Indian community steps in to feed international students

University of Canberra masters student Tanmay Singh was told by his employer, an Indian restaurant, that there would be fewer shifts for him as people stayed in their homes. Then there wasn't any shifts at all.

The university had made a special effort to support its international students by dropping off groceries, but sometimes the supplies ran short.

Canberra's Indian community pulled together to help out students in need, mobilised by Nishi Puri, the president of the Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).

"If I called her and say that I'm in urgent need of groceries and I'm out for the week, I don't have money Nishi, can you help me a bit, she would help. You won't hear no," Mr Singh said.

The small GOPIO team received some funding from the Indian High Commission, the Indian Senior Citizens Association and Canberra Jain Mandal.

They made weekly grocery and supermarket voucher deliveries to students from many different countries based at the University of Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology and JP International College.

"I had never seen the community so giving," Mrs Puri said.

"All the Indian seniors, they were so giving. They came out and they helped, like it was not just $50, you know, it was $300, $500. They just generously donated."

The organisation also helped stranded tourists to extend their visas and got them onto the seven repatriation flights to India.

Many international students, like Mr Singh, initially wanted to return to their home countries but transport options quickly dried up and there was a strong chance they wouldn't be able to re-enter Australia to finish their studies.

The 23-year-old planned to visit his family in New Delhi, India in March, but this was postponed to July, then November. Now the family reunion will have to wait until next year.

"I miss them and they have been having it pretty harsh as well because in India, it's a different set of rules. You can't go out. Canberra has still been lenient where you can at least head out and get some fresh air. It's way different in India, so I feel for them. It's been difficult."

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A recent study into the mental health and physical safety of international students conducted by Orygen asked students what they viewed as their most significant challenges and issues.

It found 36 per cent of international students surveyed indicated that social isolation and loneliness had affected their mental health while studying in Australia.

Twelve per cent said the loss of close family and social connections left them feeling vulnerable to physical safety threats and without any emergency contacts.

It also found 53 per cent of education providers said finances were a major contributor to stress for international students.

Mr Singh said the efforts of GOPIO helped him get through a tough few months.

"I didn't think earlier that there will be a community who would think about students like us who were struggling a bit with no jobs.

"I was going for runs so physically it was alright. Mentally, it was a bit draining. But with all the help that I've gotten it's just, it just helped me get through those three, four months much more easily."

Mrs Puri said GOPIO was continuing to support the St Vincent de Paul Blue Door service as well as any student in need.