'Things to see' make Vietnamese students less afraid of the epidemic in the US

 'Things to see' make Vietnamese students less afraid of the epidemic in the US

Once so worried that she did not dare to take off her mask, especially when she was in contact with a classmate infected with Covid-19, Duong gradually calmed down when she witnessed the organization of schools in the US.

In mid-August, 18-year-old Ha Hai Duong, a former high school student for gifted students in Natural Sciences (University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi), came to the US on a scholarship of 7 billion VND from Georgetown University. At that time, I had not been vaccinated and had to isolate at a hotel for 7 days, the cost was supported by the school. At first, Duong thought the isolation process would be similar to Vietnam, but every day, she could still go out to buy food, only required to wear a mask.

After completing the isolation, Duong received the first injection, about a month after the second injection. Life in America has entered a new normal, she said. In public places or in large gatherings, the organizers do not check the attendees' vaccination certificates. However, people are required to wear masks in enclosed spaces, indoor activities; Outdoor is not required.

During the first month, Duong did not leave the mask because "still afraid".

In mid-September, two of Duong's classmates were infected with Covid-19 and he was in direct contact with both. The male student is worried. Belonging to F1 but instead of concentrated isolation like in Vietnam, Duong only needs to be tested, if negative, he can go to school normally.

In Washington, D.C., where Duong studies, people infected with Covid-19 must be isolated or treated for at least 10 days. After that, whether negative or not, the patient can still walk normally. Duong was explained that, many studies in the US found that the virus spread more strongly in the two days before the onset of symptoms and 10 days after the onset of the illness. Therefore, after 10 days, although still carrying the virus, the patient is assessed as less infectious.

Last week, Georgetown University reported a relatively low case-to-student ratio of 0.25%. Compared to other regions in the US, Duong assessed the situation in Washington, DC as quite safe. Although I feel more secure, I still keep the habit of wearing a mask and washing hands often. "I study science, go to the laboratory a lot. If I accidentally get sick, I have to isolate for 10 days and the experiments will be missed," Duong explained.

At the dormitory, the male student thinks that his circle of contact is not too much. Around, friends and teachers are all aware of epidemic prevention, seriously implementing the regulation of wearing masks during class hours. Thanks to that, Duong is no longer as worried as before coming to the US, feeling that he is integrating well.

Ha Hai Duong while in Vietnam. Photo: Character provided

Ha Hai Duong while in Vietnam. Photo: Character provided

Also coming to the US in August, Nguyen Tran Duc Anh, 18 years old, is not isolated like Duong. At that time, I had a vaccine but was still quite worried about my upcoming journey. My destination is Rice University, Texas, under a scholarship of 6 billion VND. Although not in isolation, Duc Anh still maintains the epidemic prevention habits that have been established since he was in Vietnam such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and maintaining social distance.

Before coming to the US, I used to read many articles about Asians being discriminated against and complained about the habit of wearing masks even when going outdoors. However, at Rice University, boys do not have problems in this because the school is diverse in terms of nationalities and ethnicities of students. "I feel very fortunate, many of my friends are discriminated against, so they are quite confused and timid, affecting their morale and academic results," Duc Anh said.

In the city of Houston, Texas, where Duc Anh lives, people are tested for Covid-19 twice a week if they have had one dose of the vaccine, reduced to once a week when they have had two shots. A few weeks after arriving in the US, Duc Anh received a second injection.

Every day, the number of new cases in the male area is still about 10-20. But when I researched, I found that most of the people have had enough vaccines, and do not have to go to the hospital for treatment, but only take medicine and rest at home. Duc Anh began to feel more secure. "I think, compared to last year, international students have prepared both mentally and in disease prevention skills. Along with the widespread popularity of vaccines, now my spirit is better than before." , Duc Anh said.

Nguyen Tran Duc Anh, a former student of grade 12 Anh 1, Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, won a scholarship from Rice University, USA. Photo: Thanh Hang

Nguyen Tran Duc Anh, a former student of grade 12 Anh 1, Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, won a scholarship from Rice University, USA. Photo: Thanh Hang

According to statistics of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education and Training in March 2020, Vietnam has about 200,000 international students, of which 29,000 are in the US, the highest in the Americas and Europe Europe. For many years, this is still a favorite destination of Vietnamese students. Last year, most US students chose to study online from Vietnam or "gap-year", preserving their learning results. But this year, the majority chose to go to the US to experience the environment and go to live classes.