
{"id":3462,"date":"2020-04-27T04:54:59","date_gmt":"2020-04-27T04:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/home-and-away-7-international-researchers-talk-about-their-life-in-quarantine\/"},"modified":"2025-02-18T12:19:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T12:19:38","slug":"home-and-away-7-international-researchers-talk-about-their-life-in-quarantine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/home-and-away-7-international-researchers-talk-about-their-life-in-quarantine","title":{"rendered":"Home and away: 7 International researchers talk about their life in quarantine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-IN\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-IN\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Stagnation does not a good explorer make and what are researchers if not intellectual explorers? They chase questions and hypotheses, and to do so, many shift wherever necessary to make sure they are at the best country and institution for themselves and their research and become international grad students or researchers.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span lang=\"EN-IN\" style=\"font-size:12.0pt\" xml:lang=\"EN-IN\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">The COVID-19 pandemic quarantine has thrown everyone\u2019s lives in disarray and international researchers are no exception. As the quarantine started researchers have been forced to self-isolate and stay away from their lab, institution, or even friends. We already found that while they are abroad <span class=\"MsoHyperlink\" style=\"color:blue\"><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-i-practiced-self-care-as-an-international-researcher-4-researchers-share-their-experiences?refer=insights-search-posts\" style=\"color:blue; text-decoration:underline\">international researchers have to struggle<\/a><\/span><\/span> to deal with a lot, e.g., visa-related problems, cultural differences, or homesickness. So, how has the COVID-19 pandemic changed things? Given that international researchers have moved away from home and the familiar, we wanted to know how are dealing with the situation. To know more, I reached out to some researchers to know how their life has changed since the pandemic, how they are coping with being in quarantine, if they have any specific challenges, what kind of support they are receiving, and what are they drawing hope and strength from in these times? Read on to find what each researcher had to say.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span class=\"MsoHyperlink\" style=\"color:blue\"><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><b><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/n_wiggenhauser\" style=\"color:blue; text-decoration:underline\">Nicolas Wiggenhauser<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">PhD candidate, Anthropological Sciences, Stony\u00a0Brook\u00a0University, New York, USA<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">From: Argentina<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nicolas Wiggenhauser\" class=\"media-element file-default\" style=\"width: 200px; height: 200px;\" title=\"Nicolas Wiggehauser\" src=\"https:\/\/insights.cactusglobal.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Nicolas%20Wiggenhauser%20profile.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I am doing great during the quarantine. I am aware this is a challenge (both mentally and physically for a lot of people), but I am able to balance work and leisure during these times\u00a0of\u00a0uncertainty. I am extremely fortunate to be able to keep working remotely on my doctoral research, as well as on teaching my labs of Human Anatomy at Stony Brook University.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">But my life has been affected in multiple ways. Most importantly, the uncertainty that this pandemic is producing has undoubtedly\u00a0modified my plans for the next few months regarding my research, conferences, and grant\u00a0applications. I have been writing and submitting grants as usual, but there is a lot of uncertainty in terms of the timing\u00a0of disbursement, and my travel for collecting data has to be rescheduled. I am confident that I will be able to do it towards the end of summer.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Although I am not particularly\u00a0affected as\u00a0an international\u00a0student, I understand the limitations we face regarding job opportunities during summer. The COVID-19 pandemic has\u00a0drastically changed the standard job offers and opportunities available to researchers. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I am thankful to count on a strong support system: the other students in\u00a0my graduate\u00a0program, my friends and colleagues, and especially my family in Argentina. (Technology has been really useful and helped me connect with people from all over the world!) <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I think we all need to stay positive, optimistic, and patient. We must do everything in our power to stop the spread of the virus and flatten the curve. As of right now, the only feasible solutions are staying at home, practicing social distancing, supporting the\u00a0brave first responders, and waiting.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span class=\"MsoHyperlink\" style=\"color:blue\"><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><b><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AlexMaldoLopez\" style=\"color:blue; text-decoration:underline\">Alexandra Maldonado Lopez<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">PhD candidate, Genetics and Epigenetics, Perelman school of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">From: Puerto Rico<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Alexandra Maldonado Lopez\" class=\"media-element file-default\" style=\"width: 175px; height: 200px;\" title=\"Alexandra Maldonado Lopez\" src=\"https:\/\/insights.cactusglobal.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Alexandra%20M%20Lopez%20profile.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">During the pandemic, I have realized that I immersed myself in lab work to not think about my family and friends back home. I left my hometown of Coamo, Puerto Rico and everyone behind for my future, but I miss and worry about them constantly. Now that I can\u2019t go to the lab to do my research, I am experiencing all the support I can get from them. Every day, we dedicate time to video chat together, which gives me the motivation to continue on the uphill path of being a PhD student. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I have also learned that I am not alone in my new city. My labmates, housemates and mentors are constantly there for me when I need it the most. This pandemic has made me aware of the great support system I have, both back in my hometown and now in my new home. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I also find that music is helping me cope with the situation. I have turned to world music from every genre to focus, express my feelings, and just be myself. And in these times, music has eased my quarantine by making me feel connected to the world.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span class=\"MsoHyperlink\" style=\"color:blue\"><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><b><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarmenFalcone6\" style=\"color:blue; text-decoration:underline\">Carmen Falcone<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Postdoctoral researcher, Evolutionary developmental neuroscience, University of California -Davis, USA<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">From: Italy<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Carmen Falcone\" class=\"media-element file-default\" style=\"width: 200px; height: 200px;\" title=\"Carmen Falcone\" src=\"https:\/\/insights.cactusglobal.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Carmen%20Falcone%20profile.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I am Carmen, and I have been working as a postdoc in Sacramento, California, since 2018. My home country is Italy. Due to the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic spread in Italy and then in the US, I was paying close attention to the situation from the very beginning. While listening to the terrible news from my home country, I advised my local colleagues and friends about precautions that we should undertake. When my husband and I heard Italy was going under full lockdown, and we heard about the first outbreaks in the US too, we decided to start working from home. I am lucky enough to have an accommodating supervisor who still supports me as I work from home. Although I research in a wet lab, I also often have data to analyze or applications\/manuscripts that are left behind. Therefore, I have been able to carry on my work from home, and to use it as a distraction from the pandemic for most of the days. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I am lucky to be in a healthy relationship and have food and shelter, but nevertheless, this whole situation creates increasing stress. I used to participate in sports often or go out for dinner, and I miss both things a lot. I had to cancel my yearly travel to my home country, and, although necessary, this leaves me a bitter feeling. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">My main strategy for coping with the current situation is being in contact with friends and family, both close and far, through virtual meetings as much as possible. I have tried to take this as an opportunity to do things that I did not have the time for before, such as creating my own website. Although I have health insurance and regular VISA, as an international postdoc here I am worried about how the health system will deal with non-US citizens in case the hospitals become overcrowded. However, I feel really supported thanks to my husband, my Postdoc Union at UC Davis, my International Service System and my supervisor. So far, I am hopeful for science and optimistic that researchers will find the right treatments and a vaccine. In the meantime, we should stay at home as much as possible to flatten the curve and not be ashamed if our productivity slows down during such an unprecedented situation.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span class=\"MsoHyperlink\" style=\"color:blue\"><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><b><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NataLazzza\" style=\"color:blue; text-decoration:underline\">Nata\u0161a Lazarevi\u0107<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">PhD candidate, Health science and Physics, University of Sydney, Australia <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">From: Serbia (now an Australian citizen)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Natasa Lazarevic\" class=\"media-element file-default\" style=\"width: 150px; height: 200px;\" title=\"Natasa Lazarevic\" src=\"https:\/\/insights.cactusglobal.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Natasa%20Lazarevic%20profile.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I am extremely lucky that last year I became an Australian citizen. It has changed so many aspects of my life and I feel like more opportunities are at my disposal. But my father still lives in Germany and my grandmother and other relatives live in Serbia. I try to talk to them every day, but the distance between us leads to a very stressful thought that I will never be able to see them again. As my family and friends are scattered around the world, I realize how hard that distance can be especially when some of them are facing mental health issues. The advancement of technology has allowed us to video call one another, which is brilliant, but sometimes a hug and physical presence is all someone needs. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I think I am coping quite well with the self-isolation and physical distancing measures so far. I have found that I have managed to cope well by repeatedly reminding myself of how lucky I am to have a home in which I can self-isolate and to have people who care for and support me. Putting things into perspective during these times has been so valuable for me. For instance, comparing our current situation to the Plague and how lucky we are, given our current medical knowledge and facilities and our understanding of the human body. I have also found that getting into a routine has been extremely helpful for my work, exercise and social life balance. This involves consistent sleeping patterns (which I am yet to master). <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I have lived in 5 different countries (Germany, Serbia, Botswana, United Arab Emirates and Australia), which means I am lucky enough to have friends scattered all over the world, but this makes it even harder to keep in touch with them. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Due to the pandemic, I have been able to catch up with childhood friends, which has been amazing. I find that I am at some points I am also drained by the many video calls and conversations I have. I have to remind myself that the catch ups should not feel a part of my to-do list but should be something I want to do at a given time. I feel like there should be a balance between making time for yourself and your thoughts and time for your friends and family. I also need to learn to prioritize my own wellbeing sometimes.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"> co-founded <span class=\"MsoHyperlink\" style=\"color:blue\"><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visibilitystemafrica.com\/\" style=\"color:blue; text-decoration:underline\">Visibility STEM Africa<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span> and working on it during this time, gives me strength. The pandemic illustrates the significance of having more Africans on the ground who are able to and have the facilities to deal with such public health issues. We also wish to change the narrative surrounding Africans in STEM and give them opportunities to flourish. Working on such an initiative has given me strength and hope that we can make a difference. I also find strength in my partner, family and friends.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span class=\"MsoHyperlink\" style=\"color:blue\"><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><b><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/alassopairts\" style=\"color:blue; text-decoration:underline\">Betul Seda Usta<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><span style=\"color:#212121\">PhD candidate, Education, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><span style=\"color:#212121\">From: Turkey<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Betul Seda Usta\" class=\"media-element file-default\" style=\"width: 200px; height: 200px;\" title=\"Betul Seda Usta\" src=\"https:\/\/insights.cactusglobal.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Betul%20Seda%20Usta%20profile_2.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I\u2019m not coping very well at the moment because I am an extremely extroverted person with anxiety disorder, so not being able to meet up with friends or even just go out to have coffee is brutal for me. It also takes a great toll on me to be away from all my family, thinking if they are protected enough. Watching the depressing news about both my country, Turkey, and what\u2019s going on here doubles my anxiety. Thankfully, I have my partner here who supports me immensely, but that also comes with its own set of problems! He got rather sick recently and that worsened an already stressful situation. But it was not COVID related so that was a relief! <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Something that was incredibly inconvenient for me during these times was how late the British government and universities were in addressing the situation. This inevitable affected most Tier 4 visa students like me. By the time my university made the official announcement that Tier 4 students\u2019 visas would not be cancelled if they left for more than 2 months, Turkey had already closed its borders. Anyway, not all universities decided to this mind you! There were some that pretty much told its international students that they\u2019re on their own if they go away and they should think about the visa implications before leaving. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Sometime later the Turkish government arranged a flight from Scotland for stranded students but I decided against going because I didn\u2019t know how long I\u2019d have to be away from my partner and because I did not want to risk the possibility even of being a carrier of the virus and exposing my mum to it, who\u2019s at a higher risk of getting the disease.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">At the moment, I am not really finding hope or strength. Instead I think about how I have not been to Turkey since September, 2019. My partner and I were planning to go towards the end of Ramadan, which is around 21<sup>st<\/sup> May. It would have been the first time that he and my family would have met each other. I am incredibly homesick and now it\u2019s gotten worse because I don\u2019t know when this will pass. I am missing home like crazy and I am cooped up in a house I can\u2019t leave and there&#8217;s no good food! I had also just started my data collection on site before everything collapsed, so now I am looking at a possible time loss of 6-months or more with regard to my PhD. It would help immensely if my university gave me an extension and I will certainly seek it, but I am afraid they might ask me to completely change my thesis topic if things go south. Even if they do give me an extension, it still means I\u2019ll have to live in Edinburgh 6 months longer than I had imagined \u2014 so that&#8217;s taking a huge toll on me as well.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"CxSpMiddle\" style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/julia.swan.73\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><b><u><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Julia Swan <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/b><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><span style=\"color:#212121\">PhD candidate, Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><span style=\"color:#212121\">From: South Africa<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Julia Swan\" class=\"media-element file-default\" style=\"width: 200px; height: 200px;\" title=\"Julia Swan\" src=\"https:\/\/insights.cactusglobal.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Julia%20swan%20profile.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I did my masters in Sweden and am doing my PhD in Finland. I am managing during this time \u2013 trying to work out what I can do to make progress on my PhD whilst at home. I am most affected that I am not able to go to the lab to do the necessary experiments.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">As an international student, it can be difficult as I do not have long-standing relationships with any of my friends and colleagues. This is difficult as, I have 2 cats, and have been uncertain if someone could help take care of them if I get too sick and have to go to hospital. During this time, you just have to ask for help from friends and colleagues, even if you have only known each other for a few months. Here, everyone has been very supportive and helpful. Someone has agreed to also help me with my cats if I get sick.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">My partner lives with me abroad and this has been a great support. I also have a wonderful supervisor, who does not put unnecessary pressures on me during this time. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I have planned my experiments in such detail now at home, that when I know I can safely go back to work, I think I will make a lot of progress. It is also good to reach out to fellow PhD students as it is easy to feel isolated during this time. Most of the time, other people feel just the same as you do and you do not need to go through this alone.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><u><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><b><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Choe Ilman<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">PhD candidate, Philosophy, <span style=\"color:#222222\">University of W\u00fcrzburg, Germany<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><strong><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\"><span style=\"color:#222222\">From: South Korea<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Choe Ilman\" class=\"media-element file-default\" style=\"width: 170px; height: 200px;\" title=\"Choe Ilman\" src=\"https:\/\/insights.cactusglobal.com\/sites\/default\/files\/Choe%20Ilman%20profile.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">I am studying in Germany for my PhD. I came to Korea for holiday before the COVID-19 pandemic escalated. But the situation changed drastically, and it became impossible to follow my plan and go back to Germany. Europe shut down and the flights were all cancelled. Since universities in Germany have been closed and people banned from going out, even if I had gone to Germany, daily life and research would have been more difficult than in Korea. But there are issues regarding visa extension and communication with my supervisor, and I know I must return to Germany soon. The difficulty is the uncertainty of what the situation will be.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">It is not very difficult to spend time at home as I usually studied at home. What&#8217;s most difficult is that it is impossible to meet and make a conversation with a person. I cancelled my plan to go to my hometown, Daegu, which is the most severely affected city in Korea by COVID-19.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">Currently, I rarely go out except to go to a supermarket for buying grocery. I went out of the apartment complex I live in, only once since the 2<sup>nd<\/sup> of March. It is fortunate that Korea has a good delivery system, so I can get everything that I need without going out.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:11pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:Calibri,sans-serif\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"line-height:115%\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">The Internet gives me a lot of hope and strength. It&#8217;s a real relief that I can interact via e-mail with my supervisor in Germany during my stay in Korea. Fortunately, it seems Germany is coping relatively well against COVID-19 and the situation is gradually being controlled.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/covid19.researcher.life\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Default Alt text\" class=\"media-element file-default\" title=\"Default Title Text\" src=\"https:\/\/insights.cactusglobal.com\/sites\/default\/files\/728x90%20%283%29_0.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"><span style=\"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif\">These are tough times for everyone in the world, not just in academia. But even within academia there are some who could use that extra support. It\u2019s not easy being far from the familiar, and definitely much less so in times of uncertainty. If you know international researchers, I hope the experiences shared here\u00a0inspire\u00a0you to reach out to them and ask them how they are doing, maybe get on a call with them and share a cup of tea or coffee together, even if apart.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stagnation does not a good explorer make and what are researchers if not intellectual explorers? They chase questions and hypotheses, and to do so, many shift wherever necessary to make sure they are at the best country and institution for themselves and their research and become international grad students or researchers.\u00a0 \u00a0 The COVID-19 pandemic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1753,"featured_media":33313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2445],"tags":[2711,2703],"new_categories":[],"new_tags":[],"series":[],"class_list":["post-3462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-covid-19","tag-covid-19","tag-mental-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Home and away: 7 international researchers talk about how their lives have been affected by the 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