MARCH 23 Update: COVID-19
Message to Students Studying in New Zealand
Hello,
As of today, March 23, 2020, the New Zealand Prime Minister updated the country’s response to the CoVid-19 pandemic. New Zealand is moving to Level 3 today, and then will go to Level 4 on Wednesday. A full description of the meaning of the alert levels can be found here. Non-essential businesses, including educational institutions, will be closed for the next four weeks. Everyone will be expected to stay home and not gather with others.
Both AUT and NMIT are making preparations to transition to remote learning. AUT is closing from March 25 to April 23, and will prepare for distance learning during that time. NMIT is closing from March 25 to April 6 until classes are moved online. Student residences at both locations are remaining open at this time, but this is subject to change.
Unfortunately, your normal lifestyle in New Zealand will be changed substantially. We all had hoped that your semester abroad could have continued as normal, but the situation has changed rapidly. Due to these changes, Champlain College is asking all students to depart New Zealand, and return home as soon as possible. While Champlain cannot require you to return, under these new circumstances we feel it is in your best interest to return now and complete the semester at home. You should make this decision immediately, while international travel is still possible. Now that New Zealand universities will be required to go online, it will be possible for you to complete your semester after your return, and returning home now will eliminate uncertainties regarding housing that you will need to address if you choose to stay.
If you have questions about returning home, please contact the Office of International Education at oie@champlain.edu or call (802) 865-6464.
Sincerely, Noah
Dr. Noah Goldblatt
Sr. Director, International Education
