Can You Still Study Abroad During COVID-19?

COVID-19 has canceled many students’ study abroad plans. That was the right thing to do, after all, because the top priority is to stay healthy and reduce the spread of the virus. You can check the latest information here on how the coronavirus is affecting students.

If you are a student hoping to study abroad, you may be wondering: what should I do next in this situation?

This article aims to answer many of the questions you may have right now.

Why you should still study abroad

Studying abroad is a great way to stand out to future employers. You will return with a new perspective on different cultures, stronger language skills, and new personal relationships, which may even include professional connections. You will also have more experiences to talk about in interviews.

Despite travel disruptions, a QS survey of 14,416 prospective international students found that more than 90% of students who had originally planned to attend a university in the EU still intended to study abroad.

QS CEO Nunzio Quacquarelli said: “Our data suggests that any possible decline in international student enrollment will only be temporary: only one in ten respondents told QS that they do not intend to pursue an international education at all.”

Here are 25 more reasons you should still consider studying abroad.

If travel restrictions are still in place by fall 2020, can students still study abroad next academic year?

Yes, it is still possible, though it may not happen in the way you originally imagined.

Universities UK said: “Many universities are putting contingency plans in place in case international students are unable to attend classes on campus this autumn.”

That means universities may still admit international students, but classes would begin online until students are able to arrive in person.

Northeastern University is currently offering virtual study abroad programs. These programs promise students a unique immersive experience, along with opportunities to explore global ideas and engage with cross-cultural perspectives.

Universities UK also advises: “We would encourage students to contact the UK institutions they are considering attending directly, so they can get the most up-to-date information as the situation evolves.”

Getting a visa

The UK government says that visa application centers in many parts of the world have already closed or are offering only limited services.

If you are in parts of Europe, Africa, or the Middle East, contact TLS for advice on visa services in your country; if you are elsewhere, contact VFS Global.

English language tests

If you are going to study in an English-speaking country, you will usually need to take an English proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or an equivalent exam.

As the COVID-19 situation develops, you may not be able to travel to a test center to take your English language exam. Some universities say you can submit your application first and provide your English test scores later.

The IELTS test center says: “Where permitted and safe to do so, IELTS tests are continuing with additional safety measures in place to help protect the health of candidates and staff.” However, these tests may also be suspended at short notice as the situation continues to change.

The UK Home Office says that for cases where students are required to take an English language test overseas but are unable to reach a test center, individual higher education institutions with a record of compliance may assess the student’s English level themselves.

Duolingo also now offers an English proficiency test that you can take online anytime, anywhere. The test takes one hour, results are available after two days, and it costs $49. It is currently accepted by hundreds of universities worldwide.