THOUSANDS of Malaysian students at tertiary institutions overseas have returned home amid the global Covid-19 pandemic.
But many have chosen to remain overseas. With the situations changing at lightning speed, they share their unique experiences of dealing with the pandemic.
Pursuing Environmental and Sustainability Studies at the Western Michigan University in the United States, Aida Amirul, 21, decided to stay put due to health and academic concerns.
"Traveling overseas will not only risk my health, but also the possibility of returning to America in the fall semester. Current events are evolving quickly and cases in Michigan are rising daily. I'm not ready to put my degree on hold in the event of international border restrictions."
According to Aida, Michigan is under a state-wide stay at home order, which received mixed reactions.
"For a country that really values individual freedom, some people here believe that the government is infringing upon their rights. I think collectivist countries like Malaysia are more superior in dealing with a pandemic because we understand the concept of social obligations.
"So far, I have been relying on friends with cars to help me get groceries because the city buses are not in service."
Aida's university had transitioned completely to online learning in mid-March.
"While it provides more flexibility, some students don't have a suitable working environment or access to printers and required software which has been my personal struggle."
Keeping in touch with her family in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam daily, she added: "My family feels that it's better for me to stay abroad because anything could happen to jeopardise the process of obtaining my degree."
Kursk State Medical University, Russia medical student Adli Na'im Amran, 25, previously had a discussion with his parents and his deputy dean about returning to Malaysia.
"At that time, the situation in Malaysia was worse so we decided that it's better for me to stay here and focus on my studies. Unfortunately, the number of cases in Russia has increased rapidly since then, with the borders closing since March 30."
With self-isolation being enforced, Adli found himself getting used to a new routine.
"We now spend most of our time trying out different recipes, spring cleaning or working out. I have kept myself busy with assignments, books and puzzles to preserve my mental health. It's comfortable living here but I'm still worried about our safety during this outbreak."
He initially struggled to adapt to the virtual lessons being held from Monday to Saturday.
"We're supposed to be having our clinical cycles at the hospital, but everything's online now. As a medical student, I prefer traditional learning where I can practice what I learned."
Living at a hostel surrounded by shops, pharmacies and restaurants, Adli is grateful that he has adequate food supplies and basic necessities.
"The university and the Kursk Malaysian Student Association have been really supportive. There is a weekly Q&A session on Instagram for students to get the latest updates in this situation.
"Any parent would want their children to be with them during this unfortunate crisis, but I'm 8,000km away. I can only pray that they are safe," he said.
Nuradlyna Mohd Johari, 21 is a second year Business (Psychology) student at Dublin Business School, who currently lives with her younger sister, Nur Hannah and a friend.
The sisters chose to stick to their original plan of spending the summer in Dublin.
"I feel that by travelling, there's a higher risk of infection, especially with the number of positive cases among those who flew home. I told my mum about this, and she understands."
Ireland imposed a quarantine on March 13, and classes were moved online a few days after.
"We're only in quarantine, so people are allowed to go out for walks and exercise. I'm coping well with the situation. Living with my sister and friend, we keep each other sane and entertained. I also started learning the Korean language."
Nuradlyna said she would make video calls to her parents every day.
"Before the fasting month started, my mum called saying that she missed us, and she started crying. Hopefully, we will be able to go home for our winter break."
Meanwhile, there are Malaysian students who made it home after spending a challenging time abroad.
Chi Xin Yee, 21, is an accounting and finance student of the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with INTI International University and Colleges.
Her semester abroad programme was cut short as the situation in the United Kingdom worsened.
"I bought my flight ticket for double the price than normal, yet, this was the cheapest option. There were only around 30 passengers on the Airbus A350-900."
Upon her arrival in Malaysia on April 3, Chin was quarantined for two weeks. She spent her time continuing her studies online.
"I have learnt the importance of adaptability, and that life is full of unknown challenges. You can never be fully prepared, but that's part of the learning experience," she said.
INTI International College mass communications student Michelle Lee May Ling, 20, successfully completed her internship at a luxury resort, Vakkaru Maldives before the pandemic escalated.
However, her flight on March 19 was cancelled, leaving her stranded on the island resort.
"On April 6, I received news that the Malaysian Embassy had requested the Maldives' government to help bring stranded Malaysians home.
"At noon the next day, I still couldn't get a ticket. I almost gave up hope as even the seaplane services to the main island had ceased operations."
Eventually, Lee managed to catch one of the last flights out of the country. Despite everything, she valued the experiences gained from the overseas internship.
"I had the chance to work with celebrities like Megan Hess, the fashion illustrator. The Covid-19 outbreak also taught me about crisis management, as there were numerous inquiries about cancellations due to travel restrictions."
