Ancient Indian Wellness Tips

The Future The Future

Resuming Study Abroad in the Post-Covid-19 Future

written by Abby Balter |graphic by Emily Snisarenko | designed by Amy Takahashi

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to ravage the United States and the vaccine rollout begins to enter Phase 2 of the plan, the question of when, and in what capacity, life will get back to normal circles people’s minds.

For college students, when the nationwide shutdown struck last March, they were forced off of campuses, out of housing, and were left with their entire worlds turned upside down, uncertain of what the future would hold. Students studying abroad were to return home immediately, and those who had abroad programs and internships planned for the summer had their programs cancelled, with little-to-no fnancial compensation. Now, as the end of the pandemic is in sight, the question arises as to what will remain of the study abroad system.

On January 14, Boston University announced that they will make a decision regarding whether or not study abroad programs will continue this summer on March 1. This information comes after months of hopeful speculation from students on the possibility of returning to some form of normalcy, but they are not out of the woods yet.

After the United Kingdom and other European countries went into lockdown due to the presence of a new, more contagious strain of Covid-19, it is unclear when borders around the world will reopen safely.

Although there are currently four different Covid-19 vaccines approved for distribution in the United States, the rollout

The Future of of study abroad

process has already been long and complex, as many people eligible to receive the vaccine have declined to take it. The public skepticism towards the vaccine, coupled with the ever-rising new cases of Covid-19, puts universities in a difficult position as to how they will handle resuming abroad programs this year.

Due to most study abroad programs being categorized as non-essential to students’ ability to graduate, as well as the programs often bearing a separate cost, it is possible that if students are approved to study abroad this summer, they will be required to receive the vaccine prior to departure.

Throughout the pandemic, many new strategies and programs have been formed to try and enhance the remote education experience, such as virtual abroad education. According to Inside Higher-Ed, even in a post-pandemic world, we may start to see more alternatives to study abroad rise in popularity, such as virtual study abroad programs or domestic study-away programs, throughout which students stay within the U.S.

Despite the stagnant nature of life in the pandemic, the importance of global education is clearer than ever. Global connection and cooperation have been vital in the fght against Covid-19; moreover, as is apparent by the social and political unrest in the United States, the value of studying and immersing oneself in other cultures is apparent.

Traveling and the abroad education system help to expose people to worlds outside of their own, as well as to people and cultures that may be unfamiliar to them, which are vital experiences in dismantling prejudices and xenophobic mindsets. Furthermore, encouraging international education helps to foster a stronger appreciation for global interconnection, which will be pivotal in expanding industry and solving global issues such as climate change.

Historically speaking, study abroad programs have recovered after health disasters, so it is hopeful that once the threat of Covid-19 has dwindled, study abroad programs will be able to resume. Although virtual study abroad programs may be a part of a post-Covid-19 future, there is something to be said for an in-person, tangible experience that cannot be replaced by virtual programming.

study abroad

Ancient Indian Ayurvedic Wellness Tips & Tricks

Promoting Clear Skin & A Healthy Gut

written by Anoushka Shah | graphic by Emily Snisarenko | designed by Kylie Tamashiro

Growing up in India—the land of spices, color and Ayurveda—I was fascinated with how different regions of the world came up with different wellness secrets.

After my frst semester at college in America, the massive change in weather, diet and lifestyle threw my body completely offbalance. My hair weakened to the point where it was falling out in clumps not only in the shower, but even on my clothes, my pillow case and bedding. Don’t get me wrong, some amount of hair fall is totally normal, but my hair had become noticeably thinner, weaker and greasier, and I didn’t know what to do about it. To make matters worse, my face was also exploding with painful cystic acne––something that I’d never experienced before. My self-confdence suffered a massive decline as I began caking my face with makeup and strictly wearing beanies. It seemed like every day was a bad hair and skin day.

I tried almost every cream, took every supplement and got every treatment available to stop the hair fall and clear my acne. Little did I know that my body was just trying to communicate to me that something wasn’t right. During winter break, while I was home in Mumbai, India, I knew I needed to consult my grandma, dadi, as I call her––who would have an abundance of natural remedies for me to try. She introduced me to the world of Ayurveda––which I have since explored and become fascinated with because it really does work. From how to treat a sore throat to promoting hair growth, Ayurvedic medicine seems to have a solution to almost everything. Here are some of my favorites.

Coconut Oil

The best all-in-one moisturizer there is

My grandmother would often tell me to oil my scalp and give it a good massage, or “champi,” as we call it. I used to cringe at the idea of having a head full of oil, but now I have nothing but appreciation for it––along with strong, soft and silky locks. Although it may feel sticky and uncomfortable, massaging your scalp and ends with coldpressed coconut oil or leaving it in for 30 minutes (or even overnight) can help restore the moisture. It also helps reverse damage from styling products and hot tools––which I know we all love and can’t stay away from. Coconut oil is free of chemicals, pocketfriendly and has potent vitamin E properties, making it a great make-up remover as well. It melts the make-up off in seconds and leaves your skin feeling like a baby’s bottom. This miracle oil can even be integrated as a staple in your kitchen––its healthy fats help with boosting heart health and improving levels of ‘good’ cholesterol in your body.

Turmeric Ain’t Golden For No Reason

This golden spice is truly a kitchen treasure. It’s potent in anti-inflammatory and anti-septic elements that ideally should be consumed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Turmeric promotes gut health and healthy digestion as well. I like to add a teaspoon of dried turmeric powder to a cup of warm water along with some ghee, which is basically Indian purified butter, and black pepper. You can even use it as a face mask with some yogurt or milk to help shrink stubborn zits without drying your skin out.

A Spoon of Yogurt a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

While dairy is often a no-go for most, including myself, upon consulting with Dr. Manisha Mishra, an Ayurvedic doctor practicing in Mumbai, India, I learned that yogurt can be an exception. Its bacterial composition is different from that found in other dairy products such as milk or cheese. “Everyone—especially those who suffer from acidity or digestive issues—should consume a spoon of yogurt every day,” Mishra said. She explains that the “good” bacteria in yogurt helps promote a healthy gut fora, allowing more effcient digestion and processing of your food. It also has a cooling effect on the body, which is why it is commonly consumed after a spicy homecooked meal in Indian households.

Eat Yo’ Pickles

Another staple of Indian meals is the pickle. Tangy, sweet, sour and spicy, much like kimchi, this fermented food helps keep the gut healthy, allowing smooth digestion of your food. The more fermented, the better. However, Mishra warns that just like anything else in the world, this too must be consumed in moderation. “About half a teaspoon or a teaspoon of pickle along with your meal is benefcial for your digestive system. Any