Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to grip the world, around 79 percent of the 3,650 students from some 55 countries surveyed said they are still considering pursuing international education. With this in mind, MSM Unify once again conducted a Campus Connect webinar, this time focusing on international education in the time of COVID-19.
Held last Nov. 10, 2021, in Kuwait, the webinar highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on international education, as well as what the future holds for students who wish to pursue higher education in a foreign country.
Event host Mika Perea was joined by MSM Unify Country Manager for the Middle East Mostafa Hassan and MSM Unify Country Manager for Pakistan Sana Tasleem, who both discussed the international education scenario in their respective regions and the rest of the world as well.
According to them, although many international students are considering returning to physical classes in a foreign country, there are still a number of concerns, such as:
- Are higher education institutions (HEIs) already accepting applications, and what is the admission rate?
- Will these HEIs facilitate and cover insurance for students should they contract the virus while pursuing their studies?
- Will there be quarantine facilities available for foreign students upon their arrival?
To this end, both speakers said that:
- Admission rates are on the rise, and many HEIs realize that students wish to come back to the classroom.
- HEIs have included insurance coverage in the tuition fees and are working with insurance companies to ensure that students are covered should they catch the COVID-19 virus.
- These HEIs are working closely with the government to provide quarantine facilities for international students.
Apart from these, other changes were brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the number of students per class has been reduced to promote social distancing. A class of 50, for example, is now down to just 30 students. This smaller class size, in turn, should lead to more personalized learning for each student.
Then there is the evolution of online or distance learning. In the past, this was merely presented as a one-way activity where students would watch a video of a professor presenting the lesson. Nowadays, it has evolved into actual video classes where students and professors interact just like in a physical classroom.
In addition, more students are now open to hybrid learning—a combination of physical and online classes. Some HEIs even allow international students to begin with online classes from their home country until border restrictions ease and students can travel to continue and finish their studies abroad.
All told, international education may have been greatly affected by the global pandemic. Yet, by the looks of things, the changes seem positive and will benefit international students who simply wish to prepare for a brighter future ahead—pandemic notwithstanding.
About MSM Unify
MSM Unify is an AI-powered international education marketplace serving students, agents, and higher education institutions (HEIs). From 40,000+ program offerings to free study guides and smart agent matching, we help students gain full control over their application and increase their chances of success in studying overseas. Once they apply to their dream school abroad and get accepted into their program of choice, students can also manage this life-changing journey through free tools and resources, articles and quizzes on popular topics, and a discussion forum for like minds on the platform. Read more about MSM Unify at www.msmunify.com.
About M Square Media (MSM)
MSM is a leading international education company that establishes global or in-country offices and offers education management, an AI-powered student recruitment marketplace, high-performance student recruitment services, online courses and programs, and a wide range of edtech solutions. Through these diverse lines of business, we deliver targeted numbers in student recruitment to foster sustained institutional growth and cater to every stakeholder in the industry: schools, agents, and keen learners from around the world. Headquartered in British Columbia and operating in 17 countries, we strive for people and community empowerment through education, technology, and partnerships with industry and the academe. Read more about MSM at https://msquaremedia.com/.
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