The abrupt closure of universities caused by the coronavirus pandemic has pushed students outside the university dorms and thus left so many international students stranded and nowhere to go.
Many of the universities in the affected countries especially the US have proposed a refund of the housing fee to students to aid them in this period. Students are compelled to make a decision between going back to their home country or remain in the country the university is located and find alternative housing arrangements outside the school.
Some universities, especially in the US, Canada, and the UK, have moved their classes online, and students are expected to adjust to this condition. The classes can be taken anywhere in the world but the reasonable question is “Is going back to my home country the best decision for me”?
Some Concerns International Students Must Consider During This Coronavirus Dilemma
Students may decide to go back home to their country as the universities have left the choice in the hands of the students but there are considerations every international student studying abroad must think about;
In the event you return home, will be back early enough to continue with classes once they resume? The entire situation is still not stable, and with the international restrictions, there is no saying if they will be lifted at the same time. So one cannot say for sure that you can return on time, and that decision is totally out of your hands.
The universities also introduced an online learning system which is, by the way, a brilliant idea. But the question does every university have such technology?
And is the technology supported in all the countries or your country? It may be difficult for you as a student if you live in a country with a completely different time zone or a country with a poor internet connection.
Students must also consider the possibility of losing their visas on expiration. The updates from countries like Canada, the US, Germany, and the UK, is that all student visa that is expired and could not be renewed this period will be giving an additional 90 days deadline. But only for those currently in the country, and if you decide to leave, you should ensure that your visa isn’t expiring anytime soon.
