Update corona: international mobility Ghent University

Internationalisering (large view)

(07-04-2020) Ghent University is closely following the situation regarding the corona crisis and considers it important to inform all student and staff members about new developments as soon as possible.

The communication below was sent to all students and staff members regarding the decision on international mobility.

Dear colleague / student,

 As you know, not only Belgium and Ghent University, but also the rest of the world is affected by the consequences of the coronary pandemic. This has a major impact on academic mobility. Currently, the Belgian government prohibits all non-essential travel and the situation at many foreign universities or organisations is very uncertain.

Therefore, until further notice, students of Ghent University cannot be granted permission to travel abroad in the current or next academic year as part of their studies (including work placement, study trips, summer schools, research as part of the master's dissertation).

 Furthermore, employees of Ghent University cannot be granted permission to travel abroad within the framework of their Ghent University activities. Exceptions to this rule can only be granted for essential travel; an application can be made via actueel@ugent.be. It should be emphasized that this permission can only be granted (very) exceptionally.

 Non-essential trips from abroad to Belgium are currently also not allowed. Therefore, foreign students or colleagues cannot travel to Belgium (or Ghent University in particular) for non-essential activities. Programmes (including work placements, study trips, summer schools, research as part of the master's dissertation) or participation in events (symposia, lectures, etc.) are never considered essential in this context.

At the latest on the first Monday of each month, the situation for the following month will be (re)considered and students and employees who wish to travel internationally will be informed about the possibility or impossibility to do so. Thus, at the latest on Monday 4 May, decisions for travel in June will be communicated; on Monday 1 June for travel in July; etc. Students who applied for an exchange and staff members who applied for a business trip will be informed via actueel@ugent.be.

 These measures, which are part of the UGent approach to the corona crisis, are valid until they are revoked.

 

Kind regards

 Rik Van de Walle

Rector