Influence of Pandemic Virus Corona on Student Mobility
Epidemy in China caused by the new virus corona has quickly become the global epidemics. International health issues have become local, and currently the only solution is seen in responsible behavior of individuals. It is too soon to make conclusions on the consequences, but the great influence to all life aspects is beyond any doubt.
On this occasion we will look back on new situations caused by virus corona to student exchange, as an important aspects of student mobility and internationalization of all universities in general.
Among students, the most popular is student mobility within Erasmus+ program, which is completely justified, since financial and organizational they are most attractive to students. In addition to making new friends and meeting other cultures, students have the opportunity to learn or improve foreign language, acquire new competences and experience, and upon coming back their chances for employment are greater.
Virus corona has caught many students on exchange in developed European countries that were the first victims. New situation in the beginning of March was a kind of test of functionality and sustainability of Erasmus+ program, and also its appealing to students in the future. So far experience says that crucial role had and have every day the offices for international cooperation of partner universities that are the first call center when the problem arises. Every day and open communication of partner universities, so students are timely and accurately informed, in this situation has a precious importance. Officers keep in touch with all students, keep up with the situation, give information and advice. In regard with teaching, online teaching has revived on all universities so students have the opportunity to attend lectures and continue studying, if not returning to their country.
The European Commission reacted giving guidelines in case of the "force majeure", contained in all agreements, and related to limitations in terms of mobility. Implementation of rules within this item will be additionally review in each case separately.
So far it seems that all actors have timely reacted aligned with their role and possibilities.
International cooperation offices, or universities displayed concern by putting into disposal capacities to help students, national agencies and Erasmus offices mediated between universities and European Commission, states provided returning for all the ones who wanted to come back home. Also, all universities allowed students to make decisions by themselves. All this is beneficial for the fact that attractiveness and usefulness of scholarships should not be diminished after pandemics, yet possibilities should be taken even more offered by the Erasmus+ program.
We have to emphasizes that there also negative experiences, but also requests for prolongation of mobility, despite of the situation. We say one more time that it is too soon for making any conclusions and functioning in extraordinary circumstances is new for all. Certainly, the most relevant will be experiences of the ones who are currently on exchange and the ones waiting for implementation of contracted exchanges in the next semester.
Finally, advice for all students, whether they are abroad or in the country, is to follow advice and measures of the staying country and stay home. Currently, that is the only way in this fight against pandemics.