Vedangi and Mashenka both arrived in Georgia in January 2020 as international medical students. They study at the Tbilisi Open University and upon graduation are hoping to become surgeons.

The year of 2020 turned out to be emotionally challenging for Mashenka. As an only child she had to leave her home in India for the first time ever. Mashenka recalls that the first week spent in Georgia was especially difficult. She missed her parents greatly and spent the whole time crying in her small room in a hostel where she lives with other students from India. Fortunately, she soon was able to engage in the university life, finding new friends and discovering many exciting aspects of her studies.

Mashenka is a future cardiologist. She has dreamed of becoming a surgeon since childhood. She says that her choice most probably was influenced by her mother who is also a medical worker. Mashenka is aware of the complexity of her future profession. She knows that even one small mistake made by a surgeon may take away a patient’s life. This knowledge helps her focus on her studies.

Vedangi too is passionate about her studies, in particular she is interested in human anatomy. Both Mashenka and Vedang like their professors, who they find friendly and always available for help or advice. They love to attend weekly practical trainings at one of Tbilisi clinics, where students can communicate with patients and learn from the experience of practicing doctors.

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic saw most universities and students across the globe adjusting to the distance learning process. This was also the case with Vedangi and Mashenka. They seem quite satisfied with the quality of online lectures, although noting that sometimes professors are unable to cover all the topics during the online communication. Vedangi also mentions that she now must study harder than before as examinations are conducted orally which requires more efforts to prepare.

Staying at home and maintaining social distancing has been quite stressful for Mashenka. She misses the time when she played basketball outside with her Georgian and Indian friends. Mashenka believes that by keeping a positive attitude, people will be able to return to the lifestyle they enjoyed before the outbreak of COVID-19. She is convinced that it is essential that people act in coordination with the government and epidemiologists, taking care of themselves and others.

Unlike Mashenka, Vedangi says that her quarantine time was not boring at all. On the one hand, she was busy attending online classes and doing her homework. On the other hand, she never felt isolated as she lives with all her friends in a student hostel located not far from her university. She thinks the Georgian government has been dealing well with the threat of spreading the coronavirus, however she is convinced that people should stay vigilant and take the COVID-19 seriously.

Both girls feel comfortable in Georgia. They like Georgia’s climate and people who are friendly and supportive. Mashenka says she chose Georgia for her studies for several reasons, including relatively low tuition fees, high standards of education, and safety. Equally important was the fact that Mashenka is Christian like most people in Georgia. Vedangi is also happy with her choice of country and is looking forward to the summer vacations to see more of Tbilisi as she was unable to visit all the sights due to quarantine.

Vedangi and Mashenka are very motivated. They know that being a surgeon requires a lot of knowledge and courage, and that constant professional development is key to success. They are determined not to stop at what has been accomplished and continue to postgraduate studies.

The COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis. The threat remains the virus: not people, not migrants, not stranded, or displaced persons. The pandemic is borderless; people are affected regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, or status.

Migrants are not inherently more vulnerable to, or at heightened risk of, contracting infectious diseases. Rather, it is the conditions in which they migrate, live, or work that influence or compound health risks, including access to health services.

As an immediate impact, travel restrictions and border closures have left thousands of migrants stranded around the world, from labourers to international students, in need of assistance and in often precarious situations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken to the core international trade and travel. This is not limited to migrant workers but also affects tourists, businesspersons, students, cross-border trade, as well as free movement and regional integration regimes. The closure of borders has widespread implications, including for future migration dynamics. Where and when travel and mobility resume, additional health requirements will be put in place required from the origin, and including transit and destination countries.

Globally IOM is ensuring full inclusion and social cohesion of migrants and societies through evidence-based public discourse, communication and information campaigns to dispel fears and misconceptions.

This pandemic has revealed how none will be safe until all are safe.  And this requires a shared and collective interest in the safety and well-being of all.
 

Photos by Eric Gourlan

Interview by NGO Rights Georgia

SDG 4 - Quality Education
SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
 

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