Studying abroad is an excellent choice that allows students to grow culturally, socially, and professionally. It also makes them competitive and skilful, placing them ahead in the career curve.
But 2020 was a transformational year in the international higher education model due to the pandemic. Many foreign universities adopted a blended learning model by investing robustly in online educational platforms to help students acquire an international degree. This model allows students to start their studies online and shift on campus as soon as the travel ban is lifted.
Fortunately, 2021 has brought many opportunities for students to resume their application process for their dream universities abroad.
Also, various institutions have gone for multiple relaxations and exemptions various institutions have laid out. For instance, several US universities have waived GRE/ GMAT requirements for graduate and SAT/ACT for undergraduate degrees.
Considering the monumental shift in the educational, financial, and administrative policies of various universities due to the global crisis, students should analyse the emerging trends and make most of the evolving dynamics.
Artificial Intelligence In Learning
There is a good deal of optimism concerning the expansion of artificial intelligence in the education sector with respect to various tasks like streamlining admission processes and documentation operations in universities.
Several universities and institutions also are leveraging AI to offload time-sensitive processes, enhance student enrolment, manage administrative tasks, reform IT processes, and above all, boost the learning experience for students. AI plays a significant role in the virtual education model to enhance learning and engagement among students.
Trending Courses
Students should align their course preferences with the technology-induced dynamic market to match the upcoming demand.
Beyond already popular courses like MBA, Engineering, MBBS and Literature, students can also explore specialised subjects like Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Project Management, Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and more.
These courses will help students prepare for the future job market.
Besides, students aspiring to carve themselves a niche skill or career can also consider courses like Environmental Science (especially in renewable energies), Healthcare Infrastructure, Biotechnology, Health Informatics, Pharmacy, Equipment Manufacturing, and Healthcare Administration.
Digital Education
The possibilities for digital education are endless, and after the onset of the pandemic, it has become the need of the hour. Generation Z is already technologically advanced and highly adaptive to virtual learning.
The current circumstances made way for the hybrid learning model, which almost all the universities follow in Australia, UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Rest are also joining the flow. The more students and professors become comfortable with e-learning, the more possibilities will flourish for global networking and skill development remotely.
Enhanced Student Support
Several universities are investing in setting up mental health centres, appoint more counsellors and advisors to aid students in easy transitioning to the new environment.
Moreover, institutions have already relaxed admission criteria, reduced fee structures, introduced exclusive scholarships and bursaries, and offered the option of both live and recorded classes to students for their convenience.
Student Quarantine
Many universities have started to welcome international students, provided they quarantine themselves 14 days after their arrival in their host country.
Few universities in the UK and Canada have expressed openness to bear the cost of the quarantining for their students, prioritising the health and safety of students.
Additionally, Canada has also exempted fully vaccinated travellers from the quarantine process.
For USA, students need to carry a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of landing in the USA, however, they will still have to complete a quarantine period of up to 14 days.