Jerusalem in times of Corona

Studies

4/28/2020

For many students, the corona crisis is a great challenge. Many plans are being crossed, not only in Munich, but students who are spending a semester abroad are particularly affected. TUMstudinews reporter Sabrina Czechofsky conducted a telephone interview with TUM student Jonas Geus, who is currently studying in Jerusalem.

With the Dome of the Rock in the background: TUM student Jonas Geus in Jerusalem.

Jonas, how is the situation at your end?

Jonas Geus: I have been in Jerusalem since February 29, as I am spending a semester abroad at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Israel's first coronavirus case was registered on February 21, and when I left, there were ten registered cases. One week after my arrival, the government imposed strict restrictions on movement. Israel reacted much faster than most other countries. The campus is completely sealed off. I can move around freely in my university residence. I can go shopping, but I am not allowed to go for a walk any further than 500 meters from my front door.

How come you decided to go to Jerusalem anyway?

Originally, I had planned to go abroad for my Bachelor's degree, to a country where political issues are very relevant. From among the partner universities of TUM, I was especially interested in St. Petersburg and Jerusalem – and I found the respective study modules appealing. Thus, I applied to TUMexchange, and Jerusalem finally worked out. When I submitted the application last summer, the corona crisis could not be foreseen.

What exactly is university life like for you now?

At the beginning, everything went quite normal. The university has an outsourced lecture program for foreign students that starts two weeks before the actual lectures. That worked out fine – but then, just before the actual lectures were supposed to start, the restrictions came. Everything was switched to 100% online relatively quickly, and now all my lectures take place via Zoom. As a result, I have not yet met some of my fellow students or professors in person.

How does digital studying work for you so far?

At the beginning, there were difficulties for everyone, naturally. It's also strange for the professors to hold a lecture using a computer, without seeing the students. Before all this, the university was also completely analog – and a lot of emphasis was placed on attendance. Ten percent of the grade alone consists of attendance. Now, everything works quite smoothly and there's a routine. The curricula were adapted to digital learning fast.

How do you feel about being so far away from Germany in this situation?

As a political scientist, it's incredibly interesting for me to see how another country is dealing with the corona crisis, trying to cope with the problems. Here, for example, there is a mobile phone tracking system for everyone, and you get an SMS from the security authorities if you have been in contact with someone who is infected. For me as a private person, the developments were also a bit shocking.

Why?

The majority of the foreign students left within two days. The Americans even had to return. Suddenly, it was quite empty here. I decided to stay in Israel – and I don't regret it, because I am now one of only a few foreigners in my residence hall and it is much easier to get in contact with the Israelis. We are all in the same boat right now, so there's always something to talk about.

Would you do it all the same way again?

Yes, absolutely! In terms of personal development, this experience is unique and very valuable for me. Although this is a very serious situation right now, I feel safe here. I don't regret coming here at all. Almost all foreigners have been flown out. Only diplomats, journalists, and exchange students are still here. In Germany, I would feel bored by now.

What's going to happen next?

If I knew how the situation is going to evolve, that would be great (laughs). In any case, I will stay here until the end of June and hope that the booked flight will take place then. At the moment, there are no flights to or from Israel – which is unprecedented, as there were flights to and from Tel Aviv even during the Six-Day-War. Unfortunately, I cannot travel around and get to know the country as planned. Thus, I will definitely have to come back as a tourist.

Jonas Geus (22) is a student of Political Science at TUM, in his 6th Bachelor's semester. In Corona-free times, he swims and trains younger swimmers in his club. For the Easter period, the restrictions in Israel were tightened once again, but Geus has also experienced positive developments: The normally very conservative Jews have relaxed their religious rules, so it was possible to watch TV and gain insight into the religious rituals of Jewish families during their traditional meal before Passover.