International Travel and Safety – Students

1. Introduction and Purpose 

Loyalist College acknowledges that learning can be enhanced by experiences in a global environment. This policy has been developed to ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken for the safety of students who travel abroad for College-approved international activities, and to effectively manage measures intended to mitigate the risks associated with international travel.   

2. Application 

This policy applies to all students travelling internationally on College-approved international activities. 

3. Definitions 

Student: Any person who is currently enrolled in a course or program at Loyalist College and who intends to travel internationally through a Loyalist College sponsored activity. 

Approval Authority: Senior Vice-President Academic, and the Dean/Director, or the designate (Chair/Manager/Placement Coordinator/Faculty), of the School or Department facilitating an international activity or overseeing the College business. 

International Activities: Any student-related activity undertaken outside of Canada in connection with academic work or any other officially organized College activity. Such activities may include, but are not limited to exchange programs, research projects, placements, practicums, clinical placements, conferences, service learning activities, volunteering, organized sport competitions or other extracurricular activities. 

Group Leader: The faculty member or employee who is responsible for leading and travelling with a group of students on an international activity. 

DFATD: Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada 

DFATD Risk Rating: A risk assessment that is provided by DFATD and is considered when determining whether College activities involving travel to a particular country or region will be authorized (see below): 

Extreme Risk: DFATD advises against all travel to a country or a specified region(s). 

High Risk: DFATD advises that travellers avoid all non-essential travel to a country or a specified region(s). 

Moderate Risk: DFATD advises that travellers exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to a country or region. 

Low Risk: DFATD advises that travellers exercise normal security precautions when travelling to a country or a region. 

4. Policy Statement 

This policy applies to all international travel and accommodation arrangements arising out of and in the course of College activities. In all cases, the College retains the authority and responsibility for making appropriate arrangements and decisions respecting travel, accommodations and insurance requirements. This function is carried out by authorized College personnel, under this policy, unless otherwise permitted by an authorized representative of the College. 

5. Related Documents and Links

• International Travel and Safety – Students Procedure
• International Travel and Safety for Loyalist Appendices

6. References 

This policy and procedure is based on Algonquin College’s International Travel and Safety – Students policy (AA44).