Study Abroad Amidst COVID 19

Keywords: Study abroad, Indian students studying abroad, covid-19 lockdown, covid-19 pandemic, study abroad in covid-19 lockdown, international students in lockdown, steps taken by international universities during covid-19, safety measures in universities

Should I postpone or cancel my plans to study abroad amidst COVID 19 outbreak? 

Absolutely NOT. COVID-19 outbreak is a temporary situation which will soon be resolved. The universities and colleges will not lose their rankings, prestige or education quality in a lockdown of few months.

Think about it like this: COVID-19 has affected all countries, some more some less. I am sure that people in your country are also suffering from this disease. Does this mean you will not attend university or college in your own country?? Will you give up on your education and dream to build a promising career. NO, probably not! Simply, extrapolate this conclusion for education overseas.

So do not postpone your plans to study abroad. In fact, this is the golden time to apply at universities in UK, Canada, Australia and other places in the world because eligibility criteria has been relaxed owing to the current situation. I think September intake is a pretty good target to aim for. If you or your family is frightened of catching COVID-19 infection abroad, then, you may avoid Italy, Spain, USA and China since these are most affected countries.

Also read: COVID-19 update for international students

Now, let’s look at some numbers as we all agree that numbers don’t lie. Of the Indian students who had planned to study abroad, around 91% are still holding on to their dreams even amidst the Covid-19 lockdown. This number is rather welcome considering how the Coronavirus pandemic ruined plans for students worldwide, especially those who wanted to go to other countries for their higher education.

What did the study on Indian students wanting to study abroad find?

Here are the highlights of what the study found about Indian students wanting to study abroad:

1. 76% students surveyed were planning to go ahead with their education abroad in the next 6-10 months (upcoming September or January intakers).

2. 16% students said that they will take a decision about studying abroad by the summer, while 8% are considering delaying the decision due to the Covid-19 outbreak. 

3. But the above numbers changed when students were informed about the steps being taken by international universities. Around 25% of the students weren’t aware of the contingency measures taken by universities for the Sep ’20 and Jan ’21 intakes such as blended learning options.

Upon learning about such measures, overall 91% were convinced to revert to their original plan of studying abroad in the next 6 to 10 months. 

4. More than 70% of the students prefer an international healthcare system. Canada and the UK ranked among the most trusted international healthcare systems by Indian students followed by US, India, Germany, Sweden and Finland. 

5. 76% of the surveyed students are headed for post-graduate programmes, while the remaining 34% are in the undergraduate category. 

6. The study found that UK was the most preferred study destination for Indian students. It got 28% of the votes. Australia, Germany and France are the other top choices voted by 20% students. 

7. Canada and US are close second choices to study abroad with 15% and 18% votes respectively. 

Also read: Top Scholarships in Australia

Measures being taken by universities abroad during Covid-19 lockdown

With strict measures in place after the Covid-19 pandemic, universities abroad are enhancing other features and opportunities to make sure they are still attractive to Indian students and can offer them something more than the Indian education system is able to at the time. Here are the measures being taken by universities abroad during the Covid-19 pandemic: 

1. Moving all classes online: Lectures are being given online. Ed-tech solutions are being used to deliver a similar — and in some cases a better — experience to the students in terms of delivery, assignments and tests. 

2. English language testing: With Local IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Centres staying closed, universities are ensuring they provide pre-sessional English courses online to students who need to show a proof of English proficiency to join the programme or accepting other English Tests like Duolingo, IELTS indicator and TOEFL iBT Home Edition. 

3. Safety and health measures: All university campuses are being sanitised daily and mobility inside or outside the University has been limited to health officials, security and transport of essential goods only. Student gatherings are being dispersed and every other health measure is being taken as directed by the Health Services and WHO. 

4. 24×7 student support: Universities have opened up self-help sections and 24×7 Covid-19 helpline numbers specifically for student support. All university International offices in countries across the world have come together and are working overtime to ensure singular thread of information is passed on and myths are busted among students and their parents. 

Also read: Cost of studying in the UK