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Canada

Flight away from home in the pandemic and isolation diary in Canada (Part 1)

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The decision to study abroad has never been easy for anyone, and I am no exception. Unexpectedly, however, was the appearance of Covid-19. It caused many difficulties and interruptions in the process of preparing documents, papers, as well as my flight plans.

While the number of infections in the world increases and shows no signs of control. Moreover, I do not know when the epidemic will stop, I do not want to miss out on the planned plans. So I decided to book a flight on July 15, a flight in the pandemic.

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Flight away from home in the pandemic and isolation diary in Canada (Part 1)

My visa was issued on March 18, 2020. At that time, the Canadian government stipulated that international students with permits issued from March 18 to backward have an essential purpose are allowed to enter. Just one simple regulation like that, I had to check everywhere to make sure that there are no unnecessary mistakes. Can not enter Canada, no plane back. I could be stuck. I even thought about the prospect of sleeping at the airport and insisting on customs officers. Therefore, preparing early, being careful is never redundant. All the necessary papers I put in clear bags and separated them into 2 different pieces of luggage.

📌 The list includes:

  • Passport (with a valid visa)
  • LOA ( Letter of Acceptance)
  • Approval letter
  • Tuition receipt / Bank transfer
  • Air ticket
  • Quarantine Plan
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel letter
  • Email or information from IRCC's Website about the immigration conditions for international students (I printed it out if needed)

After passing the ground check-in counter, I had to clear exit procedures with customs, security, screening. Finally, just sit and wait until departure. Lightly reminding one crucial scene is the moments of farewell to relatives. The airport was so silent and deserted. Not to say, you guys know what the feeling would be at that time. Only my mom and dad took me to the airport that day. Although I did not want to go, I could not stay. So, don't be afraid to say loving words and give them tight hugs. It is a beautiful memory that you will never forget. I guarantee!

Flying with Korean Airlines, Flight attendants are handsome, beautiful, extremely friendly, and polite. The food is delicious, and the seats are spacious and comfortable. All crew members are equipped with protective gear. Passengers were required to wear a mask throughout the flight (except eating time). Because of physical distancing regulation, there will be an empty seat between the two passengers. If you're lucky, the flight is deserted, and you can dominate all the seats. Tips for those flying during the season are choosing your seat before booking. Don't sit too close to the restroom or beside the aisle to limit the exposure. With a window seat, you can look at the clouds and have many magic shots for Facebook or Insta. Regularly antiseptic spray the dining table, chair, window, and hands, especially before and after eating. You can negotiate or wait for the person next to you to finish eating, and then it's your turn.

The transit process is not complicated. Just need to follow the instructions and listen to the speaker announcements. If travelling alone but having language difficulty, please find Vietnamese to accompany the flight or ask the ground staff. Remember to carefully check the exit and take-off time with your ticket. It's best to sit in the waiting room and take advantage of sleep for the next flight.

On the flight, the flight attendant will give you the declaration form, instructions for entry within this season, and declare health information on the application ArriveCan. You can download and fill in the data 12 hours in advance to save time. Otherwise, there are many kiosks available in front of the entrance to do so. Finished, you print the code or show the phone when you meet Customs only. I was asked a few questions such as: "What is the purpose of entry? Where to study? Now the school is not open. Why not study online at home?". I answered due to time zone difference, poor internet connection, etc. Then they will ask about the quarantine location, where it will be, with whom, etc. That's all. After that, I went to the place for Study Permit Here, I was asked more and more detailed but similar questions ... After 5 minutes, they gave me Study Permit, advised me about the deadline, part-time job condition, extension, etc ... Remember to check your information such as name, PassPort number, deadline on Study Permit before heading to the pick-up luggage area.

As plan, I contacted the driver and then got in the car to the quarantine place... ( to be continued)

📝Quarantine plan

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Hanh Chau Nguyen

Hanh Chau Nguyen is the author of this article. Feel free to leave comments and feedbacks below

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1 comment

  • CuongDT

    Chuyến đi nào cũng mang lại nhiều cảm xúc. Nhất là vào thời điểm không bình thường. "..không muốn đi nhưng cũng chẳng thể ở lại..". Super effort!