Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chinese Higher Education

A Reflection upon International Student Support

Authors

  • Yun Zhang
  • Yining Zhu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v12iS1.4612

Keywords:

COVID-19 pandemic,, higher education,, China, University of Nottingham Ningbo, international students,, student affairs,

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed overwhelming challenges to higher education around the world. It has significantly affected the internationalization of Chinese higher education. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), as the first Sino-foreign cooperative university in the country, has witnessed a growing number of international students from 70 countries and regions in recent years. In response to the pandemic, the University has developed a series of strategies to support international students on campus and overseas. Through a case study approach, we explore the significant problems encountered by international students during this challenging time and the services and support provided by the University to help them cope with such challenges. It proceeds to reflect upon effective measures implemented so far and lessons learned. We aim to provide useful experience and advice for higher education professionals responding to issues pertaining to international student management and services in times of crisis.

Author Biographies

  • Yun Zhang

    YUN ZHANG, is the Director of Department of Campus Life at University of Nottingham Ningbo China. His research interests include international student education and management, and intercultural communication. He worked as an international student support advisor and then a manager for 10 years. He is currently chairing two research projects on international student support and management endorsed by Zhejiang Provincial Government and Ningbo Municipal Government. Email: david.zhang@nottinghan.edu.cn

  • Yining Zhu

    YINING ZHU is an international student support advisor of Department of Campus Life at University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Her current research interests include international higher education, international student mobility, and international student on-campus experience.  Her recent publications include International Students’ Perceptions of the Mission and Values of US Mission- Driven Institutions: A Comparative Study in a Private Jesuit Research University (Boston College). Email: Yining.Zhu@nottingham.edu.cn

References

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Wang, X., Hujjaree, K., & Wang, F. (2020). Mental health impacts for international students during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-49168/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-49168/v1

Xu, T. (2021). Psychological distress of international students during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: Multidimensional effects of external environment, individuals’ behavior, and their values. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(18), 9758. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189758 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189758

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Published

2022-02-06

How to Cite

Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chinese Higher Education: A Reflection upon International Student Support . (2022). Journal of International Students, 12(S1), 118-124. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v12iS1.4612