International students stranded in the U.S. during pandemic

Fabiola Candal Ranalli
Staff Writer/MC301

In 2020, many international students attending universities in the United States faced special challenges as many either had to stay in the U.S. or were obligated to go back to their home countries.

Those who stayed have not been able to visit their home countries due to different restrictions either from their countries or when trying to come back to the U.S. Many students had to stay on school campuses, residences or apartments, or even with family in different states of the United States.

“It has been weird to be here in the U.S. in such a big deal as a pandemic and not being able to share with my family as I was used to doing,” said Isadora Oliveira, a sophomore business major from Brazil at Hillsborough Community College.

This situation has deeply affected many international students. Some of them had planned to go for a visit during the summer or even during the holidays but have not been able to.

Others have never had to stay in the U.S. for more than a semester before going back home to be with their families.

“I have never been away from home for this long. I was supposed to go home over the summer, but I did not go, so I have been here for more than 10 months now and I do not know how much longer I will have to stay,” said Oliveira.

Andrea Fuchs is in a similar situation.

“Basically what hit me the most was not knowing when I am going to be able to see my family again since the borders in Venezuela are still closed,” said Andrea Fuchs, a senior psychology major from Venezuela at Texas State University.

The borders of several countries have been temporarily closed since the beginning of the pandemic. Some of them have been opening with some restrictions, but others have remained closed like the Venezuelan borders.

“I am afraid of being away from my parents and not be able to be with them if something happens. However, I keep praying and trying to keep my mind busy during these times, I know we will be fine within a few months,” explained Fuchs.

Another international student from Jackson State shared his thoughts about the situation.

“It has been completely sad for me to be literally by myself in here for so many months. When you are away from home for some time all you want is to be back there, but we cannot,” said Francisco Vargas, a junior business major from Mexico. “All I can say is to be resilient and patient because I know this will be over soon.”