The coronavirus situation in a country is no longer the sole basis for the travel advisory colour code issued by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The government is now taking the full range of health and security risks into consideration when reaching an assessment. In practical terms, this means that travelling to countries outside Europe will soon be possible again.

Read more: Travel advisories for many countries to change colour | News item | government.nl. This is good news for students who want to go abroad for their work placement or graduate project. 

If you are planning to go abroad for your minor, work placement or graduation project, here are some points to consider:

• Check the travel advisory

Check the latest travel advisory for your destination on the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. This advice is leading and is a key element in policy on international travel at Avans. Travel is permitted to countries or areas that are classified as low risk (i.e. yellow or green). When planning your trip, keep in mind that an entry ban for foreign travellers may still be in place in some countries. Travel to countries or areas with an orange or red travel advisory (i.e. high risk) is not permitted. 

• Travel to high-risk countries

Avans will not provide support to students who decide to travel to countries with an orange or red travel advisory. This means that students will not be nominated to go on an exchange at partner institutions in these countries. Work placement and graduation requests in Osiris will not be approved, and your school or Student Information Desk will not sign any forms granting permission for stays in countries outside Europe with a red or orange travel advisory. If you do decide to make arrangements to travel to a ‘code orange’ or ‘code red’ country, this will be entirely at your own risk. 

An unforgettable experience

Almost every student who does a work placement abroad or spends time studying in a foreign country can look back on an unforgettable experience. Avans feels responsible for the safety and well-being of its students and staff. Accordingly, it will only approve a stay for the purposes of work, study or a work placement if it is in a position to provide sufficient support in the event of an incident, crisis or emergency in the country or area concerned. More information on this topic can be found in our Regulations on trips and stays abroad. To find out more, please visit goingabroad.avans.nl.