International students have difficulty coping with COVID-19 outbreak

COVID-19 is changing society as we know it, making life more difficult and isolated.

But It’s also not an ideal situation for international students in Windsor who are coping in such turbulent times. COVID-19 is affecting students in many ways, psychologically and physically. With drastic changes to routines and lifestyles, many are concerned about their futures.

As of now, the St. Clair College and University of Windsor campuses are closed and classes are being shifted online. Students are asked to stay at home, but Indian international students are concerned about their “homeland.”

“I was planning to go to India, but it’s in lockdown. I am very worried because my grandfather is sick, and I am worried about my family. Flight tickets are also very high. Let’s see what happens,” says Monil Patel, student at University of Windsor.

 

Working in a restaurant for past six months, Patel had a very scheduled life. With everything working in his favour he had planned on visiting India during breaks but like every other plan, this too fell apart. The current situation doesn’t show any sign of relief for him.

“I am very frustrated right now, I lost my job due to the COVID-19 situation. I am not able to purchase groceries for every day,” says Patel with cluelessness in his eyes.

Studies and families back home isn’t the only thing to worry about because these students also have finances to look after. If the lifestyle of these students is considered, staying away from their homelands and surviving in another country is no less optimal. Juggling between daily routine of classes, assignments and work, one cannot afford to have any disruption. But, there is no escaping the situations owing to COVID-19.

“My father decided to pay me a visit here but due to the COVID-19 pandemic we had to reschedule the flight three times and we lost lot of money. I also lost my job recently,” says Neal Modi, who came to attend University of Windsor this winter. “The government is trying to give some benefits but situation here is very difficult.”

The only sign of relief for many in such uncertain times is technology. Being away form their loved ones is more damaging than any financial crisis they face. International students are miles away from their families, who can only connect with them through phone and video calls with the hope of reuniting soon.

“I do WhatsApp calls to my family but it’s not the same thing,” says Modi, who hasn’t left his house in 18 days. “I have no motivation to do any assignments and I am bored of being bored. I am just so anxious of everything and what’s going to happen.”

A few weeks ago, St. Clair College international student Divyanshu Thakur lost his primary source of income from his part-time job due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are all staying at home for past two weeks. I now miss going to college and attending classes. The situation is difficult right now, but I am sure things will be normal again like before and we all will be able to get going,” he says.

The only thing that keeps these international students moving forward is optimism, living their lockdown lives hopeful the situation will soon be under control, returning everything to normalcy.

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