SFU students in Hong Kong

Given the rising tensions and protests in Hong Kong, SFU's partner institutions in Hong Kong have closed campuses and/or suspended in-person classes for the remainder of the fall 2019 term.

The safety of our students is SFU’s number-one priority and as tensions began to rise in Hong Kong, we reached out to our students to check on their well-being, and to provide support as well as the latest travel advisories and guidance. All of our students have confirmed  they are safe and are being supported.

SFU had 17 students on exchange at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong and 10 students on co-op work terms. SFU has recommended that all of these students leave Hong Kong. Many  have now left, and the rest are confirming their plans and keeping SFU informed. We remain in regular communication with these students to provide additional support and assistance as needed.

In the interest of student safety, SFU has cancelled student exchanges to Hong Kong for the spring 2020 term.

SFU has also shared recent Hong Kong travel alerts with faculty and staff. We have advised faculty and staff to defer non-essential travel to Hong Kong if they can, and to check current alerts about protest activity.

Members of the SFU community are reminded of the following travel safety resources available:

Students, faculty and staff:

• Register your international travel with SFU’s Travel Registry.
• Register your travel with the Registration of Canadians Abroad prior to departure.
• Check the travel advisories page for Hong Kong frequently as conditions may change on short notice.
• International SOS,  provides 24/7 medical, security and logistical expertise before, during, and after the trip. Travellers can contact International SOS for any health, travel security or personal safety concerns, for routine advice, emotional support or emergency assistance.
  • Phone: +1-215-942-8478
  • Download the Assistance App or log into the Members’ Page to browse through various medical and security online tools and sign up for alerts.

Students:

• My SSP - My Student Support Program provides free access to immediate or ongoing confidential counselling and support, accessible from anywhere in the world by phone [001-416-380-6578], or through the downloadable app - https://www.sfu.ca/students/health/support/mental-health/my-ssp/

Faculty and staff:

• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) confidential counselling and support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through by phone or e-Counselling for all continuing faculty and staff.