International students from Hong Kong are quite excited and happy. After a long time, they are on a private jet with smiling faces and bright eyes. All of them are travelling to Australia after almost a year. They have grabbed a chance to study at Charles Darwin University in Australia.
Charles Darwin University has open the gates for international students
Hong Kong international students are feeling extremely special as they are traveling to Australia for higher studies. For the first time, they are out of their home country ever since the pandemic gripped the entire world.
Around 63 international students have already reached Darwin and completed their quarantine period. All 63 students are part of the pilot program to welcome international students in Australia. Charles Darwin University is happy to see the faces of international students after a long time. And they want to include more international students in 2021. Hopefully, the pandemic will be over by that time.
Several international students went back home during the pandemic. They had no choice. The pandemic was in its full swing throughout 2020, and it was too much risk to stay on the college campus. Plus, the Australian government had also implemented a ban on international borders after the pandemic. Many students who went back home could not enter Australia as the government did not allow non-citizens to get back into the country. Those who were fortunate enough to enter Australia had to be in quarantine for 14 days. Only then could they get out of their quadrant center.
Indeed Hong Kong students are excited. The first lot under the Australian government’s pilot program and the Charles Darwin University and the northern territory.
It is not only the Hong Kong students who are fortunate enough to be part of the pilot program. Students from Vietnam, China, Japan are also part of the program, and they have all taken a flight from Singapore. All of them have reached Australia and entered the campus of Charles Darwin University. Do you know that the owners of Charles Darwin University welcomed students with a smoking ceremony?
When many countries are busy implementing strict visa rules for public safety, Australia has already allowed 63 international students to enter the country.
The Australian government had asked the international students to stay in quarantine for two weeks in Darwin’s local area. Fortunately, none of the students were covid positive. This did not demotivate students. They were happy with the fact that the Australian government was ready to welcome them with some restrictions.
Many international students love Australia, its people, culture, food, and the beautiful facilities that they can enjoy here. So, they love coming back to the country. When the Australian government decided to enter the country with a 14-day quad and time, international students didn’t object. And why would they object? Several countries are not ready to welcome international students even when they are happy to serve the quarantine period. It includes countries like the USA and UK.
International students were thoroughly impressed with the arrangements of the Charles Darwin University in Australia. Many students didn’t get much time to prepare before boarding the flight to Australia. They were more concerned about getting the visa for the departure. The situation was such that they didn’t get much time to think about the quarantine period. It was a hectic schedule, but the international students were amazed by how Charles Darwin University arranged everything.
Usually, people get bored and frustrated during the quarantine period as they have nothing to do except living in a small room. Many people get depressed during these 14 days as they can’t meet other people. Charles Darwin University has ensured that international students do not feel harassed, bored, or frustrated during the quarantine period.
First of all, the University has made special arrangements for the students. They are not staying in a single room. They can meet people from a distance. They walk around in the campus designated for them as long as they are wearing their masks. Everything is smooth. So, international students are quite happy with the entire arrangement.
The way everything is done, international students can interact with other students, helping to reduce stress. They are not feeling lonely or sad. It is a new country for international students. It is an entirely new environment. They do not know anyone. So, as they are getting the opportunity to meet new students, they are gradually adjusting to the new environment with a positive state of mind.
Final notes
Charles Darwin University is already having talks with the government to bring additional international students in 2021. They are having discussions with the Australian government to arrange other flights from January 2021. Now everything depends upon the government’s permission. As it is, Charles Darwin University faced a lot of criticism in 20-20 when they launched the pilot program. Critics said that the government should first bring back the Australian students stranded in different parts of the world. And logic is not wrong. Any country will give first preference to their citizens. However, Charles Darwin University ignored all the criticisms and made beautiful arrangements to bring back their students. The pilot program’s successful execution has given the University the courage to negotiate with the Australian government for launching new pilot programs.
It is wrong to put the gun on the shoulder of the government. Covid-19 is not ready to leave this world yet. As such, the government is forced to continue its strict immigration rules.
Some international students in the Northern territory have tested covid positive. They will receive medical treatment in the Howard Springs quarantine facility. So, the Australian government may become vigilant again. In that case, Charles Darwin University is likely to face tough challenges from the government itself.
Let us hope when the ominous 2020 will be over, international students can explore the entire world without any reservations, restrictions, prejudices, and health hazards.
