What it Means to Study Abroad Now

 

 

What it means to study abroad now

 

The world is now during grappling with the effects of COVID-19. It is 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.

 

Current Situation

 

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. Like most countries, the USA is also following the trend of working from home. IT companies especially, are increasingly seeking work from home interns.

 

Canada: The IRCC has recently announced that those students who are planning to study in Canada for the May/June intake, can begin attending online courses from their home country. Those students, who have a study permit for the May/June intake but cannot travel due to the travel restrictions imposed can commence their classes online and complete 50% of their course, without having a negative impact on their visa status. Even though international students will have to attend online classes, they will remain eligible for the Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit.

 

UK: Most international students in the UK, decided to return to their home countries. Universities were at the threshold of completing their semester or were on Easter break. A major trend was either online courses or students returning home. Universities are currently offering COVID-19 related scholarships, tuition fees, discounts, and waivers to prospective students.

 

Ireland: Dates for the different levels of the admissions process are being revised. Students who have applied for visas for the April intake have now been deferred to the September intake. Some universitiesare processing student applications without certain application documents. The 2-year stay option opportunity that Ireland offers, continues to remain intact.

 

Australia: Universitiesin Australia, along with the government has announced hardships funds for everyone, to mitigate the COVID-19 risk. Universities are offering and encouraging online programs and all forms of technical aid are provided.Interactive scholarships are also offered. Some universities have taken the decision to waive off accommodation fees for up to 4-8 weeks. Those students who have received their ECOE after the payment of the stipulated fees are recommended to wait till the High Commission of Australia provides an update. 

 

New Zealand: Classes in NewZealand universities were shifted online. Those who are part-time workers in the health care sector, were permitted to work for more than 20 hours per week. It is a widespread speculation that this trend will continue even after the lockdown has ended.Furthermore, even those students who are working in supermarkets can put in the extra hours, without having a detrimental effect on their visa status. 23^rd April onwards, New Zealand is on alert level 3, which means that 50% of individuals can resume work, provided social distancing norms are adhered to.

 

 

Proficiency Tests

Entrance exams such as TOEFL, GRE, GMAT are now conducted online. Duolingo is becoming an increasingly used platform by universities for English proficiency tests. Apart from this, there are a significant number of universities in the UK that are conducting these tests by themselves. Some universities in Canada are accepting applications without the IELTS scorecard and final year marksheet. Certain universities in Ireland are accepting IELTS scores of 3 years instead of the usual 2 years. Moreover, TOEFL ibt home edition tests are also considered. Whether or not these online tests will be accepted by the immigration authorities is something clarity is sought after. Students who are looking to study in New Zealand but face the risk of their IELTS expiring before they make an application for the July intake can make an application irrespective because such applications will continue to be considered. However, this does not apply to those students who extend beyond 12 months.

Visa

The I-20 form which was earlier sent to prospective students looking to study in USA by courier is now sent in an electronic format and is now referred to as the eI-20. Visa centres in the UK are hoped to remain open and students can expect their applications to be kept under review. Those who will travel by air to study in Canada will have to undergo the necessary medical testing. Students are also required to self-isolate themselves for a period of 14 days. However, students who do not have a place to self-isolate will not be permitted to enter Canada. Those students who hold a student visa in New Zealand or a Post Study Work visacan extend their visas till the 25^th of September provided that their visas were on the verge of expiring. Students can make applications for visa to study in Ireland online, these applications will be valid until the application centres open.

Future Predictions

In most probability, the scheduled intakes will commence with the online study option for most courses, even for international students starting from semester one. Students could consider this as an option. However, we recommend that each student carefully weigh the options and take decisions after reviewing the terms and conditions.

Edwise Overseas Education Consultant

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

 

 

Study in London

Gain the Qualifications, skills and experience that employers’ need by studying in UK

Universities in UK offer a large range of courses for Higher Education in UK, including foundation pro-grammes, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and diplomas, and research pro-grammes. UK Universities offer around 2000 undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses UK. The courses are in the fields of Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Computing, Biotechnology, Bio sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Arts & Design, Fashion design, etc.  UK Universities provide a solid foundation on which to develop your fullest potential, boost your career prospects and build your future.

Why study in UK?

• Courses in the UK are generally shorter than many other countries, helping to reduce tuition fees and accommodation costs.
• You might be able to work while you study – find further information at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) on working during and after your studies.
• There is a lot of a support for international students in the UK. Many course providers have international offices and student societies, activities and academic guidance, plus counselors and advisers to help you feel welcome and supported throughout your time in UK higher education.

Top 10 facts about studying in London

1. London is the top choice for international studying looking to study abroad. Over 100,000 international students are studying in London every year. International students come from over 200 different nations, making London a global, vibrant and diverse city.
2. There are over 45 universities for study in London, including top multi-faculty universities and world-class specialist institutions.
3. Several of the best universities in the world are located in London, including four of the Times Higher Education top 40 universities.
4. London universities offer over 30,000 courses from accounting, business, engineering and law to marketing, medicine, politics and zoology.
5. Universities in London have a combined research income of over £500 million ($820 million), attracting not only the brightest students but also renowned academic from across the globe.
6. Current and past students and staff and London universities have been involved in many discoveries that have shaped modern life, including the discovery of DNA, fingerprints and penicillin.
7. London is a centre for academic excellence. Over 70 Nobel Prize laureates have studied or worked at a London university.
8. London offers outstanding academic support and facilities for students. There are over 120 different libraries, including the British Library which houses over 150 million books. Three million new items are added to the collection of the British Library every year.
9. London’s cultural offering is ideal for students who are looking for a culturally enriching study experience. There are over 1,000 museums and galleries in London, and most of them are free!
10. London is a great place for students to have fun. There are over 100 cinemas to watch the latest movies, over 100 parks to enjoy the British sunshine, over 350 live music venues to discover the latest bands, over 5,000 restaurants to enjoy food from around the world and over 7,000 bars and pubs to have fun with your friends.

Read More About Top Universities  and Colleges for Study in London 

Experience Education in the UK

There are hundreds of thousands of international students that make their way to United Kingdom every year. Whether it's a university and Colleges in London, or a variety of other affordable degrees, studying in the UK can be extremely rewarding and it's possible to look into professional degrees, MBA, PhD's and of course undergraduate courses from some of the most prestigious universities in the world. When it comes right down to it though, what is it about the UK that makes it such an attractive place for people from around the world seeking education?

UK education gives you the chance to study what, where and how you want. The UK is a friendly, welcoming place for people of all countries, cultures and faiths. As a student in the UK Universities, you'll get to know people from all over the world, and you’ll learn about many different cultures.

Did you know that the UK is the number one destination worldwide for English language study? 

• Courses for all ages and abilities: It is thought that the Universities in UK has more English language courses than any other country. Come to the UK and you can learn English for your career, for educational purposes, or for fun. You can also study English with another subject at the same time. 
• Inspiring teaching and learning: In the UK, English language learning is about having fun and taking part. Instead of just listening to your teacher, your classes will involve games, problem-solving and discussions. You might also listen to songs, watch TV or read magazines to practise your comprehension skills. In fact, it might not even feel like work at all!
• Quality assured: Accredited UK English language centers are regularly inspected by government-approved bodies to ensure high standards of teaching, accommodation, welfare support and facilities. Find out how to find an accredited centre in Learn English.
• The home of the English language: When you explore the UK you'll be surrounded by native speakers so you can practice using the language in real-life situations. You should find that your skills improve enormously in a short time. You might even start dreaming in English after a few days!
• Prepare for your future: English language skills are valued by employers, universities and colleges worldwide, and are a powerful tool in thousands of careers. Improving your English is a great investment in your future. There are lots of business English courses, plus courses to prepare you for higher education in Universities of UK.
• A unique cultural experience: Learning English in the Universities of UK is an opportunity to make new friends from around the world, discover the UK’s culture and history, and explore beautiful countryside and cities.

UK further education courses generally set their own entry requirements. These entry requirements are there to ensure that you have the right skills and knowledge to successfully complete the course.

Students from certain countries need a visa to study in the UK. Visas are managed by UK Visas and Immigration. Are you looking for someone to talk to about study in UK? To find out if you need a visa and how to apply, please talk to the expert counselors at your nearest Edwise Office.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements in Universities of UK, contact Edwise on 1-800-200-3678 / 08600911333. Combine your talent with our support. Match your ambition & find out more at Edwise office.