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How UdSU international students adapt in the conditions of the pandemic crisis

There are over 500 international students studying in UdSU at the moment and these students come from 30 countries of the world. How do the cope with challenges of the pandemic crisis? The new lifestyle connected with self-isolation, shift to distance-learning, the necessity to follow protective measures, plus worries about the families and close people who are far away and in some cases at great risks of contracting the virus – all of this does not make international students’ lives easy.

The Udmurt State University does a lot to support the international students who are adapting to new language, culture and academic environment. For this purpose the International Student Club was created some years ago. The members are student volunteers who give their helping hand in such matters as accommodation, studies, extra-curricular activities etc. During the COVID-19 crisis the Club is operating at distance: buddies communicate with their international peers via social networks. A special project ‘ISC at home’ was launched where students submit their works in various formats on the topic ‘How to entertain yourself at home during the quarantine?’ The can be followed in the Club’s group on VK

Those who chose not to leave Russia and stay in the UdSU dormitories are taken care of by a group of specialists who monitor students’ physical and mental health, academic progress and counsel them on every-day matters.

In the time of pandemic crisis many countries suspended the services for international money transfer. As a result, some of the students cannot get support from their families and are experiencing financial hurdles.

The university is trying to help such students out by providing them with financial assistance. Teachers, friends and community do not stand aside: they support with food, money, and encouragement – however they can. Any kind of help in this dire situation is invaluable and much appreciated!