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 exceptional period, the International Relations Division of the UM Faculty of Sciences 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 directed at both French and international students.
This required providing individual, daily follow-up for all French students who remained abroad to ensure their safe return. For those who had not yet departed, exchange 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. At the same time, we remained vigilant regarding the availability of transportation, border crossings, and potential travel restrictions.
During the lockdown, the International Relations Division remained in close contact with students to assist them with their needs. The Head of the International Relations Division interacted on a daily basis with all students, partner universities, and the administration of the UM Faculty of Sciences.
“The Head of the International Relations Division played a very specific role during the first four weeks of the lockdown in supporting students who were abroad. She had to coordinate with the central administrative offices of the University of Montpellier and the Faculty of Sciences on repatriation plans for students and remain 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 in the various departments of the Faculty of Sciences to answer all students’ questions and assist them with their procedures."
A Testimonial from an Exchange Student During the COVID-19 Pandemic
“As a student in the UM Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, 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 reached the Czech Republic. Until then, I hadn’t been very concerned about the situation in Asia; I kept going out and attending 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 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 the coronavirus.
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 going to be 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 warrant repatriation. It was very hard emotionally to see all my friends leave and find myself in a city that had come to a standstill. My parents were very worried and insisted that I return to France. Fearing that I might be stranded 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 back in France, I was able to take courses from 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 a walk, but had to keep their faces covered or face a heavy fine. Nevertheless, the Czechs stayed home.
The Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the Charles Bridge are usually crowded with tourists.
Laëtitia
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Environment, and Earth Sciences
Faculty of Sciences – University of Montpellier