July 2020 Newsletter: International Relations
International Mobility – The Faculty of Sciences’ International Relations Office Supports Students During the Covid-19 Lockdown
In light of the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting national decisions to close universities and implement lockdown measures, the University of Montpellier has had to take steps to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
During this highly unusual period, the International Relations Division of the UM Faculty of Sciences has stepped up to take on new responsibilities in response to the unprecedented health crisis caused by COVID-19.
As soon as the lockdown was declared on March 17, 2020, the International Relations Office of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Montpellier had to compile a list of and identify all students participating in study or internship programs abroad (200 students) and international students in Montpellier (120 students).
The priority then became communicating with all students regarding government announcements for both French and international students.
This required providing individual, daily follow-up for all French students remaining abroad to ensure their safe return. For those who had not yet departed, study abroad programs were suspended.
International students on supervised exchange programs in Montpellier were also informed of the new announcements allowing them, if they so wished, to return to their home countries. We remained vigilant regarding transportation availability, border crossings, and potential travel restrictions.
During the lockdown, the International Relations Office remained in close contact with students to assist them with their needs. The Head of the International Relations Office communicated daily with all students, partner universities, and the administration of the UM Faculty of Sciences.
“The Head of the International Relations Division played a specific role during the first four weeks of the lockdown in supporting students abroad. She worked closely with the central administrative offices of the University of Montpellier and the Faculty of Sciences to coordinate repatriation plans for students and remained attentive to the needs of all French and international students throughout this period.”
This experience—during a rather unusual time—was very intense; the global health crisis disrupted the mobility of students both abroad and in France.
"The International Relations Office of the Faculty of Sciences has successfully addressed the challenges faced by students throughout this very unusual period—the office has also worked closely with all the international relations coordinators from the various departments within the Faculty of Sciences to answer all students’ questions and assist them with their procedures."
A Study Abroad Student’s Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
“As a student in the Department of Biology and Ecology at the UM Faculty of Science, I went to Prague for two semesters as part of the Erasmus+ program. I had already been in Prague for six months when the virus arrived in the Czech Republic. Until then, largely unconcerned about the situation in Asia, I continued to go out and attend classes, and the only sign of an epidemic was the Czechs’ wariness toward Asian tourists, whom some restaurants were refusing entry.”
The Czech authorities restricted travel from China and northern Italy very early on. Even these initial measures didn’t make me realize how serious the disease was, since they didn’t affect our daily lives. That’s why I was surprised and confused when nightclubs, the university, bars, restaurants, and non-essential businesses closed one after another in early March, even though the country had fewer than 50 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
It was a very confusing time for us international students; we didn’t know whether we should return to France as soon as possible or wait a few weeks for the situation to return to normal.
At the same time, online classes were being set up. I initially decided to stay in Prague, where the situation seemed safer to me and to avoid traveling. But when a Czech friend told us that the borders were also going to close and that a lockdown was being imposed, many people chose to leave in a hurry. The French Embassy in Prague couldn’t offer us any help since the health situation in the Czech Republic didn’t justify repatriation. It was very hard psychologically to see all my friends leave and find myself in a lifeless city. My parents were very worried and insisted that I return to France. Fearing that I might be stuck in Prague for a long time, I bought a ticket for one of the last Prague-Paris flights, the prices of which had skyrocketed. So I returned to France.
I would like to thank the FdS International Relations Office, which has been very supportive throughout this entire period. I would also like to thank my IR coordinator in the Department of Biology and Ecology for guiding me through the process and ensuring my well-being until my return to Montpellier.
"Once I was back in France, I was able to take the courses offered by the University of Prague and take the exams online. Although I was very disappointed to have returned two months early, I have wonderful memories of my Erasmus experience."
Personal photos taken during the lockdown. People were allowed to go out for walks, but had to keep their faces covered or face a hefty fine. Nevertheless, Czechs stayed home.
The Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Charles Bridge are usually teeming with tourists.
Laëtitia
Bachelor’s in Biology, Environment, and Earth Sciences
Faculty of Sciences – University of Montpellier