Studying Overseas In The New Normal: 5 Things To Know

2020 has been a bumpy ride!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re still adjusting to the new normal which brings about plenty of changes in our routines: Trips are canceled, friendly handshakes are risky, your study overseas plan is delayed, and the list goes on. Most of us don’t even remember what it’s like to bask in the sun without wearing a mask. 

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With the pandemic likely staying around for several more years, students planning to pursue their tertiary education abroad are forced to pause their plans. This has sparked concerns regarding students’ education and future career plans. 
 
However, the new normal doesn’t have to be difficult.  
 
As governments are improving their ways of managing the pandemic, travel restrictions and visa applications of some countries are now available again. Although online learning is now the latest method of conducting classes to avoid close contact among students and lecturers, international students still seek a foreign university experience overseas. Thus, universities are taking the initiative to devise new learning systems to ensure that students get to experience studying overseas despite the ongoing pandemic. 

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Visa Applications For Studying Overseas

At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, visa application centres have halted their activities for several months. Although these centres are slowly resuming operations, it is highly likely that they are jam-packed with heaps of unfinished documentation. A common application process takes up to three months, so you should plan ahead and apply in advance to prevent delays in your application. 

Read this article here to understand how to get your student visa approved. Alternatively, you can check out embassy websites that provide helpful information on student visas or seek guidance from your school’s student support department.

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Accommodation And Healthcare Preparations

Health insurance and accommodation should be among your top priorities when studying in a foreign country. Always research the country’s health and safety policies. In most cases, European students are covered for emergency treatment. However, this may differ depending on which country you are going to.  
 
You are expected to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or a nose swab test for Covid-19. Some countries like Malaysia also require international students to comply with the mandatory quarantine for 7 — 10 days. You should also be prepared to pay for the quarantine accommodation and operational costs, as well as submit certain documents required by the country.  
 
Always check the health and safety policies of an institution before making any decisions. Request hostel and campus information from the university and go through them thoroughly to ensure that they are able to help should you fall ill.

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Understand The Learning System Before Studying Overseas

Once you’ve decided on a country to study overseas, take time to learn about the course structure offered by the universities on your list.

Do you prefer to have face-to-face learning? 

Do you want to have a mixture of both physical and online classes?  

Many universities around the globe offer hybrid schedules to give students a chance to enjoy the on-campus experience. However, since we don’t know when the cases would spike again, be prepared for the possibility of reverting to online classes. 

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