Students in international universities are in an unprecedented crisis period; they don’t know what waits at the end of the tunnel. They can online think and try to survive the tunnel itself.
It is not just about the students who aspire to study abroad in the future. Considerable numbers of students are stuck in international universities, away from their families, isolated. Institutions are trying their best to help students in this test of time.
It is crucial to provide academic support and advice to the students left behind. A lot many lives are affected, directly or indirectly, because of this outbreak.
As a long term consequence, experts believe there is about to be a drastic drop in the number of international students. The willingness to study in international institutions will inevitably decline. When classes get smaller, universities tend to cancel sessions. This affects the enrolled students in the long run.
The adversities do not end here. When the number of students declines, tourism, accommodation providers, food services suffer as well.
Universities should support staffs as well, because they are handling the fallout in the front line.
The way the universities respond to this crisis, will not only affect students but will reflect who they are as an institution.
What steps have been taken by far?
This is a fast-paced crisis and stands as a challenge to several international universities, colleges and schools. Several foundations are trying to communicate with their students and responding positively; this includes:
• Delivery of online courses to develop an academic environment.
• Making arrangements for semester commencement.
• Refunding fees and deferral.
• Providing clear and updated information.
• Extending academic and welfare support, like counseling, helplines, coronavirus guidelines.
• Supporting accommodation, visa issues and employment for foreign students.
What should an international student do amidst the crisis?
First and foremost suggest not panicking. Many students are concerned about educational loans. However, many governments have decided to reduce or waive student loan interest during this crisis. Try to gather more information from the bank or financial aid officers.
Governments across the world are taking tough decisions and closing borders. It is vital to stay updated with news and staying in contact with respective university officials. Stay prepared and plan accordingly.
If they are looking for alternate career paths instead of losing a year, they should take the
online aptitude test for career guidance. Counselors use the
career aptitude test to check their temperament, subjects of interest and aptitude areas to map job roles where they are in high demand.
Hopefully, rather they must firmly believe, the world will get back to normal again. A little wounded indeed, but normal. The outbreak created a huge hole in the academic structure, not just of a nation but worldwide.
Like every other crisis, ‘this too shall pass’ but is here to offer us lessons for the future.
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