Covid19: Impact On The International Student

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures”

-and we cannot think of a better quote to describe the impact of the pandemic COVID19. The ever growing spread of the virus has resulted in unprecedented travel bans and restrictions, cancellations and lockdowns across the world to contain and restrict the spread of the virus. However restrictive it may look right now, these measures are essential to control the pandemic.

The US universities and college campuses are no exception and in the last few weeks, we have seen socially responsible measures encouraging best practices for ‘social distancing’ to combat the situation. Cancellation of large events, recreational activities, international travel, and extension of the spring break were already in place. However, in the last couple of days, several US universities across the states are heading for an imminent shutdown with students being asked to evacuate their dorms in the next few days.  Post spring break, ‘in person’ classes will be replaced by virtual classes.

What does this mean for the students–more specifically The International Student?

Colleges are looking to reduce the population on the campuses and therefore the ‘evacuation’ diktat-however, they have made contingencies to accommodate students who cannot travel back home. Students are advised to contact their International Advisors before taking any action. Many colleges and communities have set up helplines offering accommodations to students who do not have an alternate home in the US. While virtual classes may seem feasible, do consider time differences and internet connectivity in your home base. Do discuss the same before leaving the campus. 

The Final Year Student

This sudden disruption is particularly traumatic for final year students-many of whom would be in the midst of final research projects. While working from remote locations, do weigh in the impact of lack of laboratory facilities, library resources and research facilities-discuss the same with your advisors. Students who are on financial aid with work obligations-please discuss your situation with the Student Financial Services.  Most of you would have filed for your OPT–as a rule, final year students are advised not to leave the country before the receipt of the EAD-Employment Authorisation Card and this holds true as of now.
 

The Prospective Student

You have time on your side. However, it is essential to hold your seat in one or two of your top choices within the stated time period-do not miss the deadline. You do not have to leave for college before August/September anyway-your mantra has to be 'wait and watch'.

We have spoken to some of our students/parents and here is what they shared about the ground situation:

• Harvard: Students have been sent back to rejoin next semester. Its the same case with most Ivys
• FIT SUNY: is working this week. Work will be online next week onwards. Inter-state travel is being discouraged.
• Oberlin: Students are working online. Several international students are staying back in the US as they are preferring not to travel.
• Parsons: Students are working online and most of them are staying in the US with friends for the spring break.
• UC-Berkeley: Exams are being conducted online. Local students are working from home. Some international students have gone back. 50% population remaining on campus. Parents are in talks with the advisors to guide regarding the documentation and I-20 before children leave campus, considering the uncertainty of return date.
• Hong Kong Universities have sent back majority international students who are now working online.
• A student at University of Edinburgh stated that they have not been issued any advisory so far to vacate campus.

The US universities are mindful that children from a few countries, such as China or Italy, may not be able to go back even during the summer vacations. These children have been asked to apply for summer residency. US universities are actively updating their advisories on their social media handles; it is advisable to follow them to get recent updates.

 

To summarize, there is no RIGHT or WRONG decision at this time. Follow your instincts to decide whether you want to

a) remain on campus

b) remain nearby in a personal accommodation (with friends/family) or

c) come back home 

Whatever you decide, discuss the paperwork and steps you need to complete with your Advisors at university before departing to avoid problems once it's time for life to go back to ‘normal’. Continue practicing social distancing and hygeine measures as advised by global organisations such as UNICEF and WHO.

It is important not to be influenced by rumours or give in to panic. As for the impact of the virus, China has registered a significant drop in the Coronavirus cases and is closing its makeshift hospitals in Wuhan one by one. 

Be patient, practice responsible behaviour and soon, this shall be a thing of the past.