                                                                                                                                              9

  Self-Isolation/Quarantine                                                                                                                                  10

  What To Do During Self-Isolation                                                                                                                           11

  Summary and Checklist                                                                                                                                      12

  RMISP Staff contact list                                                                                                                                   12

  COVID Protocol Agreement                                                                                                                                   14

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    3
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
COVID-19 Definitions
Please become familiar with the following terms:

Social/Physical Distancing
   Keep at least 2 meters between you and others.
   Avoid crowded spaces and places.
________________________________________________

                                                     Self-Isolation and Quarantine
                                                     Stay in a place in isolation to prevent exposing others to
                                                     COVID-19.

________________________________________________

Self-Monitoring
Check your health for possible symptoms of COVID-19
(e.g. fever, cough, difficulty breathing).

________________________________________________

Practicing good hygiene
       Wash your hands frequently with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
       Wash your hands before and after eating and drinking.
       Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue. Dispose of used tissues right away into a trash bin and
        immediately wash your hands. Use a separate towel kept away from others.

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    4
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
PRE-DEPARTURE
The next 3 pages will inform you of the important things you need to do before your arrival in Canada.

Communication and Relationship Building
with Host Family
       Exchange emails with your host family
       Have several Zoom or Skype meetings to get to know
        one another
       Share how you have been living during the COVID
        pandemic and the precautions being taken

________________________________________________

Communication with RMISP
       Program this emergency number in your phone: 250-427-5985
        (Amy Shoup, legal custodian) in case you are delayed at the
        airport.

________________________________________________

                                                 Packing List
                                                       A packing list is on page 12 in the ‘Pre-Departure’ section. It includes
                                                        both important documents and personal items.

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    5
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
Download and complete the ‘ArriveCAN’ App
Before you depart:
  You MUST download and complete the ArriveCAN app from the Apple App or
    Google Play Stores (see steps below). This app is available for iPhones and
    Androids. You will have to submit:
             your travel and contact information
             quarantine plan
             COVID-19 symptom self-assessments
  You will get a receipt on your app that you will need to present to the border services officer.

After you enter Canada:
You MUST use ArriveCAN or call 1-833-641-0343 to:
     Confirm that you’ve arrived at the address you provided for your quarantine location within 48 hours
        of your entry into Canada
     Complete the daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessments during your quarantine period

Follow the steps below:

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    6
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
Important travel forms: ‘Self-Isolation Plan’ and ‘Essential Travel Letter of
Support’
RMISP will email you both forms. The ‘Self-Isolation Plan’ will be in PDF format and have partially completed
information. Complete it and bring a hard copy of both the ‘Self-Isolation Plan’ and ‘Essential Travel Letter of
Support. When you arrive at the first airport in Canada, you will be asked to show these forms.

Here is a sample copy of the Self-Isolation plan:

NEW REQUIRMENT - Negative COVID test prior to arrival
The federal government is requiring, effective January 7, 2021, that all air passengers 5 years of age or older
will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada.

Documentation of a negative laboratory test result must be presented to the airline prior to boarding a flight
to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test
and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveller’s scheduled departure to Canada.

A negative test result does NOT replace the mandatory quarantine - you must still do the 14-day self-
isolation.

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    7
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
AIRPORT AND FLIGHT
                                                                 The next step is travelling to Canada! In order to keep safe while you
                                                                 are travelling during a pandemic, we recommend the following:

Wear a Mask and Practice Good Hygiene
      Remember to wear a mask at all times.
      Wash your hands before you board the airplane.
      When you get to your airplane seat, wipe down your area with
       disposable, disinfecting wipes.

__________________________________________________

Practice Social Distancing
It is important to keep your distance from other people. Keep at least 2 metres from other people.

________________________________________________

Keeping Safe
       Keep your cell phone charged for emergencies.
       Bring snacks in your carry-on bag in case restaurants at the airport aren’t open.

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    8
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
ARRIVAL IN CANADA
You finally made it!! We are sure you are excited to begin your
Canadian experience in the Rocky Mountains!

                      You MUST have the documents under ‘Packing List’
                      on page 12 ready to provide to Canada Border
                      Services.

When you arrive, a border service or quarantine officer may assess you for
symptoms. Should you be denied boarding on a connecting domestic flight for
the above reason, please call the RMISP emergency number (250-427-5985)

                                         STEP 1: You will arrive at the Canada Border Services. Be prepared to answer
                                         questions regarding your self-isolation plan.
                                             Have print outs or screenshots of your plans and documents
                                             Know the name/address of your host family (bring your homestay profile)
                                             Know the name of the person who is picking you up

STEP 2: Proceed through Immigration and Baggage Pick-up
   You must show your study permit approval letter in order to
    receive your study permit. If you are unsure what to do, ask!
   Don’t forget to pick up your luggage that you must RE-CHECK
    for your connecting flight.

                                    STEP 3: Find your gate and get on your connecting flight

STEP 4: Arriving at your final destination (Cranbrook or Kelowna)
   Your host family or RMISP staff will be waiting for you at the airport terminal
   When you arrive, throw out the mask you have been using, wash your hands
    and put on a new mask.
   Load your own luggage into the car. Sit as far away from the driver as possible.
   For health reasons, only one household member will be there to pick you up.
    They will not be able to hug you or shake your hand. Do not take it personally!

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    9
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-2021 - Keeping Safe During COVID-19
Self-Isolation/Quarantine
Government Rules and Communication
You made it through the airport and now are heading to your new home!

In British Columbia everyone has worked hard to keep COVID-19
manageable. We did this by following some important rules from the
government. When you get to your new home or the hotel, you must self-
isolate for 14 days. This means you should stay in your room and avoid
direct contact with your host family and others.

                     The governments of Canada and British Columbia want to make sure all new arrivals to Canada
                     are safe and healthy. To do this they will call you or your host family to make sure you are self-
                     isolating and following the law. You must be prepared to answer calls from 1-855-905-5585.

Students Responsibilities
To keep you and others safe while you are self-isolating, it is important that your stay in your room. You are
able to leave your room to go to the bathroom or go outside. Talk to your host family or RMISP staff member
before going outside so you know where you can go and for how long.

Remember to keep your room clean and practice good hygiene. Some examples are washing your hands
often and showering every day.

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    10
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
What To Do and Expect During Self-Isolation
Self-isolation may seem overwhelming, but it is important for the health and safety of you, our schools,
families and communities. Here are some suggestions for staying healthy and busy during this period!

Stay connected and busy
•     Contact your friends and family.
     Find unique ways to communicate with and interact with your host
      family. Besides texting and Facetiming, watch movies together
      virtually, eat dinner together virtually, play games online, etc.
     Check and respond to your emails and phone messages daily
      because your homestay coordinator will be sending you important
      information.
•     RMISP will provide you with informative activities throughout each
      day of the quarantine period.

Monitor your physical health
    It’s important to make sure you establish a healthy routine as soon as possible. For example, go to bed
     at a reasonable hour; and get up in time to shower and dress before the daily RMISP online activities.
    Complete daily COVID-19 self-assessments during your
     quarantine period. You can use the self-assessment
     tool on this link: https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en
     AND if you think you are showing symptoms of COVID,
     inform your host family and homestay coordinator.

                                                 Monitor your mental well-being
                                                   Being in a new country is exciting, but being in self-isolation will be
                                                    challenging.
                                                   Communicate with your host family and homestay coordinator regularly and
                                                    be honest about how you are feeling so they can help.
                                                   Don’t be afraid to ask an RMISP staff member if you need to talk to
                                                    someone or need any kind of help.
                                                                        We are all here to support you!

What to expect for meals
 Food will be prepared for you and left at your door. Someone will contact
  you when your food is there.
 Please do not keep any food waste in your room. When finished eating,
  place your dishes, etc. and any uneaten food outside your door.
 Let someone know when you’re hungry, your likes and dislikes, and food
  allergies.

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    11
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
Summary and Checklist
Here is a summary of what you need to do and bring before you depart, at the airport, and when you arrive.

Pre-Departure:
□  Sign and email the attached ‘COVID Protocol Agreement’ to your agent 2 weeks before you arrive
□  Enter the RMISP Emergency contact info (250-427-5985) in your phone
□  Complete and print the ‘Self-Isolation Plan’ provided by RMISP
□  Bring the ‘Essential Travel Letter of Support’ provided by RMISP
□  Download and complete the ArriveCAN App; have your receipt ready for immigration
□  Book an appointment to get a COVID test within 72 hours prior to your departure. After you get the COVID
   test, make sure you get documentation of the test result.
□ Make sure to bring a cell phone and laptop
□ Pack 60 disposable face masks OR 30 disposable and 2 cloth face masks, 1 large bottle of hand sanitizer,
   thermometer
□ In carry on, pack the following:
     Passport
     Study permit (if you are a returning student) or study permit approval letter (if you have one)
     Custodianship documents
     Letter of Acceptance
     Documentation of negative COVID test
     Hard copy of the ‘Self-Isolation Plan’ and the ‘Essential Travel Letter of Support’ from RMISP
     This ‘International Student Arrival Guide’ to refer to during the flight and for arrival
     Signed ‘COVID Protocol Agreement’
     Homestay profile and contact information
     Change of clothes
     Medication
     At least 2 masks, several pairs of gloves, a travel sized bottle of hand-sanitizer, disinfecting wipes.
     Refillable water bottle and food/snacks

Airport:
□   Present documentation of a negative COVID test result on the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada
□   Wear mask
□   Practice good hygiene (see page 4 definition)
□   Practice social distancing and touch as few surfaces as possible
□   Sanitize your personal space
□   Keep your cell phone charged

Arrival in Canada
□ Have all documents ready to proceed through immigration (including the receipt from the ArriveCAN app)
□ Wear fresh mask
□ Maintain physical distancing when picking up luggage

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    12
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
□ Load your own luggage into the car and sit in back seat if possible
□ Use ArriveCAN or call 1-833-641-0343 to confirm your arrival at your quarantine location within 48 hours
  and complete daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessments during your quarantine period.

Self-Isolation
□ You are required by the BC government to self-isolate for 14 days either with a host family or at a hotel
  with RMISP staff. This means staying in your room and avoiding contact with others. You will need prior
  approval to leave your room or go outside.
□ When you first arrive at your host family’s house or hotel, immediately remove your travel clothes and
  place them in a plastic bag so they can be washed. Your host family or RMISP staff will advise you on when
  and how your clothes will be washed.
□ You will be provided with food, clean linens, and internet access.
□ Keep your room well-ventilated. If possible, open your window to allow air circulation.
□ Practice good hygiene and keep your room as clean as possible.
□ Stay connected with friends, family, host family and RMISP staff by phone or email.
□ Monitor your physical and mental well-being. If you are not feeling well, let your host family and homestay
  coordinator know.
□ Ask for help from your host family or RMISP staff if you need it!

If you are self-isolating with a host family:
□ use a separate bathroom if possible. If you need to share a bathroom with host family members, make
sure you remove all of your belongings after each use (towels, toothbrush, brush, etc.) and clean the
bathroom after each use.

If you are self-isolating at a hotel:
□ You are not permitted to go in other students’ rooms.

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    13
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
ROCKY MOUNTAIN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM
                                                                                           P.O. Box 70, 8676 Highway 95A
                                                                                          Kimberley, BC V1A 2Y5 Canada
                                                                              Phone: 250-427-2245 | Fax: 250-342-6966
                                                             Web: www.rminternational.ca | Email: info@rminternational.ca
                                                          REVELSTOKE · GOLDEN · INVERMERE · KIMBERLEY · CRANBROOK · FERNIE · SPARWOOD
                                                    _______________________________________________________________________

                             COVID PROTOCOL AGREEMENT
Please complete this portion of the form and submit to RMISP via your agent 2 weeks before you arrive.

Each of the undersigned fully understands the Protocols in the ‘International Student Arrival Guide’ and
agrees to all of its requirements. Students understand that any violation of the terms of these Protocols may
result in being dismissed from the program without a refund. Students may be responsible for any fines
incurred due to breach of the Quarantine Act* and regulations defined by the government.

*Check the following link for more information on the Quarantine Act:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/reports-
publications/covid-19-pho-class-order-travellers.pdf

  Student - full name
  (print):

  Signature:

  Date:

  Parent/Guardian # 1
  - full name (print):

  Signature:

  Date:

  Parent/Guardian # 2
  - full name (print):

  Signature:

  Date:

                                                                                                                             EMERGENCY NUMBER, AMY SHOUP
                                                                                                                              RMISP MANAGER AND CUSTODIAN    14
                                                                                                                                              250-427-5985
UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021 (new requirement to test negative for COVID prior to departure to Canada – in effect January 7/21)
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