Are you amongst those, who recently, were considering starting their academic life abroad but couldn’t due to the global pandemic? Has corona adversely affected your plans for studying in a foreign country and put you in a state of doubt? Are you disheartened and need counselling about your career?
Well, without a doubt, this pandemic has devastated everyone’s plans. However, there is no need of losing hope as the platform for pursuing international education is still widely open. To get the answers to all the queries and uncertainties relating to your academic future, and to reduce your stress level, read on this blog!
Universities Are Still Accepting International Student
First of all, you should stop worrying and understand one thing clearly that studying abroad is still possible today no matter what your circumstances. Most of the universities are accepting international students and their programs are still going on. The universities are planning ways to manage further restrictions, especially on traveling due to COVID-19. The government has now started setting policies for dealing with the second wave of COVID-19. This includes programs like “track and trace” or testing on a massive level.
One can be assured that the problems they had to face while traveling abroad before, would ease down with time. The ban on movement, delayed visa processing, and unstable employment market could fear students from pursuing their degree. Well, the worries and wait must not haunt you any longer and you should start applying for the institutes where you wish to study and get the experience of your lifetime.
Now if we become devil’s advocates, the worst possible situation could be another lockdown and ban on international travel. Well, that is still something not to worry about as everything would be temporary. The universities have started online teaching and even virtual classes, especially for their international students. For example, Harvard College has gone completely remote just for fall. They are planning on ensuring that the standard of quality education is not being compromised. The international affairs’ Vice-Chancellor, Mark Elliot said “The Office for International Education (OIE) is actively working with first-year students in the College to determine technical needs so that those who wish to study remotely have the tech support to do so. OIE has also set up a program called “Study Away” that allows for returning students in the College to enrol for Harvard credit at partner universities in their home countries.”
Figure 1 Virtual Classroom at Harvard
Travel Restrictions Are Fluctuating and Need Not Stop Your Studies
Well, the issues with traveling abroad are haunting students. Going abroad for higher education does not only enhances your academia, it also gives you a chance to explore a new country and see its culture.
The travel policies are changing from time to time; therefore, you must first keep yourself updated about the policies of the country where you plan to study. You can get the relevant information from the country’s official government or embassy website(s). Don’t get disheartened if you can’t make it in the first semester, this is temporary, and soon you will be able to join your campus abroad (most likely in the second semester).
The positive thing is that many institutes have not fixed their joining date and time. They have also given the choice of whether to study online or go for hybrid options in university. Just remember to gather all the information and see if you have any chance of traveling as there are some exemptions in the policies of traveling restrictions for some countries as well.
It’s Still Possible to Apply for Your Student Visa
Initially, when the pandemic had hit the world, the visa processing centres closed or reduced their operations. Many were not accepting any applications. But now, fortunately, this trend is getting changed. The world is getting back on track and so is this market. It is suggested to start working with your visa application right now as the whole procedure can take a few months and you don’t miss your campus joining.
All the further details about the visa policies for different countries could be accessed online or even through contractors. However, it is better to get guidance from any educational consultants at your school or any independent ones. Fortunately, Edvise Hub is there for your rescue as we provide career counselling and have the best consultants to address your queries.
Take Care of Accommodation and Healthcare Before You Arrive
2 Make a Checklist for your ease!
The first and most important thing for students going to study abroad is getting accommodation and purchasing health insurance. Now if we talk about the accommodation, mostly the students would prefer staying in the school’s hostels or residencies as it is secure and better for settling. But you must also first check their health as well as safety guidelines and then decide if you should go for private accommodation or the schools.
Secondly, if we talk about health-related services, then most likely the European students would get medical coverage in case of emergency. However, it is not mandatory. Again, you must get full details about health coverage policies. Health insurance would be required in most cases.
Due to the current pandemic, it is wise to go for PCR testing before traveling, however, some universities may not require the test report because of your home country. Also, properly inquire about the healthcare rules at your school and check if it is of any benefit for you or not!
You Can Still Get Your English-Language Certificate
It is one of the requirements for international students to go through the English proficiency test. These many include IELTS, CAE, TEEP, iBT et cetera. You should have your certificate before you start applying. Some tests might have shut down is conducted face to face, due to COVID-19, temporarily, however, online options are always available. Also, different schools sometimes make their tests in case of non-availability of external tests so that the students are assessed properly before the course start date.
Campus COVID-19 Procedures and Contingency Plans Make Studying Safe
You must make yourself aware of the teaching procedures of your particular programs and check if they are up to your expectations or not, before choosing the courses. If you have been enrolled already, then this information will be a sort of orientation for you when you reach.
As mentioned earlier, the universities are adopting the new trend of hybrid teaching which includes online as well as face-to-face classes. They are also setting new strategies concerning the new regulations being released or expected to release due to the pandemic.
New Job Opportunities Are Emerging
If you believe that there are no jobs in the market due to the pandemic and you think studying abroad would no longer be feasible then you need to diversify and broaden your thinking about it. No doubt, there are quite a lot of sectors that have been affected negatively by the circumstances, however, this pandemic has resulted in the emergence of new opportunities and new sectors in the market. This includes all the digital platforms as digitizing is the new normal. For instance, the Zoom app was rarely known before the pandemic, but today it is a widely known and adopted application worldwide and is used by many sectors. The eCommerce industry is also booming as it also has minimal physical contact.
However, if you get skilled and have and get to broaden your horizon from studying abroad by not only grooming from within but also establishing a strong network, it will help in starting your professional life ahead as well.
You Can Still Pursue Your Dream Degree
Initially, Corona hit the world just like an iceberg hit the Titanic, nobody was sure how to deal with it initially, everything fell like falling apart. It seemed that everything has stopped, however, what it didn’t or can’t stop is YOU from dreaming and setting life goals for yourself.
That’s why the world tried to change the trend and adjust with the new normal. However, with time, the trend changed and there was a new Normal. Still, nobody is sure about the post COVID world, but if we talk about the education sector, then there is a lot of room for flexibility and adaption of innovative techniques.
You still have the opportunity to get pursue your dream and grab international opportunities. You can still pursue a program of your choice. You still can explore the world; different ethnographies and you can still socialize with diverse people.
If you still need further guidance, feel free to contact Edvise Hub as we would be more than happy to assist you in pursuing your dreams.
