The COVID-19 has been giving sleepless nights to a lot of people who are planning to study abroad amidst the pandemic. Looking at the situation, the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on the higher education system abroad is of concern.
Europe, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the USA are the most favored study abroad destinations that are severely affected due to COVID-19. Many students are still interested in pursuing a higher degree in spite of the current lockdown and the travel bans says the report.
While countries have sealed their boundaries to prevent COVID 19 from spreading, there are indeed students who aspire to study abroad. As per recent study reports, students still want to receive a degree from abroad despite ongoing lockdown and travel restrictions.
Below are a few tips and guidelines for students who are planning to study abroad and are affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
1) Be in touch with your University and interact
Interact with your university online with email / WhatsApp/ Skype or any messages you have received. Be aware of the institutions you applied for in particular (e.g. if your tests were canceled). All are aware that it’s a hard time and as flexible as possible and understanding to study abroad during the pandemic.
Rather than waiting for the Universities to restart, it’s the ideal time to use the digital learning suites. In many foreign universities, online bachelor’s and master’s degree registration has been started because of the virus outbreak. It also lets the student make good use of their time. Some advanced online courses help students with plenty of aspects, including written communication, critical thinking, verbal communication, and quantitative reasoning.
Besides the online courses, several colleges have also started online classes to fill the existing educational void. A student can take lessons, videos, and even answer the tests from home.
See if there are online webinars at the University. The online webinars have let students learn more about the courses available.
Virtual Open Days: Many universities offer virtually open days or visits to get you really inspired by the university
YouTube channel-do you have a YouTube channel in your university? If yes, then it’s the best way of discovering more about the University.
It is suggested to remain calm and not panic all students who wish to continue study abroad. In the next few weeks, greater clarity is expected. Until then, wait, watch, and evaluate the best possible choices. And above all, take the time to keep your curriculum up-to-date.
2) Applications, Qualifications and Admissions
Universities continue to accept admission applications. Alongside other UK academies, we are well aware that schools and universities are being closed in many countries and that many applicants and offer holders are anxious about the cancelation or postponing of tests — including the international levels of A, IB, and Indian Standard XII. For more information on the impact this could have on your course of study, please contact your school or university.
Abroad, universities take A-level grades, including international A-levels, awarded by examination boards. If the awarded grades follow the terms of their offers and all other conditions are met, the applicants for their chosen classes shall be admitted. When considering the grades of applicants who miss their offer conditions in a narrow way, they exercise as many flexibilities as possible, although acceptance is unacceptable.
Where other qualifications are earned by students or grades are officially issued by examination boards or by national governments, the qualifications shall also be recognized if they fulfill the criteria.
3) Continue with your application process
You should continue with your application process if you have decided to study abroad this year. Usually, the session begins during September and October in most international students, but if the situation goes beyond July, experts say that universities will again adjust to the changes that are happening. The students should therefore stick to their schedules and continue to prepare.
Universities might differ but it is necessary for the students wishing to study abroad to complete the application and take the following steps:
- Accept your admission offer (for example: via UCAS or the application portal of your university)
- Complete the English language qualification online
- Pay your security deposit
- Pay your deposit in order to secure your place.
- Book your accommodation (check the refund policies for your university)
- Consider arranging your visa – contact your nearest Visa Center.
- Be mindful that if the procedure isn’t completed, students will not get a place in the course, accommodation and/or visas on time.
4) Prepare for your English Language assessments
Continue to prepare for assessments of the English language as necessary. Many universities have developed an English Language Testing online provision. Invitations are made to apply for the check if the holders of conditional bids have already met university requirements and still meet the English language requirements of the bid.
For example, university courses are offered online only from June to September 2020 for 8 to 12 weeks of pre-sessional English courses. These pre-school courses will develop your skills in English to the level required for your selected degree in September.
In the eligibility exams, it is crucial for the students to understand the various types of questions. Before moving to an interview, students should have all the knowledge. Experts claim that they can use their time at home to run mockery assessments, which are readily available online and can be checked at a time.
5) Assess all your preparations
Experts say self-assessment in the present situation is very necessary because teachers and mentoring staff are not physically available to help a student plan. The mock tests are highly objective and characterized by AI. Some queries, for example, are distinguished by their correctness, such as queries of multiple choices, while others are based on correctness and consistency of the answer, for example, a test. Because multiple parts exist, self-assessment after an inadequate test allows the student to fix his shortcomings and improvements.
6) Do proper research
Worldwide, universities strongly support global Covid-19 efforts. Universities have been actively implementing new research initiatives to tackle the problem of the Covid-19, promoting local, domestic, and foreign efforts to extend our awareness of the pandemic and use this improved expertise to create local and global solutions for our community.
Take the time to learn about universities doing their research to counter this global pandemic and how worldwide students are working at the front.
7) Take your time to know more
Seize the opportunity to research your selected universities in more detail and think about what you might like to do on arrival. Look more closely at the clubs and the societies available and explore new sports or opportunities.
8) Get set go!!!
Be prepared to take swift action whenever the decisions regarding starting dates are made. You will have to arrange accommodation and travel if your location is confirmed.
Final Thoughts
While summing up, you must list your career plan, budget, and the country you are planning to study during COVID-19. Don’t give up your dreams of continuing education and never stop learning on whichever path you choose to take.
