Disorientation: Navigating the Pandemic as an International Student

COVID-19 has totally changed students’ experience with higher education, and the difficulties faced by international students are especially challenging. Under global COVID-19 restrictions, international students are especially vulnerable to institutional decisions. Failing to receive financial support and assistance transitioning to life on campus from Barnard and Columbia, international students at our institution have had their lives derailed. What are their difficulties? Are they sufficiently supported? Today’s story unveils their journeys and their evolving relationships with the University throughout the pandemic. Credits • Reported by Siqi Qin • Produced by Sam Hyman • Music by Sam Hyman • Script edited by Sam Hyman, Claire Schnatterbeck, and Natalie Goldberg • Illustration by Taylor Yingshi