Across the world, college students are experiencing shifts in both education and their daily lives. The coronavirus pandemic has challenged humans and their ability to adapt and interact. However, it seems that international students are being hit the hardest.

In addition to virtual learning, students are faced with travel bans, visa issues, and different time zones. According to Penn State Global, in June 2020, Penn State had more than 11,000 international students, scholars, and faculty. International students make up a large percentage of the student body, and not only do they bring money to the school, but also recognition, programs, and enhance the overall Penn State experience.

NPR reported a 16% drop in international student enrollment in the United States in 2020. With Penn State’s decision to remain fully remote until February 15 due to the pandemic’s continuation, international student enrollment could drop again. In fact, some Penn State students are already making that tough choice.

Thuy Nguyen, a sophomore student from Vietnam who just transferred from Penn State, needed to make a difficult decision regarding her academic fate on a very short timeline because of the pandemic.

“When COVID hit, I had two days to decide if I should stay or leave State College,” Nguyen said. “I did not know how long I could stay in the U.S. and the fear of being kicked out drained all my energy.”

Nguyen said part of what weighing on her was Penn State’s delayed response on her status as an international student, and, of course, many other international students as well. By the time Penn State gave her some sort of answer, the United States had already implemented rules that made it difficult for them to stay. Specifically, the rule that international students cannot take only-online courses while remaining in the country.

Dara Detwongya, a biochemical engineering major from Thailand, said she felt supported by Penn State despite the challenges of taking online classes with a 12-hour time difference.

For Detwongya, the risk of traveling across the world during the pandemic to return to campus simply wasn’t worth it, so she remains in Thailand for the time being.

“At first, I was thinking about going back to campus in the spring, but I changed my mind to stay home because the university changed the return date, plus all my classes are online,” Detwongya said. “It made me realize that we will only be on campus for a couple of months and it’s not worth traveling across the world to risk my life. Moreover, if I get COVID, it’s easier to get access to healthcare [in Thailand] compared to the U.S.”

Many international students have a tough time receiving visas and permission to return to the U.S. for education, even if they have an in-person class. Many students from Thailand waited months and are still waiting to hear back from the Thai government, and some require a letter from a faculty member explaining why they should return. On the other hand, Penn State has also provided support by scheduling conflict exams for students in different time zones.

Thai Student Association President Atip Lawanprasert said that he’s heard of a few international students taking a gap year, while other students are facing stress due to heavy coursework and decided to take a break and step back this semester.

Many international students rely on their communities and student organizations to gather a sense of belonging and smoothly integrating into an American college, and now more than ever, that is a challenge. The health and safety of others seem to come with the price of losing the interactions and relationships that form within international organizations and in-person events.

Although many Penn State organizations and programs are adapting and reaching out to new and current members, the environment is not the same and requires more agency. However, that should not be misconstrued as less important — it has never been this crucial and relevant. 

A lot of fear comes from the unknown as colleges and students deal with the pandemic and learning online. It’s a hard place to be in when you’re an international student far from home and cannot see what restrictions will be placed next. For some, the best and safest decision is to remain at home.