Help Elisabeth Flying Home

Hey  everyone,

My name is Elisabeth and I am a current 2020 (Covid-19) graduate from Luther College.

I'm majoring in both Data Science and Economics. As an international student who just finished her education abroad (thanks to the scholarships), I'm hoping to return home and serving my country as a promise I made to myself before leaving my country 7 years ago.

I was planning to go home (Timor-Leste) right after my graduation on May 24th. However, because of a travel ban for COVID19, my original plan couldn't work out.

I believe that with my return to Timor-Leste, I will be able to contribute to the development of the country by working in the related fields.

My country has been in Locked for 2 months and the local government has extended the lockdown for another month. I have been in contact with people about traveling back home, and the response so far is that I might be able to enter Timor-Leste through Australia (Darwin). Since I am now a graduate without Optional Practical Training (OPT), my status as a student will expire soon after the 60 Days Grace Period here in the US.

Since I have lost my status as a student in the US right after graduation, I can no longer work on-campus, therefore, flying back home is very costly for me. I have tried to gather some money from my family back home, however, with the COVID19 situation, it seems impossible to send money overseas.

I know that everyone is in a difficult situation right now, but your support will help me to get home and be close to my family during this pandemic and to at least celebrate my graduation.

Thank you so much.

With love,

Elisabeth V.