Uncertainty about returning to campus from abroad

by Mohammad Azmi Ahmad Hamaydeh

Universities around the world have been investing a lot of time and money in order to ensure that all material is transferred online, as quickly as possible.

Although initially, this was a blessing as it ensured the safety of students, it is slowly transcending into a gray area where students are unsure when they might have to go to university and return to their campuses.

High school students at school, wearing N95 Face masks. Image used for illustrative purpose.

Getty Images

via Zawya

International students at Taylor’s University were informed that all final examinations are online for the time being; a decision that could change that at any given moment. This could pose a lot of issues for students both local and international.

International students who have been using online platforms to conduct their studies, have been doing so since early 2020. During this time, a big portion of international students had their housing contracts revoked as a direct result of their long leave.

Since some students may only have one more semester until they graduate, travelling to Malaysia and finding housing for only 4 months may be challenging and costly.

Ahmad Abdelfadil, an international student said, “I have been studying in my home country and graduate in December. If I am asked to return to malaysia for my last semester it will cost me an absurd amount of money. Short term contracts are much more expensive than long term contracts.”

Malaysia needs to have a clear plan and all universities must follow it, putting into consideration the risks that might be posed on the students.

In addition, there is a large number of local and international students who suffer from individual health problems such as, high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma. For these students, returning to campus at a time where they might be at risk is extremely dangerous.

Malaysiakini journalist Azneal Ishak said, “The government has put three residential colleges and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in Kota Kinabalu on lockdown following a Covid-19 outbreak.”

The decision of re-opening the universities again should be carefully considered, and human life should be taken into the highest consideration even if there is the smallest of risks.

On the other hand, many students are rightfully hoping that universities open their doors as the current situation, may force their hand into studying locally.

Many students have had to turn down offers from universities abroad, as they fear that studying from home may not be as captivating.

Farah Solhi, a New Straits Times journalist wrote, “The Covid-19 pandemic and closure of international borders have forced Malaysian students to either opt for local universities or to decline offers from universities abroad and reapply once the pandemic subsides.”

Universities are bound to open, and students are bound to go back to the university lifestyle norm.

For this to happen, the risk of Covid must decrease. For the time being, it seems unsafe for any more universities to open their doors but with the availability of the vaccine that might swiftly change.