Lori Meadows
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of international students, exacerbating feelings of anxiety, isolation, and financial insecurity. International students have faced unique challenges during the pandemic, including the closure of national borders, lockdowns in host countries, and ineligibility for financial support. These factors have disrupted their daily lives, learning experiences, job prospects, and sense of safety. However, the pandemic has also presented an opportunity to rethink the support structures in place for international students and foster a more holistic and integrated approach to addressing their needs. This includes providing practical support, clear communication, safety measures, and academic concessions, as well as addressing issues of loneliness and social isolation through virtual events and cultural sensitivity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Communication | Students feel more valued, appreciated, and included when they receive personalized emails or phone calls |
| Support | Students appreciate clear and timely communication, safety measures, practical support, and the availability of university staff |
| Health and well-being | Students benefit from online video sessions, which help create a sense of connectedness, as well as access to health information and advice in multiple languages |
| Financial assistance | International students may face financial hardship due to job losses and ineligibility for financial support; institutions can provide grants and housing subsidies to help with daily expenses |
| Cultural sensitivity | Asking about holidays or special festivals, being aware of cultural organizations or groups, and providing cultural awareness training for staff can help students feel less anxious |
| Social interaction | Informal virtual events, such as cultural clubs or games, can help build community and alleviate loneliness |
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What You'll Learn
- Practical support: groceries, financial aid, and health advice
- Social inclusion: tackling discrimination, fostering cultural sensitivity, and creating virtual events
- Academic support: clear communication, online classes, and language programs
- Emotional support: regular check-ins, personalised emails, and video sessions
- Networking opportunities: structured online events and local community links
Practical support: groceries, financial aid, and health advice
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of international students, affecting their sense of safety, job prospects, learning experiences, and daily life. International students have faced unique challenges during the pandemic, including financial difficulties, social isolation, and anxiety. Here are some ways to provide practical support to international students in the form of groceries, financial aid, and health advice:
Groceries
- Universities can partner with local organisations to provide grocery vouchers or e-vouchers to international students facing financial hardship. This ensures that students can purchase the groceries they need.
- Institutions can also provide students with information about food banks and other similar resources. During the pandemic, many international students turned to food banks to meet their basic needs.
Financial Aid
- Many institutions have launched international student financial hardship grants to support students with their daily expenses and housing costs. International students can contact their university's financial office to inquire about available financial assistance.
- In some countries, restrictions on international students employed in certain sectors have been relaxed. For example, international students enrolled in nursing and aged care in Australia can now work more hours.
Health Advice
- Universities can collaborate with healthcare providers to offer online video sessions focusing on health and wellness. These sessions can include nutritional advice and healthy eating tips to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge to prepare healthy meals.
- Institutions can also direct students to reliable sources of health information and advice, such as government health websites. For example, the Australian Government Department of Health website offers information in multiple languages.
Additional Support
In addition to practical support, international students may benefit from other forms of assistance to alleviate anxiety and loneliness:
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness can help international students feel less anxious. Asking about holidays or special festivals can make students feel valued.
- Informal virtual events, orientations, and language-support programs can help build community and reduce social isolation.
- Personalised emails or phone calls from staff or faculty can make students feel heard and valued. Regular check-ins can also provide updates and support during the pandemic.
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Social inclusion: tackling discrimination, fostering cultural sensitivity, and creating virtual events
International students have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, with their sense of safety, job prospects, learning experiences, and general daily life affected. To foster social inclusion, tackle discrimination, and create a supportive environment, several measures can be implemented.
Firstly, tackling discrimination and fostering cultural sensitivity are vital. Staff and faculty members can play a crucial role by being culturally sensitive and aware, which helps students feel less anxious. Asking about holidays, special festivals, or cultural traditions can make students feel valued and included. For instance, wishing students a happy Lunar New Year and creating a space for them to share their cultural celebrations can foster a sense of belonging. Actively seeking out cultural organizations or groups and engaging with diverse student populations can also help tackle discrimination and create a more inclusive environment.
Additionally, creating virtual events and activities that are structured and meaningful can effectively build community among international students. Informal virtual events, such as an English Conversation Club, can start with a presentation on a specific theme and then transition into a fun game or activity. Language-support programs and orientations can also help international students feel more included and connected, improving their language skills and cultural understanding.
Universities can also provide practical opportunities for international students to engage with the local culture, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of their host country. This could include cultural workshops, virtual tours, or interactive sessions that go beyond classroom learning.
Furthermore, maintaining regular and personalized communication is essential. While mass emails are convenient, they lack a personal touch. Sending personalized emails or offering one-on-one meetings can help students feel heard and reduce anxiety. Providing meeting options, such as in-person (with social distancing) or phone calls, can also combat Zoom fatigue and create a more personal connection.
By implementing these measures, higher education institutions can promote social inclusion, tackle discrimination, and foster cultural sensitivity among international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and sense of belonging.
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Academic support: clear communication, online classes, and language programs
International students faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were often ineligible for the financial support offered to citizens and residents of their host countries, and many lost their part-time jobs in catering and hospitality. In addition, international students had to deal with travel bans, mandatory quarantines, and unsupportive campus environments.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for academic institutions to provide comprehensive support to international students, especially in times of crisis. Here are some ways that academic institutions can provide academic support through clear communication, online classes, and language programs:
Clear Communication
Clear and timely communication is essential for helping international students feel supported. Institutions should provide explicit information about the goals of virtual activities and events to increase attendance and reduce anxiety. Personalized emails can also help students feel more heard and reduce feelings of isolation.
Online Classes
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology in higher education, with many institutions offering online classes and virtual events. To prevent Zoom fatigue, staff and faculty should offer meeting options such as in-person meetings or phone calls. Online orientations and language-support programs can also help international students feel less anxious about adjusting to a new academic environment.
Language Programs
Language barriers can be a significant challenge for international students. English conversation clubs or informal summer language classes can provide students with opportunities to practice their language skills and connect with their peers. These programs can be structured around cultural topics, allowing students to share ideas and feelings while improving their grammar and vocabulary.
Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural awareness and sensitivity are crucial for making international students feel welcomed and valued. Simple gestures like asking about holidays or wishing students a happy Lunar New Year can make a positive impact. Institutions should also actively seek out cultural organizations and groups to ensure that lesser-represented populations feel included.
By implementing these strategies, academic institutions can provide much-needed academic support to international students, helping them navigate the challenges of studying abroad during a pandemic.
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Emotional support: regular check-ins, personalised emails, and video sessions
Emotional support is a critical aspect of helping international students navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular check-ins, personalised emails, and video sessions can all contribute to fostering a sense of connection and reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety.
Regular Check-Ins
Regular check-ins with international students can take the form of phone calls or virtual meetings. These check-ins provide an opportunity to inquire about the student's well-being, offer any needed assistance, and provide updates related to the pandemic. For example, international student advisers at the University of Central Florida made individual phone calls to students, asking about their well-being and providing pandemic-related information. This simple act of reaching out can make students feel valued, appreciated, and included, while also giving staff insights into the specific needs of international students.
Personalised Emails
While mass emails and videos are convenient, they may lack a personal touch. Sending personalised emails to international students can make them feel heard and valued. These emails can be used for placement exams, class communications, or simply to check in on their well-being. For example, staff at Duke University regularly communicate with international students through personalised emails, addressing any concerns or questions the students may have. This direct and individualised approach helps to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of support.
Video Sessions
Video sessions can create a sense of connectedness for international students, especially during times of social distancing. These sessions can take the form of informal virtual events, such as those hosted by International House at Duke University, which include presentations and games. Additionally, video sessions can be used to promote healthy habits, such as free online workout videos and nutritional advice, ensuring that students take care of their physical health along with their mental well-being.
By incorporating these strategies—regular check-ins, personalised emails, and video sessions—universities can provide emotional support to international students, helping them feel less isolated and more connected to their institution and community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Networking opportunities: structured online events and local community links
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international students, affecting their sense of safety, job prospects, learning experiences, and daily life. One way to support international students during this challenging time is to provide networking opportunities and structured online events to help them build a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.
Structured Online Events
To address the challenges faced by international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, academic departments can collaborate with student integration officers to develop structured online networking opportunities. These events can leverage established links with the local community and take various forms, such as virtual volunteering or World Café sessions. By participating in these activities, international students can gain a sense of purpose and connection, even when social mixing is limited due to pandemic restrictions.
When designing structured online events, it is essential to consider the goals and explicit outcomes of each session. For example, language-support programs and orientations can help alleviate anxiety and provide cultural context. Informal virtual events, such as the English Conversation Club hosted by I-House, can also foster community-building. These events typically include a presentation on a specific theme, followed by an interactive game to encourage engagement and participation.
Local Community Links
In addition to structured online events, international students can benefit from local community links that provide cultural and linguistic support. For instance, existing ethnic online communities can play a crucial role in disseminating accurate and timely health information in native languages during the pandemic. These communities serve as virtual hubs, allowing international students to connect with each other, share experiences, and access essential resources.
Furthermore, universities can foster cultural awareness and sensitivity among staff and faculty members. Simple gestures, such as wishing students a happy Lunar New Year, can make a positive impact. Universities can also actively seek out cultural organizations or groups and encourage students to participate in local community events and activities. By doing so, international students can feel more integrated into their host communities and develop a stronger sense of belonging.
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Frequently asked questions
International students have been one of the most vulnerable groups during the pandemic, facing issues such as financial hardship, anxiety, and social isolation. Here are some ways to help:
- Universities can provide financial support, such as grants and grocery vouchers, to help with daily expenses.
- Host countries can ensure that international students are not excluded from financial aid due to their visa status.
- Education providers can offer orientations and language-support programs to alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of community.
- Staff and faculty can show cultural awareness and sensitivity, such as by asking about holidays or special festivals.
The use of technology was crucial in maintaining connections and providing support to international students during the pandemic:
- Video chats and online meetings helped students stay connected with friends, family, and university staff, reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety.
- Universities embraced online learning platforms, such as Zoom and MS Teams, to ensure continuity of education.
- Online networking opportunities, such as virtual volunteering, provided a sense of purpose and community for students.
The pandemic significantly affected the mental health and well-being of international students, who often faced heightened anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation:
- International students were already navigating the challenges of living in a new country and adjusting to a new culture.
- The closure of national borders and lockdowns in host countries left many students stranded and unable to return home.
- The loss of part-time jobs and the subsequent financial hardship further contributed to their stress and anxiety.
Several initiatives were successful in providing support and addressing the unique challenges faced by international students during the pandemic:
- The University of Central Florida had international student advisors call each international student to check on their well-being, provide updates, and offer assistance.
- Medibank, an Australian health cover provider, worked with universities to understand the challenges faced by international students and provided support services focused on health and financial security.
- Duke University's International House (I-House) hosted informal virtual events, such as the English Conversation Club, to build community and provide cultural engagement.
