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Challenges of Researchers in Conducting International Study during the Eruption of COVID-19: Student and Mentor Perspectives

Author

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  • Jenail Mobaraka

    (Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of California Berkeley, 340 Stephens Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-2314, USA)

  • Lian Elkazzaz

    (Global Studies, University of California Berkeley, 101 Stephens Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-2306, USA)

  • Niveen Rizkalla

    (Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of California Berkeley, 340 Stephens Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-2314, USA)

Abstract

Conducting an international research study may bear various challenges; however, during the global COVID-19 crisis, such a study undertakes unpredictable trajectories. This paper explores the challenges experienced by researchers studying Syrian refugees’ physical and mental health and aid workers serving under humanitarian organizations in Lebanon. It includes information about the changes in the study’s goals and design with the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2, as necessitated by the circumstances COVID-19 imposed. It focuses on the unique perspectives of the research team of two students and their mentor who faced multiple challenges while involved in the study, and their narratives and subjective experiences that led to new opportunities for growth in the project. The research team specifically engaged in humanistic and existential psychology in order to conduct research in a manner conducive to personal and professional development, productivity and growth. To conclude, the researchers propose recommendations to the academic community on mitigating some of the challenges faced when conducting international research, and suggestions to the humanitarian sector serving vulnerable populations in conflict zones during COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Jenail Mobaraka & Lian Elkazzaz & Niveen Rizkalla, 2022. "Challenges of Researchers in Conducting International Study during the Eruption of COVID-19: Student and Mentor Perspectives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:844-:d:723410
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cathrine Thorleifsson, 2016. "The limits of hospitality: coping strategies among displaced Syrians in Lebanon," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(6), pages 1071-1082, June.
    2. Elie Bouri & Joseph El Assad, 2016. "The Lebanese Electricity Woes: An Estimation of the Economical Costs of Power Interruptions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-12, July.
    3. Niveen Rizkalla & Nour K. Mallat & Rahma Arafa & Suher Adi & Laila Soudi & Steven P. Segal, 2020. "“Children Are Not Children Anymore; They Are a Lost Generation”: Adverse Physical and Mental Health Consequences on Syrian Refugee Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-21, November.
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