Amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine, international students like Zhang Wei, a 24-year-old from the Chinese mainland, are grappling with both immediate practical concerns and long-term academic uncertainties. In a recent video shared online, Zhang documents his visit to a Kyiv grocery store, showcasing shelves stocked with essentials like pasta, canned goods, and hygiene products. \"The basics are available, but there's constant anxiety about what comes next,\" he says while examining prices.
Zhang, a third-year engineering student, expresses particular concern about completing his degree: \"I've invested years here, but online classes can't replace lab access. Some professors have left the country, and we don't know how credits will transfer if we relocate.\" His story reflects broader challenges facing over 76,000 international students in Ukraine, according to 2021 UNESCO data.
University administrators across Europe are developing contingency plans for affected students, with some institutions offering fast-track transfers and credit recognition programs. However, visa complications and differing academic calendars create additional hurdles. \"This isn't just about education—it's about young people's life plans being rewritten,\" says Dr. Elena Petrova, an international education specialist at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Reference(s):
Stringer Dispatch: What's ahead for international students in Ukraine?
cgtn.com
