Studying Abroad in the Era of COVID-19

Noah Franco

'Era' might be a bit dramatic, but it has certainly felt that way. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into many of our plans. This is especially true for students, many of whom are scrambling to figure out arrangements regarding online courses, internships, and graduation ceremonies. International and study abroad students have the added stress of deciding whether to stay put or return home and arrange to travel, which has become increasingly difficult. Noah Franco is an AUS design management student abroad at Arkansas State University who decided to remain in the United States. He shared with us how this pandemic has affected him as a study abroad student.

Much like most of us, Noah has been staying indoors lately. "I've been spending most of my time in my room working on assignments or watching lectures, watching Netflix, gaming with my friends back in Dubai, and scrolling endlessly through social media," he said. "Since I'm more of an introvert, I don't mind spending all this time indoors. However, I miss routine university life: walking to class, going to the gym and playing football, and so on."

At the time of my interview with Noah, Arkansas had 1,498 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The state is around 7,800 miles away from the UAE, but the effects the virus is having in both places are very similar: "I live on campus and the atmosphere here has drastically changed in the last month. Most of the students and staff have moved back into their homes and only a few people are left on campus. Off-campus, the streets are not as lively as they used to be as all restaurants are now takeaway only, and many other businesses are closed."

(Don't worry, this photo was taken before social distancing was imposed.)

Despite the shared experience we are all having living through this pandemic, it is undeniable that some of us are harder-hit due to a variety of reasons. For one, study abroad students have been put in unique situations due to COVID-19, such as "travel restrictions on going back home and having to take online classes at odd hours of the day (for the students that returned home early)," according to Noah.

Much like AUS, Arkansas State University decided to conduct classes remotely for the remainder of the spring semester. "Since I was already taking a few online classes this semester, adjusting to all online classes wasn't too hard," Noah said. "Except for when I procrastinate and have to end up watching multiple recorded lectures at the end of the week," he added.

At the Centennial Bank Stadium at Arkansas State University

As difficult as this situation is, most struggles do have a silver lining. "I think the world now understands the gravity of the situation and I think global crisis management and healthcare will improve for the better," Noah said.

Noah also has a message for everyone during these times, which IXO fully endorses: "I hope you and your family are doing well. Stay indoors and stay safe. Hang in there everyone!"

Suzana Saoud

IXO Publicity Specialist

Gigi's IXO Internship

Gigi at our office

IXO offers opportunities not only for study abroad, but also for employment and academic and professional career advancement. Aside from our many student employees, we have welcomed Visiting Guests-in-Residence to work at our office and gain experience relevant to their studies and careers. One such person was Jihan "Gigi" Elsayed, an American who interned at IXO throughout Fall 2019 to complete a graduate practicum. She has since landed a job in the UAE and hopes to stay here long-term.

Gigi's internship at IXO was the last requirement for her Master in International Education Management program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, USA. "One of the benefits of completing the practicum at IXO was the opportunity to learn about different areas in international education management. For example, some practicum sites will either focus only on international student services or only on study abroad. At IXO, I worked on projects that focused not only on these, but also on professional development, alumni outreach, marketing and recruitment, etc. I was able to see and learn how the office operated as a whole and everything that went into it."

At her IXO birthday/farewell party

Working at IXO also broadened Gigi's scope of knowledge in her field in another way. "Professionally, I am more knowledgeable about education in the UAE. Since I grew up and studied in the USA, a lot of my knowledge regarding international education was very USA-focused, or European-focused, since I studied abroad in France. Having worked at IXO, I learned about international education from a different perspective."

"Overall, this was a great learning experience, and I appreciate and thank IXO for welcoming me and allowing me to complete [my Master's program] at AUS," she said.

Gigi doesn't plan on leaving the UAE anytime soon. "Ever since I studied abroad during my undergraduate studies, I always knew that I wanted to go abroad again. Currently, I am still living and working in the UAE, specifically in education. Hopefully by next fall, I will go back to school to receive a teaching diploma, and I hope to stay here long-term."


Suzana Saoud
IXO Publicity Specialist