The world is now in the midst of grappling with the
effects of COVID-19. Nearly every imaginable industry is dealing with its
consequences. The overseas
education industry is no different, all affected stakeholders such as
students, universities, teachers and parents are baffled with what will happen
next.
It’s safe to say that study abroad plans in 2020 will
be affected, however one cannot predict its impact and there exists an air of
uncertainty around the same.
Present Scenario
If we look at each country specifically, we can
comprehensively understand the situation that persists:
UK: A majority of
international students in the UK, decided to return to their home country
amidst the impact of the coronavirus. A majority of universities
in UK, were at threshold of completing their semester. Apart from this,
substantial number of universities were on Easter break. A major trend among
these universities was the fact that official classes were stopped and students
were either asked to return to their home country or they could stay back in
the UK, and complete their remainder of their course online.
USA: There are some
international students who are still in the USA, due to the unavailability of
flights and have decided to stay back to complete the rest of the semester
online. The above-mentioned countries have permitted international students to
stay back without having a negative effect on their visas, and this includes
H1B visa holders as well.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand:
Due to the current scenario, there has been an adverse impact on the part time
jobs available, which invariably has detrimental effects on the income of the
students. Therefore, certain study abroad destinations has allowed specific
status holders who have either paid taxes, provident funds or have super
annuity to drop these in order to access funds. Universities as well as the
government is offering all possible assistance to international students.
What Next?
As a prospective international student, you are
obviously wondering, what next? Engage in as much conversation as possible to
gain maximum amount of information. You could continue making applications and
preparing for necessary pre-requisite tests required as part of your
application process. Whether part time jobs will be permitted or accessible are
questions that only time can answer. The availability of part-time jobs will
largely be dependent on the impact the economy has faced.
Statistics
In an internal survey conducted, we found that 70% of
the students were unsure and had decided to wait and watch as to how the
situation pans out. 20% of the students mentioned that they were leaning
towards the January or February intake of next year, whilst 10% said that they
will give the year a skip.
Online Classes
Predominantly classes are likely to commence online,
with the major assumption being that January classes will occur offline.
However, as an international student you need to decide for yourself by
weighing the benefits and analysing the costs. In most likelihood, online
classes will be cheaper than the traditional medium. Online classes will not
only enable you to save time but a large number of students seem to prefer the
same. Even earlier, a significant number of universities
in USA conducted online classes that were pre-recorded. In the
future, online courses are going to become extremely significant, with
assumptions of 50% online classes being accepted during the visa application
process in the USA and the same being taken into consideration for course
credits. Universities are likely conduct seminars in different time zones
enabling students in every part of the world to attend the same. Although, this
is not the same as interacting in classes, it allows students to come together.
Future Predictions
UK: The September intake
may get pushed to October, with the visa office likely to open on June 1st.
Online English tests for admissions are likely to occur, however whether it
will be taken into consideration for visa is uncertain. Original submission of
documents may be waived and deadlines are likely to get extended.
USA: Whilst the visa offices
are currently shut, international students are continuing to make applications
to study in USA. Institutions are likely to conduct online classes that will be
taken into consideration while allocating course credit points. However, not
all programs have online avenues.
Canada: Students looking
to study
in Canada in September are optimistic, because it’s a largely held belief
that the situation is likely to be under control till then. Majority of the
May’20 classes will begin online and subjects that don’t have the available
online avenues are allowing students to switch to subjects that offer online
programs. Attendance to online classes is likely to be given consideration
during visa application, and factors such as commitment to course, fees paid
are determining factors.
Australia and New Zealand:
July intake is a cause of concern. Whilst visa applications are accepted
online, the response time is slow. What is most expected is the delay of the
academic calendar. Deadlines are likely to be extended.
Ireland: Continues to
accept visa online.
Advice
· Be
patient
· Be
optimistic
· Research
· Keep
the process on by preparing for entrance tests
· Interact
with people to judge the scenario
· Consider
making submissions
· Regard
online classes
Universities abroad are providing significant
assistance by providing quarantine facilities. The impact on tuition fees,
jobs, scholarships, education loans can only be understood with time.
If you require further help, attend eWorld Education Fair
Edu-Thon to have a virtual personalised interaction with university
delegates.
Student Testimonials
Edwise takes care of everything and their execution is
done with utmost care and efficiency. My experience with Edwise was very
pleasant. My counsellor helped complete my formalities for admission and also
guided me to choose the proper university and other related information.
Name - Steven Pinto
Country - USA
University - Elms College
It was a very good experience for me. Edwise was
always there to solve all the difficulties & problems I came across.
Name - Ketki H Purohit
Country - UK
University - Sheffield Hallam University
My experience with Edwise was very good, my counsellor
was very helpful.
Name - Nazia Parekh
Country - Australia
University - Le Corden Bleu
We
at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective
of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of
experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional
guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related
to course selections,
admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host
University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are
provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining
strong networks with over 725 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a
unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.
For Complete Information About Overseas Education, Contact Edwise
Overseas Education Consultants, on
1-800-102-0336 (Toll Free).
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