We are surrounded by truly exceptional events. These events are uncertain, negative and testing. We as international students understand the pain of all our colleagues. And if you are a future student who might come to the Netherlands in the coming semester for their education, then trust us we really know the unending train of thought which you are carrying around.
We made a YouTube video a few weeks ago to talk about the situation at that time. That was the first Coronavirus update. You can watch it and get an idea of what the previous situations were. You can then compare these two videos and analyse the difference in circumstances.
So we were unable to figure our categories for this blog. But don't worry. It's not going to be a huge essay or something. We divide the whole blog into 14 pointers which covers everything from basic rules to online education. At the end of this blog, you can find an official poster(provided by the Dutch Government) regarding the Covid-19 regulations and future steps. So, let's dive in!
In our previous video, we requested everyone to consume information only from authentic government sites. That is still the case. You can find all the verified links below. Please refer to them if you have any concerns.
The numbers have significantly increased since the last video. They have gone up from 10,866 to 46,126. However, on the bright side, the number of daily cases have significantly reduced. Since April 10, there are less than 1000 cases per day. And even better, since May 22, there are less than 200 cases per day. This is a huge leap forward.
Because of the decrease in numbers, the government has decided to ease out some restrictions. From 1st June onwards, all the public transportation will open up again. You can use a bus or a train to travel to your destination. But you will have to, have to wear a face mask. Not wearing a face mask will lead to a fine of up to 95 euros!
We are still getting an online education. All our lectures and exams are still online. However, the government has allowed the universities to open up for necessary requirements from 15th June. For example, if there is an examination or practical classes which cannot be conducted online or if some student needs any special assistance. Even if the university opens up for these special circumstances, timings to carry out the required activities should be in non-peak hours. This is because in peak hours, a lot of people use public transport and the aim is to keep people as far as possible and to not let them gather around in one place.
We still don't know if our upcoming semester will be online or not. For now, it is considered that future courses will also be conducted online.
The delivery of such lectures are of two types:
The professors conducts an online session in which all the students hop in and the lecturer proceeds with explaining the slides.
The professors pre-record the lectures and upload them. They then conduct an online QnA session to clarify all your doubts. The portals where these lectures are posted are quite intuitive. You can pause a lecture at any second and ask a question at that point. The professor will check this and answers your queries and from the timestamp, he/she will understand your exact point of confusion.
For prospective students, you will be getting your course details soon. Universities will notify you about how the lectures will be delivered. You have two options at this point:
You can defer your admission by one year or by one semester. You can speak to the concerned admission offices.
The second option is that you can opt to continue with online studies or distance learning. If you look at the bright side: you are at your home, doing your masters from a reputed university without worrying about housing, food and transport expenses. It is an option worth considering.
To all those who will be flying to the Netherlands soon, there is a health declaration form that you will have to fill out. This is the link to the form.
Until now, people were not allowed to gather outside in a group. From 1st June, you can do that but you will have to maintain the safe distance of 1.5 meters.
Restaurants, cafes and bars will open up soon. So you won't have to miss your Mochas and Espressos any more.
Community entertainments places like theatres, concert halls and other areas will also open up from 1st June. But again, no more than 30 people will be allowed at a time. Also, you will need to have a prior reservation before going to any of these places. Physical distancing rules will have to be maintained.
Crowd gatherings were totally prohibited. But from 1st June, a crowd of 30 people is allowed provided they all wear face masks and follow the distancing rules.
At your end, it is expected that you will practise basic hygiene to protect yourself from the virus. The minimal steps that you can take to save yourself are:
Avoid public places as much as possible. Stay at home or work from as much as possible.
Wash your hands often with soap. Especially when you come back home from anywhere.
Cough or sneeze on your elbows.
Do not shake hands with other people.
We highlighted this point in our previous video and we are saying this again. Don't worry! You are not alone in this. If you are a student then rest assured that the Dutch government, your university and your great group of friends will not leave you alone. They will support you if you need them. All you have to do is be positive and reach out for help if you need it. Even for us, the experience has been very positive. The professors are being very considerate to help us out with our doubts, queries and difficulties. The universities have arranged for mental and financial help is any students need it. Thus, it will be good guys. We will all get through this. You will get through this.
Official poster(provided by the Dutch Government) regarding the Covid-19 regulations and future steps:
And that was the post guys. We tried to cover-up as many points as possible and in as many details as possible. Let us know if we missed something, any questions that you might have or future blog requests. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.