Updated on September 7th, 2024
The health crisis COVID completely halted the education industry dealing with International students. Social distancing and other orders by the authorities resulted in the complete closure of offices of consultants dealing with overseas education. If we talk about the coming intake of July and even September has a minimal possibility of students joining their classes. So many students have started the process of their admissions. They got admission offer letters but waiting for further process of their visa. Few even got visas but cannot fly as borders are closed. They cancelled flights for the time being.
In this scenario, there is complete uncertainty with no clue of any possibility shortly. However, there are some online activities by few consultants and few educational institutions as well. Online webinars, meetings, counselling sessions create some positivity. Students are preparing for their eligibility tests like IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL, etc. Media reports about pandemics suggest it can stretch this crisis a few months more. Authorities are not ready to take any risk.
The industry faces many issues related to expenditures, staff salaries, rents, and so many others. Survival is a big concern for many consultants. Without the operation, things are getting tougher day by day. There are few positive signals as well. Few governments have announced help packages to international students.
How Canada is helping international students
International students are enormous support for the Canadian economy. They contribute almost $22 billion to their economy every year. Recognizing this, the government has announced some measures to help international students already in the country and those who would like to come to Canada shortly. Normally, students may work for 20 hours a week. They lifted time restrictions for the time being. Now students can work over 20 hours till August 31, but this permission is for some limited sectors.
Besides relaxing during working hours, the government has opened Canada Emergency Benefit, under which they gave students cash help of $2000 per month. They took this initiative as the pandemic affects students’ ability to continue their studies and pay their bills, rents, and other expenses. They made a few more plans to support international students. Such help packages will certainly boost the morale of international students in this situation of crisis.
Australia is planning to reopen step wise
Like other destinations, Australia is also facing issues related to international students. Right now, borders are closed. So many students are waiting to travel. Media reports show Australia is planning to open borders by July if things remain in control. They have planned a three-step framework to allow international students to travel by July.
Prime minister Scott Morrison, while tweeting, revealed the Roadmap to Covid safe Australia. Australia can’t ignore students, as they are an important part of the economy and workforce.
Like Canada, Australia has also announced extra working hours to international students working in major supermarkets, including Woolworths and Coles. In the coming days, this plan may extend to other sectors as well. They announced these changes are short term and regularly reviewed to ensure they are working and still required.
Australia also planned for short-term homestays for needy international students. Program launched under the name International Student Support Network will provide accommodation, meals, and a safe home environment at a discounted price to international students affected by the global crisis.
Analyzing all these developments, we hope the industry related to students will be on track soon.
New Zealand also planning to reopen
A recent report in NzHerald says that New Zealand is also considering reopening the country for the $5 billion student industry. Announcing this, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says the government plans to enable international students to return to New Zealand. International students are a $5 billion industry.
All these developments in three major countries show other destinations will eventually start thinking of opening borders for international students. Squeezing economy can be one reason behind it, but there are other more reasons. Students contribute to every country in so many ways.
Being part of this industry, I feel that no doubt we are passing through an adamant time, but we must keep ourselves full of enthusiasm. When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. #StayHome #StaySafe
