USA
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS DOING ITS BIT TO SUPPORT STUDENTS
The University of New Orleans is taking a novel initiative to break down barriers to higher education and support students with different opportunities for enrolment and more. It aims to help students overcome financial hindrances and meet admission requirements through alternative avenues. It also aspired to extend support in other areas where students need it.
US COLLEGES PIN HOPES ON BIDEN TO SAVE ENROLMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The pandemic hit U.S. colleges and universities hard as the steady income from international students came to an abrupt halt. Closed borders and cancelled flights took a toll on admissions, and revenues took a nosedive. These institutions are now pinning hopes on the Biden government to get international enrolments back on track, with the expectation to improve the besieged visa process.
INDIA
STUDENTS WITH STUDY ABROAD PLANS TO GET VACCINATIONS ON PRIORITY IN MUMBAI
Students planning to join study abroad programmes in overseas universities will get COVID vaccinations on priority in the state of Maharashtra. The state government has decided that study abroad aspirants with confirmed admissions and a valid visa will get the benefit. These students can get vaccinations in Rajawadi, Cooper, and Kasturba centres in Mumbai from May 31 to June 2.
FREE EDUCATION AND AID FOR COVID ORPHANS; PENSION FOR EMPLOYEES’ KIN IN INDIA
The Modi government has announced free education and financial aid for children who have lost their parents in the second wave of the pandemic in the country. The PM-CARES for Children’s scheme will provide financial assistance to the surviving parent, adoptive parents, and legal guardians of these children. Further, all registered dependents of the COVID-deceased will get pension coverage under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme.
YUVA LAUNCHED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO MENTOR YOUNG AUTHORS
The YUVA (Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors) scheme launched by the Department of Higher Education aspires to train and mentor young authors in India. The scheme covers authors under the age of 30 and aims to foster reading, writing, and book culture. It also looks ahead to project India and Indian writings across the globe. The scheme will provide a consolidated monthly scholarship of Rs 50,000 per author for six months.
THE FUTURE OF ED-TECH AND ONLINE EDUCATION LOOKS BRIGHT AND PROMISING IN INDIA
The pandemic has opened new frontiers for the education industry by promoting educational institutions, students, parents, and working professionals to embrace online learning for the long haul. Consequently, the demand for digital tools and platforms has also witnessed a boom. The future of ed-tech and online education looks bright and promising in India.
MIDDLE EAST
KUWAITI STUDENTS OVERSEAS IN TROUBLE DUE TO FLIGHT SUSPENSIONS
Kuwaiti parliamentarian Saad Al Khanfur has urged the authorities to resume direct flights with countries banned due to COVID outbreaks. He specifically mentioned Jordan and Egypt as a large number of Kuwaitis study in these countries. Travel restrictions have led to an increased financial and psychological stress on these students as they cannot travel back home during the tough times.
DUBAI STUDENTS HELP EDUCATE THE UNDERPRIVILEGED INDIAN CHILDREN
Students in the UAE are helping underprivileged Indian students struggling with the current pandemic situation in the country. A unique education project has been initiated by a group of students from Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS). They are evaluating educational videos for young Indian students who are unable to access quality education due to a lack of financial resources.
GCC COMPANIES HIRING TALENT FROM EAST AFRICA, EUROPE WITH CONTINUED TRAVEL BAN ON INDIA
As India struggles with the second wave of Covid-19, the extended travel bans have taken a toll on job opportunities for Indians. GCC companies and employers across the UAE are now looking towards alternate talent hubs such as eastern African countries and southern and western European countries like Romania and Portugal for hiring people in consumer industries.
AUSTRALIA
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVING IN SA TO QUARANTINE AT PARAFIELD AIRPORT FACILITY
The Chief Public Health Officer of South Australia has given a nod to a plan to get international students back to Adelaide. They will be allowed to stay at the Parafield Airport facility in the north of the city for the compulsory two-week quarantine period. The initiative is meant to bring overseas students back as they play a crucial role in the country’s economy.
UK
10X SKILLS STRATEGY FOR CREATING MORE AND BETTER JOBS LAUNCHED BY DIANE DODDS
Diane Dodds, Economy Minister of Northern Ireland announced the launch of “Skills for a 10 X Economy” as an initiative to create more and better jobs invest in the skills and talent of the country’s workforce. The programme was launched at Belfast Met’s E3 Campus and is a pillar of the 10X Economic Vision for the country.
