Here’s the thing: we live in some pretty confusing and turbulent times right now; 2020 has just been one of those years. In our current times, it can be confusing to know what to do in your own country, much less knowing what to do when you go abroad.
We here at Study Abroad decided that it might be a good idea to give our international students sort of a guideline of what to expect when you go abroad to study in the Fall 2020 semester.
Keep in mind that this is just a general guide; every country, region, province/state, and city will have their own regulations for the do’s and don’ts regarding COVID-19. However, here is a list of general rules that we see all over the place that you might be able to expect when you get to your destination:
Face Masks
Face masks are generally required everywhere right now, and that is unlikely to change any time soon. In fact, as you read this it is likely that they are required where you live too.
This is because the science is in: they may actually help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout populations around the world. Don’t ask us how it works, but it apparently does; and it’s a small thing that every person can do to help in a big way to protect those most vulnerable.
Quarantine
Quarantine is nothing new; remember the memes we had for months about it?
As a general rule-of-thumb when going abroad for any reason, it is best to expect a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival wherever you are going.
The purpose of quarantine is to allow COVID-19 (if an entrant has it) to run its course through their body, and then to allow the person’s body to recover from the virus. The incubation period is roughly 14-days.
And we get it. Quarantine really sucks, especially when you don’t have COVID-19. But we have to remember that governments pass blanket policies like this because they are trying to keep their people safe and healthy. Just about everywhere will require this, and if you ask us, it’s a really small price to pay for a few months living your dream of studying abroad… plus it would be a great time to brush up on some neglected language skills or study materials before going back to school!
Social Distancing
Yes, we’re sure that you know all about this one. It’s a thing pretty much everywhere.
However, it might be one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 out there. Think about it: do you want a sick person breathing right in your face? Hopefully the answer is “no.”
What social distancing does is allows enough space between people to hopefully make the virus be out-of-reach from person to person.
Social distancing, like any other regulation that we aren’t used to might be frustrating, especially when you’re new to the country and trying to make new friends; but it could keep people healthy and even save lives.
What all this means for you?
It’s understandable to be frustrated; most people are. We just have to keep in mind that these new regulations that we find pretty much everywhere aren’t for fun- they’re for the health and safety of people everywhere.
So, with that we here at Study Abroad thank you for reading and also taking into consideration the health and safety of others while you live out your dreams. Happy travels!
