International Students



COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for International Students

Updated as of Dec. 16, 2021

Hello from the Global Learning department at the Calgary Board of Education.

We understand this is a very stressful time for everyone and that there are many questions around COVID-19 and the effects on our schools.  The following are frequently asked questions we have been receiving.  You will see there are some areas where we do not have definitive answers at this time and we will update you regularly when we receive new information.

Alberta schools will be reopening for the 2021-22 school year.  What can I expect regarding school operations?

Students will be in class for the 2021-22 school year and students, staff and parents can expect a near-normal school experience.  The CBE will strictly follow Alberta Health guidelines to minimize risk of disease transmission. To do this, we will need everyone’s cooperation to stay home when they are feeling unwell, and to follow all health protocols as they evolve over time. 

It is important to understand that, when entering school, it is in the midst of a pandemic.  Our excellent CBE schools and staff will continue to offer the very best programming they can but it will be important to have realistic expectations about the set-up of the learning environment that will be necessary to keep students and staff safe.

The pandemic situation may change throughout the year meaning school will need to respond accordingly.  It will be important to be adaptable, flexible, and understand that uncertainty and change may exist throughout the school year.

Once students have completed the quarantine requirement (if needed) and start attending school, they may need to return to a quarantine situation if they come in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID.  If that happens, the school will continue to provide remote support.   Also, if COVID cases were to increase dramatically, it is always a possibility that schools will close and need to move to online learning. We don’t anticipate this will happen but it is important to be prepared for all possibilities.

**Please note that the CBE international student program is an in-person program and we are unable to offer an online learning option for international students as long as face-to-face studies are available.  Students are expected to attend classes in person unless directed otherwise by Alberta Health Services and/or the school.

What are the travel and quarantine requirements for international studentsfor the 2021-2022 school year?

The official source and most accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the Government of Canada website: Update on travel restriction exemptions for international students.  Please make sure you are reading all information completely and carefully.

What do I do when my study permit is approved and I have booked my flight?

For students who have arranged their own accommodations (i.e, are not in our Canada Homestay Network program), e-mail Global Learning at internationalstudents@cbe.ab.ca with the completed Quarantine Readiness Agreement (even though you may not be required to quarantine, we ask that you submit this agreement) which was sent to you, your parents or agency (if applicable) in a previous e-mail.  This completed form must be submitted before you are able to attend school.

In addition, you must use ArriveCAN to submit your:

  • travel and contact information
  • quarantine plan
  • COVID-19 symptom self-assessments

You must:

  • submit your information before you board your flight to Canada.
  • be ready to show your ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada.  A border services officer will verify that you have submitted your information digitally.

Upon arrival in Canada, please follow all instructions provided by Canada Border Services officers and the arriveCAN app.

What documents do I need to bring with me when I re-enter Canada?

When entering Canada, you will want to have the following documents in your possession:

  • Your letter of acceptance from the Calgary Board of Education
  • Your essential travel letter (automatically issued by Global Learning once Quarantine Readiness Agreement is received; for CHN students, please contact internationalstudents@cbe.ab.ca to request this letter)
  • Current students:  a valid study permit
  • New students:  a port of entry letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit, if you are coming from any other country
  • The Quarantine Protocols for Students in Self-Placement Accommodations document showing you understand the quarantine requirements
  • Name, address of host family and/or custodian
  • Copy of your notarized custodian documents
  • Contact information for person picking up at airport
  • StudyInsured health insurance card

This may not be a full list and students are responsible for ensuring they know everything required to present to a border services officer.

If my living arrangements were made privately and I am required to quarantine, what are the requirements upon arrival?

Please refer to Quarantine Protocols for Students in Self-Placement Accommodations (PDF).

If I will be living in a homestay arranged by Canada Homestay Network (CHN), what are the quarantine requirements upon arrival?

Please refer to CHN’s Safe Arrival Protocol.

What is the CBE international student refund policy for the 2021-2022 school year?

We have amended our standard refund policy for requests that relate to COVID-19 only.  All other requests will be subject to our standard refund policy:

If you are denied entrance to Canada for a COVID-related reason:  You will receive a full tuition refund (less the application fee).

  • If the program is cancelled by Calgary Board of Education before the start date of your program: you will receive a full refund (less the application fee).
  • If you withdraw or are withdrawn from the Calgary Board of Education: Once your program has begun (and the student has been in attendance) as per the Duration of Program (study) dates on the letter of acceptance, no refund will be given.

Late Arrivals: When a student arrives late, there will be no refund for the time period missed.

What is Canada Homestay Network’s Refund Policy?

Please refer to CHN’s COVID Refund Policy.

Can I start late in the 2021-2022 school year?

This depends on the level of study. Elementary and junior high students can start up until February of the school year.  High schools students can start up to two weeks late from the start date of the semester and after that, they would need to consider deferring their program (age dependent).  There are no refunds for late arrivals at any level.

Is the Global Learning office open for in-person inquiries such as paying fees for the next school year?

The Global Learning office is now closed for in-person service but we are virtually operational and can be reached via e-mail at internationalstudents@cbe.ab.ca.

If you need to make a payment, you can do so using our money transfer service, Flywire:  cbe.flywire.com  Please do not use any other payment method as our office is closed.

Calgary Board of Education has partnered with Flywire to streamline the payment process.  This allows you to pay securely from any country (including Canada) and any bank, typically in your home currency. By making your payment with Flywire you can:

  • Track your payments from start to finish.
  • Save on bank fees and exchange rates.
  • Contact their multilingual customer support team with any questions, day or night. 

How will I get updated information about anything related to my studies?

  • Continue to check this FAQ document from the home page of our website at www.cbeinternational.ca.
  • Visit our corporate website at cbe.ab.ca and your school’s website for news and information as it is updated routinely.
  • For high school students, ensure you have the international student coordinator’s contact information (contact the school’s main office if you do not have this information) and that the coordinator knows how to reach the student via e-mail or text for all school updates. 
  • Have the custodian regularly check e-mail (the one the school has on file) for updates.

International students have health insurance through StudyInsured.  What coverage does this provide for COVID-19?

Please visit this link for COVID coverage information.  Note that if you need a COVID test to return to your home country, this will not be covered by your insurance policy.

This is a very stressful situation.  Are there local resources in Calgary if I am struggling to cope?

  • StudyInsured phone line 1-877-234-5327 (mental health, crisis, counselors)
  • [24/7] 403-264-teen (8336)  with interpreter (Youth crisis line- Distress Center)
  • [24/7] Distress Center 403-266-4357
  • [24/7] Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 kidshelpphone.ca
  • [24/7] Wood’s Home Community Resource Team (psychology, social work): 403-299-9699 or 1-800-563-6106
  • [24/7] Distress and Suicide Prevention Line of Southwestern Alberta (mental distress or feeling suicidal): 403-327-7905 or 1-888-787-2880.
  • Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
  • Alberta Mental Health Crisis Line 1-877-303-2642
  • Mental Health Mobile Response Team  403-266-1605
  • Aspiria mental health app

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