The COVID 19 pandemic has affected many significant industries around the world.
In the education sector, students have been forced to put a halt to their plans of studying abroad. With tight SOP’s, travel bans, and the rising number of cases around the world, it is clear that students need to change their study plans and consider if it is really the best thing to study abroad during this time.
The Impact Of COVID 19 Restrictions
In a QS survey done in February 2020, it was reported that only 27% of students stated that the coronavirus had impacted their plans to study abroad.
However, the numbers continued to surge, more and more students have stated that they would be deferring their studies. As of March 2020, 35% respondents said that their study plans had changed, with 54% choosing to defer their studies next year, 14% no longer wanting to study abroad, and 13% opting to study in a different country.
Educations.com, revealed that 78% of potential students still aspired to study abroad in the next two years, indicating a strong desire for overseas study despite the pandemic.
Therefore, the option to continue one’s studies is possible, but students have to be aware of the challenges that presents itself within studying in the new normal.
Universities have started implementing online solutions as an alternative for students to continue their lessons, such as online classes and virtual appointments. Majority of classes will also be run virtually to reduce risk of infection and spread.
This introduces a new method of teaching known as blended learning, which includes a mix of virtual lectures with face-to-face tutorials, providing students a chance to meet up in class and discuss their group assignments with social distancing measures in place.
Should You Still Study Abroad?
Studying abroad is a great way to stand out to prospective employers. The experience that students gain can help improve their language skills, develop international connections, and gain a broader perspective on global issues.
Hence, students are encouraged to continue their studies if they are able to adapt to the online learning environment.
Educations.com reports that 33% of prospective students are willing to study online until the COVID 19 restrictions passes. This indicates that students are not only aware that online learning will be a big part of their study abroad experience, but are also prepared to accommodate to the situation at hand.
Students can speak to the universities they want to apply to and ask about the new learning measures that will be implemented during their duration of study. Aside from online learning, universities are also working on implementing safety measures on campus, such as encouraging students to wash their hands regularly and ensuring hand sanitizers are readily available throughout campus.
On the contrary, there is also the option of delaying study abroad plans. If students are not in a hurry to continue their studies, they can opt for a gap year and wait until the situation clears up. In the meantime, they can keep active by learning an online course, taking an internship, or engaging in voluntary work.
Despite things looking a little grim, it is important that students keep an open mind and be flexible to changes.
For any queries related to study abroad or COVID 19 restrictions, you can get in touch with our counsellors at +60 11-2069 9087 or [email protected].
Teemay is a content writer who relishes telling a good story as much as she enjoys reading one. A fan of fantasy and time travel lore, she indulges herself with quaint daydreams of living in a vintage cottage settled deep in the woods. She hopes to achieve this one day, or may just settle with a treehouse instead. In her free time, she practices amateur astrology and interprets birth charts. These started out as a hobby for ‘fun’, but they come close to being obsessions these days
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