The only buzzing question around students is traveling for study abroad during Covid is safe right now? We understand the covid-19 pandemic has disturbed people’s lives globally and altered thousands of prospective students’ overseas study plans in 2020. The full extent of an outcome on the study abroad sector is yet not clear and still uncovering. Many abroad universities had suspended face-to-face teaching and replaced it with remote teaching.
But gradually, things are getting back to routine post lockdown but with high precautions. Countries have opened their borders, and universities have re-open for regular teaching even with small groups of learning are allowed in class. Study abroad destinations during Covid strictly follow safety precautions to handle the crisis, making it safe for the students who intended to travel for studies.
Here are five top safety tips for students of studying abroad during covid-19:
1. Stay in contact with the student’s group who are currently in the host country.
Many students are currently studying abroad. It would be best to stay in touch with them and all students who studied abroad during the pandemic. It is crucial to know about the student experiences studying abroad during covid-19. Study abroad consultants will put you in touch with them.
Questions you should ask them:
- How was their experience amidst lockdowns?
- How are the safety precautions at the hostel or place they are staying?
- How are they coping up with the studies at the university?
- What are the highest safety recommendations amidst covid-19?
- How is the neighborhood they are staying in?
The questions above are for reference purposes; you can ask any questions you feel to ask.
2. Keep checking the CDC site — COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination
CDC stands for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The team is tracking the covid-19 situation globally. They have divided countries into Levels:
- Level 1: Covid-19 Low-Risk Countries
- Level 2: Covid-19 Moderate-Risk Countries
- Level 3: Covid-19 High-Risk Countries
- Level 4: Covid-19 Very High-Risk Countries
It is advisable to consult your study abroad consultant professionals because they know better.
3. Monitor the host country you are traveling to and their visa services.
It is advisable to keep track of your travel destination. Students need to monitor the restrictions on border, travels, and visas regularly. There have been numerous changes in travel amidst covid-19 pandemic. Make sure the flight booking is open for changes and the visa can be extended without penalty.
4. Choose airlines with the highest safety standards.
As air travel is starting to pick again after a challenging pandemic, many people are still skeptical about traveling by flight. Their fears are justified because many travelers are taking pandemic lightly. But here is the fact, there are many ways to stay safe while traveling. The Internet has dozens of stories that could create panic while traveling. It is essential to educate yourself with the correct information.
Ways to protect yourself while on flight:
- Many airlines have limited the number of seats while booking for passengers and crew members safety, even though they are losing millions as the pandemic is still not over yet. Pre-book your flight and seats. Book double seat.
- Proximity to others should be maximum even though family or friends are traveling together.
- Wear a PPE kit (cover gown, mask, shoe cover, and face shield) throughout the journey. Right from entering the airport, in-flight, and when reaching the destination.
- Keep sanitizing your hand and the surface you are touching.
- Once you reach the destination, wash your clothes in disinfectant detergent. Clean yourself, and do not touch your face without cleaning your hands.
- Relax, and you might need to quarantine yourself as per the rules of the host country.
5. Learn to control your mental health.
Travel-induced stress amidst pandemic is quite normal but should not take lightly. Students need to understand that they will not travel to the host country for their higher education if they are anxious. Every study abroad consultants have a dedicated team who counsels the student’s months before they fly.
6. Everything you need to know about IFSA (The Institute of Study Abroad)
IFSA Team is committed to provide quality study abroad opportunities to all students and help them with personal and academic services. IFSA creates a comfortable global learning environment specially designed for the students to enhance their knowledge, skills, and performance to better their future.
IFSA is present in 19 countries and 53 cities globally, including England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, etc., and more than 100 programs to choose from.
IFSA issued a notice stating that they would give a full refund, including a $500 non-refundable deposit fee to the students who withdraw from Summer or Fall 2021 IFSA programs for any reason.
Final Thoughts
There is a more significant impact of COVID-19 on studying abroad, but if you pay attention to safety measures, you will be aware while deciding to travel. The more you learn about the host destination, communicate with local students and faculties, do some research, the safer you will feel.
Also read – Overseas Education