Our approach to COVID-19

This page outlines the steps we are taking to keep our community safe.

Updated January 25, 2021

In March 2020, we made the extremely difficult decision to pause and postpone current programs due to COVID-19. Since then, we have worked closely with our safety & security partner, International SOS, to determine the best way to resume travel in a way that keeps our customers, staff, and the local communities we live alongside safe.

‍We have made several key changes:

  • Revamped many of our booking policies to be as flexible as possible
  • Updated our operating procedures to follow all local and global guidelines at a minimum
  • Challenged ourselves to go above those guidelines by creating our own community guidelines to help safeguard our community

As the global environment continues to evolve, we will stay agile and evolve our approach as well. What will remain constant is how seriously we take the safety of our community. We hope that the changes and decisions we have made will give you the confidence to travel with us when you feel ready.

Our commitment to your safety

Your safety is very important to us and we are increasing our health and hygiene practices. We have updated our safety protocols to always follow local and global guidelines at a minimum.

Book with confidence

We know plans change, so we are introducing more flexible policies. We are waiving change fees so you can rest assured that the value of your program won't be lost if you need to make a change or rebook a different program.

Community Guidelines

We have established and will co-create community guidelines, including: wearing of masks in public areas, frequent washing of hands, prohibition of strangers in private apartments without consent of roommates, protocols for notification, testing and quarantine if needed. In the interim, we will require negative PCR tests prior to arrival.

FAQ's

  • What COVID-19 precautions are being taken to ensure the safety
    of participants?

    We have updated all of our health & safety protocols to follow local and global guidelines. We have co-created community guidelines, such as the wearing public masks in public spaces, frequent washing of hands, and practicing social distancing. We will also now require that prior to or at arrival, you present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of your flight to your Remote Year program.

  • Will Remote Year still require a negative PCR test even if the country does
    not require it?

    In the interim, yes. We know there is the legal thing to do, which we will always do, such as following local guidelines. However, there’s also the right thing to do and we want to do our best to create the safest environment possible for our participants and the local communities that welcome us. Testing has become highly accessible and we believe it is a worthwhile to give our participants a safe and enjoyable experience from the start.

  • Is there a chance that NOV programs will be canceled due to

    COVD-19 and what happens to my payments?

    While we will do everything in our power to run a program as planned, we know that the global environment requires more flexibility than before. If we must cancel a program, we will try to notify you at least 30 days prior and will work with you to place you on another program or issue a refund.