Should International Students Stay or Return Home During the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic?

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SITUATION REMAINS CRITICAL

?!? SHOULD INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STAY OR RETURN HOME AT THIS TIME!?

Currently, many parents and international students are deeply concerned about the rapid progression of the pandemic and are undecided about whether to stay abroad or return home.

Below are excerpts addressing these concerns. We invite parents and students to refer to them:

INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VIETNAMESE CITIZENS AND STUDENTS RESIDING IN THE UNITED STATES"

1. Should I return to Vietnam at this time?

• Given the current situation, consider avoiding air travel due to the high risk of infection in crowded places such as airports, bus stations, train stations, public transport, long flights, and close contact with people whose health status is unclear.

2. I am an international student studying in the United States. My school has asked me to leave the dormitory, find accommodation, and continue studying online. What should I do? Will I be quarantined if I return to Vietnam? If so, will it be centralized or at home?

• Discuss with your school the possibility of staying in the dormitory for those who cannot find temporary accommodation or return home. This is especially relevant if returning home might affect the maintenance of your student visa status, visa renewal, or reentry into the United States later.

• If you reside in areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases, remain calm, avoid panic, follow official news updates, and adhere to local authorities' guidelines on disease prevention. Stay at home and avoid public places unless absolutely necessary. Stay updated with school announcements for timely support.

• Follow recommendations from your school and local government regarding self-protection measures against COVID-19 (e.g., avoiding outbreak areas, staying indoors, limiting movement, avoiding crowded places, practicing personal hygiene, boosting your immune system, avoiding contact with sick individuals, self-isolating if symptoms arise, and contacting your school and the nearest healthcare facility for timely guidance).

• To minimize the risk of infection during air travel, Vietnamese international students are advised to stay in their current country of residence.

• If returning to Vietnam is unavoidable, note that all individuals entering Vietnam (foreigners or Vietnamese citizens) are subject to health screenings and quarantine in accordance with current Vietnamese regulations. Vietnam requires centralized quarantine for arrivals from the US, Europe, ASEAN countries, China, South Korea, and Iran, and home or monitored quarantine for others not under centralized quarantine.

3. If I must travel by air, how can I prepare to minimize infection risk?

• Limit eating and drinking on flights; prepare dry snacks and warm milk (if liquid restrictions apply, bring powdered milk for mixing).
• Minimize restroom use on planes and in public areas.
• Disinfect personal items, including shoes, bags, and belongings.
• Plug ears with cotton swabs soaked in disinfectant.
• Always wear a mask—preferably a tight-fitting 3M mask or double masks (a fabric mask inside and a medical mask outside).
• Regularly disinfect with antiseptic solutions, including wiping the outer surface of your mask and glasses.
• Bring mints and mild sedatives to reduce stress and improve sleep.

4. Whom should I contact in case of emergencies?

• In emergencies, contact local authorities (nearest healthcare facility, 911, local police), the nearest Vietnamese representative office (Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, Consulate in New York, Consulates General in Houston and San Francisco), and family.

Emergency contact points for support:

• Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, DC: +1 202 716 8666 | Email: visatovn@vietnamembassy.us
• Consulate General of Vietnam in Houston: +1 832 998 6238
• Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco: +1 415 922 1707
• Consulate of Vietnam in New York: +1 212 644 2535 / +1 212 644 0831
• Citizen Protection Hotline (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): +84 981 84 84 84

For more information and updates about schools, programs, travel, and medical support, contact OSI Vietnam via Zalo/Viber/Whatsapp: 0908.123.365 | 0937.735.258 | 0937.735.259

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