The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has been accelerating in many countries around the world, and the number of infections has skyrocketed. How to better support the students, especially the exchange students who are currently overseas and international students has become a new topic for Nottingham University Business School China (NUBS China).

All teachers were mobilised to give briefings and advice for international students who do not have the awareness of wearing masks. During the epidemic, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) also set up a shuttle bus for international students to help them regularly purchase daily necessities from nearby supermarkets. The staff’s diligence efforts made most international students very thankful during their stay in the UNNC.

The work of the school counsellors has been formidable. Besides gathering statistical data for the safety of all students and daily student affairs, they have also done a lot of extra work, such as transporting luggage for exchange students who cannot return to school on time. 

The Student Affairs Team sent materials related to epidemic prevention to students who are staying in severely affected countries and regions, and guided them in response and protection from the epidemic emergency through written communication and video calls. Handwritten wishes from Professor Martin Lockett, Dean of NUBS China, along with masks were sent with care and blessings across the oceans to the exchange students in the UK, Malaysia and other countries. Dr Peter Morgan, Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience, also ramped up efforts to help tutors improve the online teaching ability amid the outbreak. 

Ni Shuyuan is studying for a degree in International Business Management and currently exchanging at Loughborough University in the UK. She complies with the home quarantine rules in the UK and attends online classes at the same time. Although she cannot return to China, for the time being, receiving masks from NUBS China has given her and her classmates a sense of warmth.

In addition, all personal tutors have increased awareness of exchanging out and exchanging in students. They are being asked to have virtual meetings or phone calls with exchange students to make sure that they are safe and sound right now. For example, helping to deal with exchange out students having questions about transferring back to UNNC, or whether it is possible to join the virtual exams in the UNUK. Module conveners have also provided extra assistance for exchange out students who are just coming back and are having problems in joining online classes.

All students, especially exchange students overseas, please do stay safe and healthy. We are always here when you need us.