Overseas students 'isolated and homesick' under lockdown, says Cork campaigner

'With everything moved online it’s a completely different college experience under Covid-19'

International students in Ireland are facing “isolation and homesickness” without access to the normal range of social activities and supports.

International students who have arrived in Ireland to find their courses have moved online due to Covid-19 are facing “isolation and homesickness” without access to the normal range of social activities and supports.

Cork woman Laura Harmon, recently appointed as executive director of the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), said that while many students from other countries have deferred their places due to the pandemic, some of those currently studying in Irish colleges, “are experiencing isolation and homesickness”.