Exploring COVID-19 across the globe with our International Students

Welcome to the first episode of GlobalCast. News from our International Students. The 2020-2021 school year was set and started just on time under the pressure of COVID-19, the global pandemic. Faculty and Staff have been working on the safety protocols since July, keeping us informed with zoom meetings and monthly updates of the current situation on campus. International students were offered extra care and attention pertaining to travel bands and VISA updates. At the end of August, both returning and new students staggered a return to campus or had orientation with global partners virtually. Native students returned to campus with mandatory masks on during all times, except in their own dorms. “We are only allowed to not wear masks in our dorms and designated masks-free areas,” told by Max Murry. In class, students were assigned seats with certain distances and remote students would zoom in with a video camera and microphone. For afternoon activities, masks were also strictly required. There will be new rounds of mandatory PCR test offered for all students and faculty/staff to make sure campus is safe.

Virtual learning has been a challenging tough time for online students and also the teachers. Although students could hear what the teacher are saying and see their faces and gestures, it’s still hard for virtual learners to feel personally in class.

“Remote learning is a little bit hard for me to interact with others on zoom,” said Linh, “but the teachers were so understanding and supportive. They were doing everything they could to make us feel included.”

Grace Hu
Alicia Liu
Jack Xie
Maggie Xu