The dreams of those aspiring overseas education hit hard when the international borders closed owing to the pandemic, Covid-19. Dodging the impact had been the new norm for the world for almost two years now.
With vaccination gaining pace, all major universities across the globe are preparing to welcome international students, but with renewed norms and regulations. Restructured policies and admission guidelines are giving a renewed hope for students dreaming study abroad.
Across the globe, universities expect international students to be vaccinated and submit their Covid-19 negative reports on arrival. Since many nations have made it mandatory for students to be vaccinated, countries are conducting inoculation drives for students who are getting ready to fly abroad. In India, many states have prioritised vaccination to students who had to return to foreign universities to complete their programs.
Most of the leading universities in the US and UK have made it mandatory for students inoculated to be on the campus. However, some universities are enticing students by arranging the second dose of vaccines for those who had the first dose from their parent country.
Since the UK has moved India from the ‘red’ list to ‘amber’, fully vaccinated passengers need not undergo compulsory 10-day hotel quarantine. Though they have to go home quarantine for 10- days, this is a relief for international students. Institutional quarantine means they had to cough up some additional money. “The students had to spend at least 1-2 lakhs extra for hotel quarantine,” says a study abroad consultant from Chennai.
Certain universities are giving a choice to international students of deferring their courses. Students can either opt for online sessions or can postpone study plans.
Foreign institutes have come up with measures to attract international students by introducing fee-waivers and scholarships. While some are being flexible with their refund and deferment policies, others are offering provisional admissions. Some have postponed their admission processes giving students ample time to apply. Since board exams and results are way behind schedule, some institutes assess students based on their pre-board results. Some universities have waived off standardised tests too.
Certain universities are giving a choice to international students of deferring their courses. The students can either opt for online sessions or can postpone study plans. Some universities are offering a hybrid model of learning to students. Students can either attend online classes that are both live and recorded. They can continue with the on-campus classes as conditions improve.
No doubt every measure required to welcome international students is being taken by all the major universities across the globe. Though online classes can promise the academics to continue uninterrupted, students would miss out on cultural and global exposure they expect while enrolling as international students.
