International students dealing with feelings of isolation amid coronavirus epidemic
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Unable to travel back to their native countries, University of Southern Indiana international students, like many others in the Tri-State, have felt confined by the increased restrictions caused by the coronavirus.
USI senior Daniela Gonzalez, who lives in Mexico City, said the impact of the worldwide pandemic has been a major issue for her and other international students, as many of them have been forced to remain on campus and away from their families.
"We knew it would be a big deal once all the virus things started going on, but we never thought it would reach Evansville," Gonzalez said. "We're kind of lost in the mud."
As the President of USI's International Club, Gonzalez said a lot of her friends have developed a sense of isolation, especially with the university canceling in-person classes for the semester and forcing other students to move off campus.
USI freshman Jhair Ortega, originally from Panama, said university staff have made extensive efforts to help him and other international students feel comfortable staying on campus grounds.
"It's hard for everyone in the world, and I also know in our country it's getting worse every day, but I think I feel safe," he said. "If I go to my country, it will be worse because maybe I could get the virus. I feel very good here."
Beth Miles, a nurse practitioner with Deaconess Clinic who practices at the University Health Center, said USI is making every effort to ensure students are safe and are receiving the medical attention they need, especially with them being apart from their families.
"Their parents are paranoid, they’re terrified and I would be, too, if my child was in another country and I couldn’t get to them. So, definitely want to make sure that their parents are reassured that they are being taken care of.”
Throughout the closure, the school has held temporary medical clinics and several virtual meetings about proceedings going forward to try to help alleviate some of the concern and confusion around the pandemic.
"I would say the mass majority of people I've spoken to and have worked with really want to stay," said Heidi Gregori-Gahan, assistant provost for International Programs and Services. "I think they feel it's safest to just be in place and I think they feel supported."
During the closure period, USI has granted international students, and others forced to stay on campus, access to on-campus housing. University kitchens will provide daily meals through one of the school's food service operations.
Gregori-Gahan said the university is working to give students unlimited access to bus shuttles to shop for food and other necessities. There are also plans for activities that comply with social distancing guidelines.
"We just keep reiterating that we're all in this together," she said. "We're going to get through this and make the most of it as we can."
Gonzalez says she's hopeful the outbreak will be contained enough for her and other international students to safely travel back to their native countries by the summer.