Graphic by Sarah Streety | Mercury Staff
How to stay grounded in a foreign country during COVID-19
The novel coronavirus has disrupted the lives of billions
and sent strong economies crashing. There are several challenges that
international students in particular face during this pandemic. Yet, there are
resources available for international students still on campus that we, as
individuals, can use to minimize the negative impact.
I remember hearing about COVID-19 for the first time earlier
this year. Little did I know that this small strand of RNA virus on the
opposite end of the world would impact my life so greatly. As an international
student, I watched the rapid developments of what the world would later refer
to as a pandemic closely. I had heard of universities shifting to online
courses and dorms shutting down. UTD was now a place that I called my home, I
did not know what I would do if I had to move.
Like most other international students, I was conflicted.
I had so many questions. Did I have to go back to my home
country? How would I obtain my travel documents? What would the implications be
on my visa status in the wake of online classes? I was confused and scared not
just because of this disease that was quickly ravaging the planet, but also
because I didn’t know what it meant to my career here at UTD, far away from the
only home I had previously known in India.
Besides, there was the pertinent question of housing. I
happen have close family who live near UTD. However, some international
students would not have a place to go if housing on campus, the most feasible
option for them, was no longer available. Travelling home to other countries,
especially on such short notice is extremely expensive. Besides, countries like
India would soon close their borders if they hadn’t already. There was
increasing anxiety about the possibility of being quarantined at airports upon
or before reaching one’s home country. Additionally, there was the risk of not
only contracting the virus whilst traveling, but also spreading it to those —
especially grandparents — that live at home.
In my opinion, the response of the university — particularly
housing and the International Center — has been quick, efficient and most
importantly, compassionate. Had I not had family nearby, my anxieties would
have been put to rest by an email I received from the International Center
saying that all international students were guaranteed housing. Not only that,
they also quickly reprinted important travel documents.
Advising services were quickly shifted to virtual meetings.
They sent out emails answering key questions that international students might
have. Virtual Career Expos by the Career Center helped students work towards
job and internship goals during this difficult time. The UTD Student
Counselling Center is also offering virtual calls that can help relieve the
additional stress of being far away from immediate family and somewhat
alienated in a strange situation like this. Dining Hall West continues to offer
boxed meals as well.
While the university has done its best to provide
facilities, adjusting to a new normal, for everyone and especially in a foreign
land, comes with challenges.
For now, I ask that all UTD students reading this show
compassion and empathy towards their international peers. Lend an ear (over the
phone, of course) to friends who may be far away from home. In my case, friends
have reached out to me, asking me how I am managing and even offering me a
place to stay. Even a small text saying that they are thinking of me — and by
extension other international students — has been extremely helpful. I know of international
students who had to buy expensive flight tickets to return home in the span of
less than a week while others are far away from family in a foreign land. As we
try to recover from this pandemic, it is a unique immunity that I ask the
reader to build. Developing resilience and psychological support as a community
— domestically and internationally — is an indispensable weapon in this war we
wage against COVID- 19.