When COVID-19 hit the Chinese mainland, international students like Boris from Russia and Maria from Pakistan faced a life-changing decision: stay or leave? 📱 Their stories reveal resilience, trust in local systems, and unexpected camaraderie.
Boris, a postgraduate student in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, chose to document his experience through photos and videos. \"I wanted to show the world how campuses were sanitized daily and how communities supported each other,\" he shared. His social media posts highlighted temperature checks, contactless meal deliveries, and virtual classes – measures that earned praise from global followers. ✅
Maria’s journey was different. After her family urged her to return to Pakistan immediately, her university rolled out strict safety protocols: mandatory masks, 24/7 medical hotlines, and free antigen test kits. \"When I video-called my parents to show our dorm’s disinfection routines, they finally relaxed,\" she laughed. 👪 Now, both students say they’ve become accidental ambassadors for China’s epidemic response.
Universities across the country report that 68% of international students chose to remain, according to internal surveys. Many participate in hybrid learning models and volunteer programs distributing supplies to elderly residents. 👩🎓💪
