Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network-Foreign students in Taiwan: How do we cope with the epidemic?

As the epidemic is getting worse, the National Level 3 Alert has been extended to June 28. We are curious about how foreign students in Taiwan cope despite the National level 3 alert.

Sandy (a pseudonym is used to protect this client) an overseas Chinese student from Indonesia studying at the National Taipei University (NTPU 國立臺北大學) tells us how he spends his time in the dorm. He says that he does nothing more than surf the web and his homework. However, it can get really boring so he often video chats with his friends. "Through video calls, we can enjoy our meals together. Although we currently cannot meet in person, we still find ways to keep in touch." Edward, who is from Hong Kong and Macau and studying in the same university, says that he used to play volleyball with his classmates, however because of the epidemic, they are not able to do so anymore. “Now, we are only able to exercise through video instructions while staying home. We can't even hang out together as a team anymore." Edward shares that this feeling is not so new to him because as an international student, he usually video calls with his family.

Foreign students stay connected through video calls. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)

George, a graduate student of the National Taiwan University (NTU 台灣大學), shares that novels or psychology-related books are one of his many interests. After the implementation of the National Level 3 Alert, he substituted his time for commuting into reading Chinese or English books, this way he can even improve his language skills. At first, he and his classmates were very busy, but they are doing better now having adjusted to the new normal.

Cheerful Jenny (a pseudonym is used to protect this client) is from Thailand and she is currently taking a master's program at National Chengchi University (NCCU 國立政治大學). Because of the epidemic, she said that both her part-time job and classes were adjusted to be fully online. Many of her friends and colleagues are stuck at home since the National Level 3 Alert encourages us not to go out. "Even when I leave the house, there is no place to go. I can only stay home to do my homework, watch entertainment, cook, and even order take out." Jenny shares that staying home alone all day affects her studies, work efficiency, and even her mental health. Compared to other, countries, Taiwan seems to be handling it well, and Jenny feels that she is considered fortunate. "I hope that this epidemic will end soon.", Jenny says.

Ms. Nguyen, a master's student from Vietnam says that many Vietnamese students lost their part-time jobs because of the epidemic. She says: "Many international students who come to Taiwan find part-time jobs to provide for themselves and they are beginning to worry because of the changes caused by the epidemic. What happens when they can't support themselves anymore?"