Impact of Covid on International Education
We are all familiar with the term ‘disruption’, but never have we ever seen disruption on a scale like 2020. A year that is associated with a disruption in every field. COVID-19 hasn’t spared even the educational field. With the eerie silence across universities dorm rooms, classrooms, track fields, students have been struggling with canceled flights, lockdowns, quarantine, mounting debts, etc. All universities across the globe have been adopting newer strategies to combat the current situation caused by the pandemic.
The current risks faced by students include further lockdowns and outbreaks, health insurance, safety protocols, jobs, post-study work visa etc.
With some universities closed indefinitely, some switching to virtual classes and others offering a hybrid of both virtual and in-classroom classes let’s see how Corona Virus has impacted education.
Although some universities have online learning it has turned out to be a major challenge for universities around the world to integrate all of their courses online. While some say online learning is the future of education there are other students who dismiss this by saying that nothing trumps an actual classroom experience and experiencing the culture of another country along with the education.
Shiksha, a study abroad portal conducted a survey on 850 students from India revealed that 50% of students might defer their plans. Their primary concern being, jobs and personal health safety. They planned to defer if virtual learning was offered as the most preferred in-class learning. 78% who were interested in Australia was most likely to defer to the next intake. But when compared to Canada only 54% said they would defer or might postpone.
Most respondents, about 61% preferred to defer to next year or the next intake; and 13% planned on canceling if virtual classes were offered.
Vivek Jain, chief business officer, said, “As we can see, the survey clearly shows a likely change in student’s choice of the country due to the current situation.
“Students are more likely to shift away from Australia and New Zealand while aspirants preferring US/Canada are more convinced of their choice of country.”
He also said that most students don’t intend on dropping their plans and are hopeful of a bright future.
“I expect the number of students going abroad for higher studies to see a temporary decline and again increase after the fears subside,” he said. “My the suggestion will be not to panic and stick to long-term plans.”
Till the situations ease down the students should stay up to date with the the situation, weigh in their options, and make use of this time to prepare well.