What to do when you have to stay home
The whole world is adjusting to overcome the current situation regarding COVID-19.The circumstances are considered by everyone and daily life needs modifications. We are all doing our part in order to stop the virus to spread. Luckily, we don’t have to put our lives on hold completely. We can still focus on things that bring joy. It takes creativity and new ways to perform. Take a look at these things that are not cancelled!
Studying
You can study online. Photo by Marten Bjork / CC BY
If you can’t go to the campus, you can study online. Our partner universities in our destinations have online classes until the situation will be better and many Asia Exchange students are joining. In addition to your own studies, you can take a course about something you’ve always wanted to learn more about. There are online courses available and participation is easy no matter where you are.
Fresh air
You can still enjoy fresh air. Photo by Natalia Figueredo / CC BY
Go out for a walk. If you can’t, sitting outside in the balcony or garden is also a good idea. You don’t have to go far to be able to enjoy fresh air. It helps you to vent your thoughts and makes you sleep better.
Talking with friends and family
You can catch up with family and friends. Photo by Luke Porter / CC BY
This is a good time to catch up with friends and family. Internet works and brings you close to your loved ones around the world. Have a coffee virtually with someone while updating what is going on in the life at the moment.
Working out
It’s easy to work out at home. Photo by Jonathan Borba / CC BY
You don’t have to go to the gym to keep yourself fit! Internet is full of videos and all you need is a little bit of space to do your work out. If you are creative, you might find some objects from home you can use as equipment.
Things you don’t normally have time for
You have plenty of time to read books. Photo by Fabiola Peñalba / CC BY
You may have wanted to learn a new language, yoga or something else? You wish you would have more time to meditate, sing, read or watch movies? Now it’s good time to think about all those skills or things in yourself you would like to develop and focus on those. Material and instructions are available online. We don’t have too many opportunities to take a nap during the day, read all the books in the bookshelf or watch all the movies we have always wanted to see.
We care
Caption not needed. Photo by Fabian / CC BY
One of the values of Asia Exchange is caring. We care about our students, colleagues, staff, partners, stakeholders and the environment. We deeply care about providing life-changing experiences for our students. Our partner universities have done brilliant job to ensure the first and foremost the health, safety and wellbeing of the students, but also in order to enable that students can continue studying.
We at Asia Exchange believe that instead of blame and prejudice, we should turn towards each other with care and cooperation. The great news is that we as individuals can all combat the spread of the disease and support those affected. As Finnish president Sauli Niinistö put it:
“People across the world and in Finland should maintain a physical distance to one another but at the same time seek mental proximity, what we need is the kind of thinking that I’m not alone in this, we’re all in this together. And in a sense, support one another. In the face of adversity, people tend to stop navel-gazing.”
We hope that regardless of the situation, students can still experience advantageous and memorable exchange semester. Studying, living and learning continues. Asia Exchange is constantly monitoring the situation. We will inform about any updates without delay. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions regarding the current situation or your semester abroad. Let’s care about ourselves and each other!
Are you interested in studying in Asia in Autumn 2020?
Asia Exchange is a Finnish company providing study abroad opportunities in Asia Pacific for students from all around the world. Want to get travel tips and new blog posts straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to contact us! We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
