Study Abroad post Covid-19

As the world tackles the Covid-19 pandemic, surprisingly, around 91% of Indian students who had planned to study abroad still want to continue due to the safety measures being put in place. This number is rather welcome considering how the Coronavirus pandemic ruined plans for students worldwide, especially those who wanted to go to other countries for their higher education.

We all know, the COVID 19 threat started affecting abroad Universities and lot of transformations are taking place in the global education scenario. English speaking countries like United States, UK, New Zealand, Australia and Canada are the major destinations for Indian students for higher education. More than 5 lakh Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in abroad Universities. On an average one lakh students are joining foreign universities per annum for potential higher education.

Simultaneously there are several debates and confusions among the students about the next steps. Should we apply? Will it be safe to go this spring ?

Listed below are some Measures being taken by universities abroad during Covid-19 lockdown

With strict measures in place after the Covid-19 pandemic, universities abroad are enhancing other features and opportunities to make sure they are still attractive to Indian students and can offer them something more than the Indian education system is able to at the time. Let’s acknowledge the fact that these universities have been in existence for a very long time, some have been here for multiple centuries. They have seen global crises before and have only come out of it stronger.

1. Moving all classes online:Lectures are being given online.
2. English language testing:With Local IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Centres staying closed, universities are ensuring they provide pre-sessional English courses online to students who need to show a proof of English proficiency to join the programme.
3. Safety and health measures:All university campuses are being sanitised daily and mobility inside or outside the University has been limited to health officials, security and transport of essential goods only. Student gatherings are being dispersed and every other health measure is being taken as directed by the Health Services and WHO.
4. 24×7 student support: Universities have opened up self-help sections and 24×7 Covid-19 helpline numbers specifically for student support. All university International offices in countries across the world have come together and are working overtime to ensure singular thread of information is passed on and myths are busted among students and their parents.

What did the study on Indian students wanting to study abroad find?

1. 76% students surveyed were planning to go ahead with their education abroad in the next 6-10 months (upcoming September or January intake).
2. 16% students said that they will take a decision about studying abroad by the summer, while 8% are considering delaying the decision due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
3. But the above numbers changed when students were informed about the steps being taken by international universities. Around 25% of the students weren’t aware of the contingency measures taken by universities for the Sep ’20 and Jan ’21 intakes such as blended learning options.
4. More than 70% of the students prefer an international healthcare system.Canada and the UK ranked among the most trusted international healthcare systems by Indian students followed by US, India, Germany, Sweden and Finland.
5. 76% of the surveyed students are headed for post-graduate programmes, while the remaining 34% are in the undergraduate category.
6. The study found that UK was the most preferred study destination for Indian students.It got 28% of the votes. Australia, Germany and France are the other top choices voted by 20% students.
7. Canada and US are close second choices to study abroad with 15% and 18% votes respectively.

With more measures coming in place including 24×7 student helplines, this number can go higher up. Overall at 3RDiConsulting we believe given the above scenario if a child wishes to pursue his study abroad dream, nothing can stop him. With all precautions it is not only safe but also possible for the student to get the holistic experience they look forward too. So if you are still thinking come to us and we will help you in the best possible way.