STUDYING ABROAD IN THE NEW NORMAL – WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

Studying abroad is a dream for countless students because it opens up immense opportunities for a brighter future. You get to study at top educational institutions, experience the rich culture and lifestyle of a new country, and eventually have a chance to work and settle there.  Not surprisingly, international students continue to look for ways to fulfil their dreams even amid the COVID crisis.

However, things are not as easy as they were because reaching the destination is a concern with the evolving vaccine, visa, and quarantine guidelines for international students. Parents have financial worries as flight tickets are more expensive than ever. If you plan to pursue the study abroad dream in the new normal, you must prepare yourself for the path ahead. Here are some things you need to be aware of in the current times.

ACCEPTANCE RATES ARE LOWER IN US UNIVERSITIES

The acceptance ratios for most American colleges for Fall 2022 have witnessed a drastic decline, with several institutions going test-optional. It means that international applicants have fewer seats, making it harder to get into the top US universities this session. Further, the competition is tight because many admitted students deferred their admission last year and took a gap year. So there are fewer seats for current applicants as slots are already full. The impact is more on Post Graduate courses as they are of shorter durations. It is vital to research your facts and be prepared for lower acceptance rates before you go ahead.

VACCINATION STATUS IS CONFUSING

Another challenging matter for international students seeking admission in the US is their vaccination status. Many vaccines are yet to be approved by the WHO or FDA, so students have to make sure they have the right vaccines and doses on time. The WHO-approved vaccines include Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Johnson & Johnson, and three versions of AstraZeneca. CDC has issued guidelines for international students to be revaccinated with one of the FDA-approved vaccines. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, approximately 500 colleges and universities in the country will require students to get vaccinated. New York University, University of Chicago, and University in Maryland are following these guidelines. Canada is not recognising the RT PCR test results from India, and students have to take them from a third country.

VISA WOES ARE RAMPANT

You will also need to consider visa restrictions while seeking admission to a foreign university. Things are gradually improving on this front. But you must get a clear understanding of the visa norms and guidelines of your destination country. It is vital to stay in touch with the university coordinators to ensure you have all your paperwork sorted in time. Find the steps and timelines of the process, and have your visa ready so that you can take a flight whenever you get the chance.

FLYING ABROAD MAY NOT BE A SMOOTH SAIL

Travel restrictions are another concern for international students planning to embark on their dream destination. There are uncertainties related to flights and quarantine requirements. The US, Canada, and Singapore are letting in only those falling in the essential travel category, while Australia and New Zealand are closed for now. Earlier, parents used to accompany their children and help them settle down. But students have to manage on their own as parents come under the non-essential category. The situation gets even more stressful for students and parents as there is a constant threat of contracting the virus. Not to mention, young students have adjustment issues travelling alone to a new country and settling down in a new environment.

KEEPING TRACK OF UNIVERSITY RESPONSE IS ESSENTIAL

Despite the challenges of the current situation, there is a silver lining too. The universities are extending support to international students in more than one way. Most of them have social media groups and online forums for students and parents to connect and discuss their concerns with each other and the authorities. They can also contact colleges or go through their websites to get the latest information about the documents required, quarantine requirements, visas and vaccines, and even what to pack for the children. Some colleges are connecting student mentors with the freshmen to help them prepare for the academics and campus on-boarding.

Despite the vaccine rollouts and decreasing caseloads, uncertainties due to COVID-19 continue to be around. Parents and students need to have a broader view of the challenges and create a safety net to navigate through them safely. They also require a plan of action with goals, tasks, and timelines. Connecting with counsellors, mentors, and peers is equally important to make the right choices at the right time.

If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?


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