Comunicats KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Comunicat 06-04-2020
Dear partner,
Given the peculiar situation due to COVID-19, we want to keep you up to date about the status in Belgium and specifically at Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences & Arts.
How are we dealing with COVID-19 today?
First off: we have postponed our Application Deadline for incoming exchange students next academic year. Students can apply up until June 1st, 2020 (instead of May 15th), in order to attend an exchange program at KdG during the next academic year (2020/2021).
We’re looking forward to the fall semester and, yet again would like to welcome many international students. KdG wants to keep a positive state of mind while still being realistic and responsible. Worst case: we need to review this decision later on, in which case you and your students will be informed asap.
More questions regarding our application procedure? Please reach out via international@kdg.be.
For partners with students who are currently doing an exchange at KdG:
Your students remain welcome in Belgium and at KdG. Lessons continue online, as well as exams. This measure remains in place up until May 18th. From then on, if permitted by our government, we aim to resume our practical courses at our campuses.
Students still residing in Belgium are in close contact with the coordinator of their specific program, who monitor their situation. Student Services has initiated the KdG Student Hub, an online community open to all students. Additionally, several online groups (Whatsapp, Facebook, etc.) have been launched for international students to stay in touch and feel connected.
Our crisis management team monitors the situation daily and closely follows government guidelines. More information is to be found on our website. Any concerns from you, your staff, or your students currently at KdG can be addressed to our International Office or your specific contact at KdG.
Please do not hesitate to contact us.
With kind regards, |
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Comunicat 18-03-2020
Dear partner,
Given the peculiar situation due to COVID-19, we want to inform you about current measures in place in Belgium and more specifically at KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
First off: all local KdG activities are suspended. Some campuses are closed, others are being staffed at minimum capacity. The Federal Government has decided that -for every institution- lessons are no longer allowed. Online teaching on the other hand is possible for some courses. This is a coercive measure that will remain in force up until the end of the Easter Holidays 2020 (19th of April).
For partners with students who are currently doing an exchange at KdG:
- Incoming students remain welcome in Belgium and at KdG campuses (given the specific guidelines as mentioned above). We can only ask foreign students to make a personal decision on whether it is advisable to return to their homeland. We ask them to discuss this with KdG, their home institution and their parents. In some cases it might be better for them to stay here than for them to return and get stuck somewhere along the way because of closed borders, for example. This also in order to reduce further spread worldwide.
- When the student needs or wants to return, we kindly request to write a formal letter in which you state very clearly that the student is asked to leave Belgium and return to their home country. This might help students get financial support from assurances. When the host institution cancels, it could be possible for the student to rely on Force Majeure regarding to cancellation costs.
- Incoming students are being provided daily updates and guidelines about COVID-19.
Outgoing – implications for KdG students abroad:
All kinds of outgoing mobilities are canceled. Everyone is compelled to return. Health and safety are paramount. KdG takes its social responsibility and responsibility towards students and employees very seriously. That is why we urge everyone who is studying or doing an internship abroad to come back.
Returned students are asked to stay home for the duration of two weeks. There is no ongoing activity at our campuses, so there is no reason to be here in person. This also applies for academic teachers and other staff. The Government requests for everyone in Belgium to stay at home as much as possible and to operate digitally. This in order to reduce further spread of the virus.
Some students are exceptionally permitted to stay abroad. In particular situations it is safer for the student and their surroundings to reside where they currently are. For instance, when the host country is less affected by the virus than Belgium or when it’s likely for a student to get “locked down” on the way home.
Our crisis management team monitors the situation daily and closely follows government guidelines. More information is to be found on our website.
Any concerns from you, your staff or your students currently at KdG can be addressed to our International Office or your specific contact at KdG.
Please do not hesitate to contact us.
With kind regards, |
