The reason for this guide

Here are the reasons why we have prepared this section and how it can help you.

Are you planning an experience abroad or considering one of our experiences? Then, you may have some doubts about the Coronavirus situation. At GrowPro, we want to answer all those doubts and, for that purpose, we have prepared this page that we will be updating.

In the media, social networks and daily conversations we are constantly filled with information about the coronavirus and, sometimes, it is difficult to discern what is important or even what is real. Therefore, having up-to-date and relevant information is essential for you to prepare for your experience abroad.

Here, we will tell you about the situation in our destinations, cancellation policies, postponement, basic recommendations and any other information that needs to be spread. Stay informed!

General recommendations

5 tips for you to put into practice on a daily basis. Do your part!

Wash your hands

Soap + water = the coronavirus' worst enemy. Let's make its life impossible.

Stay away from crowded places

Keep distances (at least 1 meter) from other people. The farther away, the better!

Cough in your arm

If you do so, you give the virus less chance to spread as it desires.

Avoid personal contact

Shake hands, kisses and hugs for later. It's going to cost but, at least, you won't come across as unfriendly.

Inform yourself in reliable sites

Ignore fake news, rumors and misinformation, get informed through official media!

If you have not booked your experience yet

Tips and strategies to prepare for it.

If you have already made the decision to live a GrowPro experience, but have not yet booked due to the uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus, don’t worry!

By filling out any of the experiences you find on our website, you will be able to speak with a Student Advisor. This member of the GrowPro team will be able to advise you and answer any questions you may have about the experience.

General | FAQs

These are some of the general frequently asked questions we get asked the most.

How long will the Coronavirus problem and its restrictions last?
The restrictions vary by destination, but in general, the pace of vaccine application has accelerated, which means that in the coming months these restrictions will become more flexible.

Can I postpone the start of my course?
Yes, you can postpone it without any problem, so you can postpone your experience without having to cancel it. To request a change, you can send us an email to support@growproexperience.com and our team will take care of it.

What should I do if I have already scheduled my trip to Australia for the next few weeks?
We recommend postponing your trip to 2022. Australia is not accessible right now, so if your trip is scheduled for the next few weeks, you will need to contact GrowPro’s support team. We recommend rescheduling the experience for 2022 and if the issue is resolved sooner, we will always help you move your experience forward.

Can my health insurance be suspended while I am in Australia for not attending classes or any inconvenience with the school?
No, the medical insurance is associated with the duration of your visa and not with your course. Therefore while you are in Australia it is mandatory that you have health insurance.

Will my health insurance cover me anyway if I postpone my course?
Yes, your medical insurance will cover you for the entire duration of your experience. Therefore, if you change your course date, we will also help you to change your insurance date – if necessary.

Coronavirus around the world

Global cases of COVID-19 in the week of September 20-26 were 3.3 million, a decrease of 10% compared to the previous seven days, according to the epidemiological report published periodically by the World Health Organization (WHO).

All regions experienced decreases, although, in Europe, where there are still more than one million weekly infections, the drop was only 1%, while in the rest of the continents the fall in infections was around 15%.

Regarding the vaccination campaign, and taking the information provided by the health networks of each country, 6.2 billion doses have already been administered worldwide, at a current rate of 25.77 million inoculations per day.

Some 44.8% of the world’s population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, although this percentage drops to 2.3% in the case of low-income countries.

The restrictions of each country vary, each time their governments so determine, we recommend you to always consult official pages. In addition, in this page: https://www.skyscanner.net/travel-restrictions you can find the entry requirements for any country that the interactive map has registered.

1. Australia

   [Last updated November 2021].

   Since last November 8, New Zealand residents and citizens can travel to the Aussie country if they have a complete vaccination schedule. However, an anti-COVID-19 test is required before boarding the plane.

   As of November 21, Singaporeans can travel to Australia if they are vaccinated. However, before boarding the plane, they must present a negative anti-COVID-19 test. In addition, this applies to New Zealanders as well, they do not need to be quarantined unless they have symptoms.

   On the other hand, Australia’s borders have been fully reopened since December 1st! However, there are several conditions to enter the country. One of them is quarantine, which is mandatory in some states, and the other is to have an eligible Australian visa.

   Here we explain everything in detail.

   More than 71% of the population is fully vaccinated.

2. Canada

   [Last updated December 2021]

   The Government of Canada has implemented new measures for new arrivals to the country. This is due to the increase of cases of the new Covid variant.

   In this official release, you can read all the information. Here is the most important part of the statement:

   • Obtain, within 72 hours of departure, a valid negative COVID-19 molecular test in a third country before continuing your travel to Canada.
   • Complete testing upon arrival in Canada, regardless of your vaccination status or previous history of testing positive for COVID-19.
   • If you arrive by air you will be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility while awaiting the result of the test performed at the airport upon arrival. You will be allowed to travel on/out of quarantine once you have received a negative arrival test result.

   As this is such a recent communication, more detailed information is not yet available. We will be updating you through our channels!

   Borders to international students

   They are open to those who have a student permit and a complete vaccination schedule.

   Social gatherings

   In Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, proof of vaccination is required to enter events, services and businesses.

   Proof of vaccination will be required for access to some events, services and businesses.

   More than 75% of the population is already fully vaccinated.

3. New Zealand

   [Last updated November 2021]

   New Zealand announced that it will lower from November 14 to 7 days the mandatory quarantine for travellers arriving from abroad, as a step prior to the reopening of international borders. It should be recalled that it only allows the return of its residents and citizens stranded abroad, as well as other exemptions for humanitarian or specific business reasons.

   In addition, it extended the quarantine-free travel bubbles it already has with Australia and the Cook Islands to the island states of Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau.

   Last week, the government of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern set a target of reaching 90% of full vaccination to begin reopening the economy and the country.

   The authorities, who have not given a date as to when they will reach the mark, have so far administered the two doses of covid-19 vaccine to 72% of the target population and one to 87%.

   International students

   The Government has approved a pilot scheme for 1000 international students in higher education:

   • 400 pilot students
   • 300 undergraduate and above students
   • 300 undergraduate students.

   Estimated to enter from March 2022.

   Prerequisites must be met to be selected and approved by the government.

   https://www.education.govt.nz/news/border-class-exception-for-1000-international-students/#intl_students

4. Ireland

   [Last updated November 2021]

   With 90% of those over 12 years of age immunized, Ireland is in a fragile but stable situation. Thanks to the vaccination campaign, the pandemic does not resemble that of a year ago, but new restrictions are being considered to curb the increase in COVID cases.

   The Irish government was forced last October 22 to slow down the de-escalation due to the rise in cases and decided then that it would not yet remove some restrictions, as foreseen in the plan presented in August.

   On the other hand, despite the reduction of the mandatory hotel quarantine system, travellers must still comply with the relevant travel regulations as set forth in the State Travel Regulations. Which request the following:

   • Have an RT-PCR test prior to travel, unless you are in possession of proof of Covid-19 vaccination or recovery.
   • Complete quarantine at home.
   • Complete a passenger tracing form prior to arrival in Ireland.

5. Malta

   [Last updated November 2021]

   We tell you the steps to follow so that people who do not have Maltese identification can be vaccinated:

   • Go to the Mater Dai public hospital.
   • Show your passport and a rental contract to prove that you reside in Malta.
   • They will issue a document and a Folio.
   • Go to the Gateway building of the University of Malta with the documents.
   • Once you have been vaccinated you will be given a date for the second dose.

   Borders for international students

   They are open for Europe but closed for Latin Americans.

   Vaccinated students who were already in Malta or arrived with a complete vaccination schedule and valid certificates can attend classes in person.

   Quarantine

   All unvaccinated persons arriving in Malta from countries considered in “amber” – among which are all the countries of the European Union – may enter, but “must be quarantined” for 14 days.

   Public spaces

   List of activities and behaviors currently permitted in Malta:

   • Masks are no longer mandatory in outdoor public spaces for vaccinated persons.
   • Masks are no longer required on the beach for everyone (vaccinated and non-vaccinated).
   • It is no longer mandatory to wear a mask when practicing an outdoor sports activity.
   • Sports halls, fitness halls and swimming pools are open.
   • Restaurants, bars and discotheques can accommodate up to 6 persons per table and are open until 2:00 a.m.
   • Cinemas and theaters are allowed to receive the public
   • Weddings and religious ceremonies are allowed
   • Open markets are allowed

   More than 83% of the total population of Malta is fully vaccinated.