International Students Guide Post-Coronavirus Pandemic

Being an international student can be quite demanding. However, with Covid-19, studying abroad became even more difficult. As we all begin to adjust to living in a world with Covid-19, international students are faced with more demands as they pursue their studies abroad. 

Education overseas in developed countries like the United States and Canada opens a lot of opportunities compared to studying locally. Even with Covid-19 to worry about, students are still keen on finishing their higher studies abroad. To lessen your worries and to be more equipped as an international student post-pandemic, here are some tips and guides that can help you stay safe and productive while studying as an international student.

Top Things To Remember As An International Student Post-Pandemic

Take a look at some important considerations when you are about to study abroad.

Vaccinations and Travel Restrictions

Before returning to school this coming semester, it is important to know the vaccination requirements and travel rules for international students like you. 

Different countries are implementing varying restrictions when it comes to allowing foreign entry for travelers who are vaccinated. The CDC alone states that only approved vaccines by the FDA and authorized by WHO will be accepted for entry into the United States. It is important to know whether the type of vaccine you have is approved and authorized by the country that hosts your international education.

The Chronicle on Higher Education published that it will require students in all of its approximately 500 colleges and universities in the United States to require students to get vaccinated against coronavirus. At present, there are only eight approved vaccines by who – Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and the three versions of AstraZeneca.

Parents who are looking to see and visit their children while studying abroad can be quite a challenge too. Most international students will have to travel alone as some countries still implement non-essential travel. Coping alone, without the physical presence of a parent should be one of the things international students should prepare for.

Decreased Acceptance Ratios

The post-pandemic generation of international students will experience a decrease in acceptance ratio from education institutions offering higher degree studies. Acceptance rations for most colleges have dropped drastically allowing a lower number of international students into their programs. 

Harvard whose 2020 acceptance rate is 4.9% is now at 3.4% while Princeton University’s 5.6% acceptance rate has gone down to 4%. The same is true for Duke University that had 7.7% last 2020 and now has a 4.3% acceptance rate. MIT has dropped its acceptance rate from 7.3% to 4%. 

As for currently admitted international students, most colleges are offering them online classes instead of in-person classes.

Visa Applications

Visa applications will be quite more challenging for international students.  Visa processing can be delayed in certain countries that are still operating in reduced capacities. In fact, some international students are having a hard time getting their visas renewed due to new documents required as well as the delay in the processing and release of approved applications.

It would be best for international students to coordinate with their respective universities and consulates to help them process their visas faster, even while abroad.

How Are Colleges And Universities Responding

However, colleges and universities are extending mitigation measures to be able to adapt to this situation. Most colleges are facilitating online mediums that can guide and help international students and their parents adjust to today’s current situation. Quarantine requirements, documents, and other necessary information are provided by these groups to help in the transition.

As the uncertainties in international education due to Covid-19 continue, evaluating all scenarios to maintain safety among international students is a must. Creating action plans with doable timelines and goals may help in making the process of studying abroad a little bit easier, even with the threat of the coronavirus and the restrictions that surround it.

If you are still eager to continue your studies abroad, prepare to go an extra more mile to fulfill your dreams as a student. Even with travel restrictions being lifted, there are still quite a few demanding steps to be able to secure a seat to pursue your higher education abroad. Hopefully, with these tips, you can create a contingency plan that will make the process faster and plausible for you.