Risk Assessment

It is very important that you pay attention to the COVID-19 situation in the country you are going to and to assess the risk of doing the exchange. You must comply with the restrictions and measures taken in the country at all times.

The variable situation with sudden increased infection rates can affect your planned studies abroad as follows:

• host universiteties can cancel exchange if it becomes absolutely necessary.
• there might be a combination of on-campus and digital classes.
• travel restrictions can affect travel plans, both to and from your exchange destination.
• students should expect 10-14 days of quarantine both when traveling out of and back to Norway.

Remember that while studying abroad, you must follow your host country's regulations. The regulations can quickly change, and therefore it is important to stay updated as to the level of infection and which colour code the country has.

SiT will also try to keep students who have applied for exchange updated on potential changes from the host universities. Following courses digitally can be option while waiting for travel restructions to be lifted. Erasmus students will be ineligible to receive the Erasmus stipend while following courses digitally from Norway.

Travel Insurance

Outgoing students are required to have travel insurance which covers illness (including COVID-19) and is valid for the entire period the student plans to be abroad. The student is responsible for reviewing the terms of the insurance, what it covers and how it can be affected by the host countries restrictions and regulations. Most insurances do not cover COVID-19 related expenses aside from medical expenses which might be covered by a voluntary membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. As a fulltime student in Norway, it is recommended to check with NAV as soon as possible to find out whether you are eligible for voluntary membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme for the period you will be abroad. If you cannot receive voluntary membership, then make sure your travel insurance will cover the medical expenses.

NMBU cannot refunds expenses asssociated to COVID-19 (illness, cancelled exchange/travel costs, rent, etc.) We recommended waiting as long as possible in paying fees associated with studies abroad.

We also recommend purchasing flexible plane tickets, cancellation insurance etc., and to check with your insurance company what they cover, especially the possible refund of fees paid in preparation for the exchange.

Teaching

Many of our partner universities will offer a combination of online and in-person classes due to COVID-19. It is impossible to predict how the situation will be in the various countries next semester, and therefore it is important that each student stay updated by reading the information sent by host universities, as well as following their webpages.

Emergency While Abroad

Before travelling abroad, you should become familiar with which authorities can assist you if something were to happen. Read carefully through NMBU's Safety Abroad information.

Find out where your nearest embassy/consulate will be. If possible, we recommend registering with your local embassy to receive updates/recommendations from your home government. Embassiesor consulates can provide assistance in some emergency situations.

Studying abroad requires a fair amount of preparation, and SiT (Student Information Centre) is present for those who are in the planning phase. Do you wonder if you have remembered everything, can't you find the information you are looking for, or maybe you are wondering if you should go on exchange or not? Come by SiT for a chat, or contact us at utveksling@nmbu.no or 672 30 111. SiT is located on the first floor in the Clock Building.