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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)You can also read
