COVID-19: How to Fulfill Your Study Abroad Dreams Amid the Lockdown

Right now, you’re probably just sitting at home and thinking that the Covid-19 situation has put all your study abroad plans on hold. If you’re just waiting around for things to get better, they might as well use this precious time to do some research and make a fresh plan. After all, Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change” .

Now, this does not mean that you need to step out of the house and risk your lives. You can make an alternative plan for your overseas education from the comfort of your home. All that you need is a good internet connection! You may, however, need some expert counselling. Scroll down to get answers to your questions and end your admission woes.

But before you go about making a fresh plan, here are certain things you should know and some myths around study abroad that need to be busted immediately.

Busting Myths Surrounding Study Abroad Amid Covid-19

1. Universities abroad have either deferred or shut down the admissions completely - NOT TRUE!!

Here’s the truth...

Universities abroad are determined to support and guide new international students and the changes to the start of the studies are made to ensure that as many overseas students as possible can continue their plan to study abroad and start their studies at their respective universities. In addition to the flexible start to studies, Universities have made it possible for first-year students to pay their tuition fee in instalments or offer attractive scholarships based on merit.

In the case of Canada , international students are now allowed to travel to Canada and as per the new government rule, Negative COVID-19 Test Report is mandatory for international students travelling to Canada . Also, one needs to isolate themselves for 14 days after landing even if they show no symptoms of Covid-19.

Also Read: Coronavirus Impact: Students to Take GRE and TOEFL at Home

2. Students with admission letters in hand would not be able to attend classes - AGAIN, NOT TRUE!!

Here’s the real picture...

The start of Autumn/Fall 2020 intake of international degree programmes at major popular international students destinations like the US , Germany and Europe will be conducted online, either partially or fully. This ensures that students from around the world who had applied can begin their studies despite the travel restrictions caused by the global Coronavirus pandemic. Apart from the flexible start to studies, Universities have made students’ lives easier by allowing them to pay their tuition fee in instalments.

International degree courses will begin in the month of August either online or it may be offered as a combination of online and offline studies. This means that students will be given the option to either start their studies fully online from their home countries or participate in the studies at the campus along with online students. This means that both online students and students who are physically on-campus will become a single group and study together. All courses will start contact lessons between August - January 2021, given the outbreak doesn’t cause further restrictions.

3. Students who are now being forced to take classes online will not be given work permit - NOT TRUE for Canada, at least!

Here’s the good news...

The IRCC has just announced that the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program will not be impacted in case an international student is not able to travel to Canada due to travel restrictions at this time but has a study permit or has been approved to receive a study permit for a programme commencing in May or June 2020. This means that such students will be eligible for a work permit even if their in-class courses are being moved to an online-only format due to COVID-19. International students may complete up to 50% of their program while outside Canada if they cannot travel.

4.No fellowship opportunities in case of those who were depending on funding help for studying abroad - NOT TRUE!!

Keep patience...help is on its way

Interviews and announcements for several fellowship opportunities may have been put on hold but arrangements are being amid the lockdown to ensure such plans remain unaffected. As per a report in a leading newspaper, ‘Chevening’, which is the UK govt’s prestigious international awards programme, is working to reduce disruption to interviews by making plans to conduct them online or by telephone, at least for those whose applications are in process.

Since 1983, Chevening has helped over 50,000 professionals to study in the UK. Amid the Covid-19 situation, they are making all the necessary efforts to ensure that interviews take place for Chevening Fellowships due to commence soon.

Also Read: Virtual Classes Commence in the Lockdown Districts of UP Amid COVID-19

Our suggestion...

Keep your eyes and ears open to the various announcements being made around the world regarding study abroad. The fear of stepping out of our homes amid the lockdown restrictions may have completely monopolised our minds but look at the bigger picture and don’t give up on your study abroad dreams, just yet!

Wondering when the Covid-19 situation will get better so you could resume your study abroad application process? Your wait ends now!

Collegedekho.com, through its Study Abroad platform, offers online & offline counselling to students interested in overseas higher education. Students can apply for admission in countries like the US, UK , Canada , Germany and New Zealand for courses in engineering, management, medicine, etc. From counselling to shortlisting of colleges as well as Visa and Application assistance, Collegedekho.com's Study Abroad venture helps students from the beginning till the end of their study abroad journey.

• Option of student counselling via video chat/calls available.

• Online & offline coaching/test prep classes for entrance exams like TOEFL , IELTS , GMAT , etc. available.

• Partnerships with renowned global universities for various courses.

Top International Colleges and Universities for You

With many universities opting for online delivery of classes, students have the opportunity to still pursue their dream of higher education in countries abroad. Among the top international college and universities, you can check out the following list for higher education studies.

As suggested above, visit CollegeDekho’s StudyAbroad website and browse through the different universities and courses located across the globe. You can write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com or call us at 785 9990 990 and clear out your doubts regarding study abroad admissions.