The second wave of COVID-19 on study-abroad plans

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By Joyce APPIAH-AGYEKUM

It is a well-known and accepted fact that nothing in recent history has hit the world with the same impact as the coronavirus. By March 2020 we all woke up to the realisation that there was a pandemic that wasn’t going to go away any time soon.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted health, economies and psychosocial well-being.  Measures to curb impacts of the pandemic such as wearing masks, social/physical distancing, avoiding large gatherings, washing hands with soap and water, and cleaning hands with sanitiser have limited further spread of the disease: yet it still persists.

Before the start of 2021 and to date, we still see spread of the virus leading many to change plans, lockdowns, COVID-19 tests relating to travel – and the emergence of vaccines. With vaccines now available, there is a better feeling of hope for managing the pandemic.  Many institutions of higher learning are engaging in studies that will hopefully add to the vaccines already named, or other measures to tackle or curb the pandemic.

This is the time to study abroad. Whatever we decide to do in terms of further study, it is important to take into consideration the best study-abroad options that will set career-goals and perspectives in the most state-of-the-art, up to date and modern ways of impactful learning outcomes.

Travelling the world as a student is an incredible opportunity; whether it is for a week, semester, summer school or a full year. Studying abroad helps one learn new languages, appreciate other cultures, overcome the challenges of living in another country, and gain a greater understanding of the world. These are all things modern businesses usually look for when hiring, and such traits will only become more important in everyday life should one experience study-abroad.

A few months ago a new variant of COVID-19 was reported, and since then other variants have also appeared as the virus keeps mutating. The South African variant, the UK variant and others have caused many to be apprehensive about travelling abroad. These new variants are often referred to as ‘the second wave’ of the disease and have caused many to raise questions about whether study-abroad plans will be deeply affected. In 2020 – the year of the pandemic when many of us did not know much about what the pandemic or virus was, what to expect and/or what to do – the popularity of study-abroad programmes endured.

Many students were still accepted into institutions, some waited to travel to the countries of their institutions when lockdown measures were lifted; but also some had done all that was necessary and began studying online, while others waited until their courses began in due time and travelled abroad to begin their study. And yet others continued online study with few face to face interactions (blended learning).

Today, many people are interested and ready to train and prepare themselves for the future in order to add significant value to their lives, future career goals and experiences. International education, experience and exposure are important for a student’s future. Learning in the environment of your institution opens up what one normally would have not imagined or comprehended. One student said: “I’m an open book and will be sharing lessons learned about my journey in this new environment, though it is not much of a face-to-face experience”.

At Education Consult Solutions Ltd. (EduSol), we maintain excellent relations with our partner institutions and students. Our students who travel to study abroad receive the necessary counselling, planning, travel, living, studying abroad information and pre-departure briefing before leaving.

If you choose to study abroad, you learn and live many different practices that you may not have thought of in your home country and in your comfort zone. You unearth potentials in you that you didn’t know of. You get acquainted with state-of-the-art techniques that are important for your future. You gain wonderful international friends and family who will impact your life and those of others in future. Students in international education mostly exhibit specialised expertise that is needed for today’s global job market.

If you are planning to study abroad, COVID-19 is real and the second wave is not a joke – Yes, very true! But this still hasn’t stopped others from studying abroad, and neither will it stop you; because Education Solutions Consult Ltd (EduSol) is here to take you through the right processes. We will assist all your study-abroad needs – Education and career counselling, choosing the right university and location, applying for the right visa category, travelling and arriving safely at your preferred study destination are all of paramount importance to us.

There isn’t much we can control about the coronavirus now. We only have to be ‘corona-alert’ and take into account the necessary measures to avoid being infected and stopping the spread. We will move forward as circumstances allow, working closely with you and other stakeholders to make you well-prepared for the journey ahead.

In a world where change is the constant, there is one thing that will remain unchanged – and that is our commitment to you; to support you and give you the best opportunities we can. You can still travel to study abroad.

We make it happen!

>>>The writer is CEO, Education Solutions Consult. [email protected]

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