Covid-19: Should Students Defer Their Plans to Study Abroad?

Last updated on February 12, 2021

Foreign education has and will continue to be a popular option in India, given that last year around 8 lakh students enrolled to go abroad.

Some of the most popular destinations for foreign studies include the US, the UK, Australia and Canada. But with the onset of Covid-19, the scenario has changed significantly. As a student planning to study abroad, here are some eye-opening pointers to keep in mind before taking the plunge.

How has International Studies Been Affected by Covid-19?

For those planning to study abroad, remember that while the scenario has been negatively affected by Covid-19, it is still open and adapting to the present conditions. This unprecedented situation makes the education process a tad complicated since every aspect of the proceedings has migrated online. At present, here is what the study overseas scenario looks like –

1. Dormitories, hostels and housing options for students have closed their doors to students. Most have been sent home to continue their academics online. Universities are refunding part of the housing fees.
2. Students are demanding that the tuition fee be reduced since they are not attending classes on-site. They do not deem it fair to pay the entire fees while not getting access to one-on-one time with tutors and library facilities.
3. Students are also having trouble filling up and creating their resumes since they have not had the time to take part in internship programmes over the summer. This drawback might negatively affect how they get jobs.
4. Colleges are offering a deferral of one term. Depending on the number of years your course takes, you can decide whether to opt for it or not.

While planning to study abroad, . Especially in a year with an ongoing pandemic, you should sit down with parents and other family members about the next move to make.

How are Foreign Universities Responding to Covid-19?

Since you are planning to study abroad, there are some things you should consider , Especially in a year with an ongoing pandemic, you should know some of the universities’ schemes and actions to make the whole process smooth for you. Few of the new measures undertaken by education facilities around the world to impart a safe education experience are:

1. Some universities have decided not to take GMAT and GRE scores as an admission criterion.
2. Certain universities, located mostly in Australia, are offering a fee reduction. Students can take advantage of this and alleviate the liability of high higher education fees.
3. Universities in the UK are accepting degrees online, since producing the hard copies of the same will be difficult.
4. Universities are also restructuring their course so that students can do a lot of learning online. For example, Sussex’s university is making efforts to make the whole education process a mix of online and offline to enable a smooth continuation.
5. Your study abroad plans do not have to be affected negatively. Universities have risen to the challenge and are holding pre-recorded lectures, online calls and assignments, open-book exams, and video calls with teachers.
6. Before going abroad for studies, students usually prefer to take a tour of their campuses. But with the pandemic, they may not be able to check the campuses out as they would like. So universities have come up with a novel way of tackling this problem. They are offering virtual tours to students to have a look around before settling on their campus of choice.

Should Students Join Courses this Year?

Yes, if you are planning to study abroad this year, go ahead and make plans.

Nothing should come in your way, especially not the pandemic. Even if campuses are closed there will be options open for online courses so your planning to study abroad won’t be hampered in any way.

Three Things to Remember Before Preparing to Study in 2021

As a prospective student planning to study abroad, you should prepare for some things before venturing out. Here they are!

1. Take a minute to reconsider your field of study. Right now, trends indicate that medicine, IT, supply chain and digital industries will be booming. So if you were in a bit of a pickle trying to understand which career path to take, you could choose something that intersects with any of the above fields.
2. Watch out for what is happening in the country you are planning to study at. The virus is far from defeated and new strains are coming to light. Your plans may come to nought, so look out for the ground situation.
3. Since most universities will be preparing for online classes, now is the time to get all the gadgets you can to make studying a smoother affair. You will need to have the best laptops and phones so that the connection never lags.

Your plan to study abroad this year need not be cancelled!

You can still realise it by following the procedures set out by the universities you are applying to.