COVID-19: Where We Are and Where We're Going
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Hi everyone,
With summer fast approaching and the US still in the midst of their fight against COVID-19, many are concerned and feel uncertain about how the situation will unfold, both in regards to the virus and the economic consequences of this pandemic. It can be difficult to find any good news in all of this, but it is heartening that life in China is finally returning to normal with classes resuming and restrictions loosening. There is a future after COVID-19 and and a chance to rebuild in the calm after the storm. In the aftermath of this pandemic, international education’s role in helping to create ties and connections across cultures will be more important than ever.
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Future Uncertainty
In the face of the pandemic, many are concerned about Chinese application numbers in the 2021 application season. Approximately 85% of respondents to a survey conducted by Amherst College found that the administration’s “unpredictable policies” towards Chinese students was the greatest concern for Chinese parents, while many also cited safety concerns and post-graduate work opportunities. Other popular study abroad countries, such as Canada and Australia, may see increased interest in the face of this. However, many students are still determined to pursue their education despite the risk, and schools that are able to adapt and support international students best are likely those who will be impacted least by COVID-19.
According to our most recent poll — a follow up to last month’s — consisting of approximately 80 counselors working with students applying to both high school and university, only 30% of respondents expect university application numbers to drop by more than 10%. A lot of the data collected here helps clarify our previous research and paints a clearer picture of how next year's application season might look.
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The Importance of International Education
While globalization efforts have undoubtedly taken a hit during this pandemic, that doesn’t mean that the future isn’t global and that international education won’t play a major role. Last month, the Committee on Study Abroad Services of the China Education Association for International Exchanges (CEAIE) and the Research Institute for International South-South Cooperation held a joint webinar to share their insights about the future of the industry. During this webinar, Chinese and foreign experts reiterated the importance of international education and the international connections they form in the process. This message is also reflected by education leaders in the US, pointing out that international collaboration can help reduce the fallout from the pandemic.
There are plenty of lessons to take away from COVID-19 that can help improve international education in the future. Better integration of technology in the classroom and more personalized education opportunities are both important take-aways, and it is likely that, in the medium term, international student mobility will resume. We strongly believe that COVID-19 will not be the end of international education or of educational exchange from China.
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Industry leaders reiterate the importance of international education in the face of an unprecedented impact on international education from the pandemic.
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Chinese and foreign education experts hosted a webinar to reiterate their commitment to international education and its role in the future.
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Many students remain committed to attending college abroad, despite the risks.
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Many Chinese parents are deeply concerned about the dangers of their children studying abroad in the US.
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In the face of COVID-19, international education will likely bounce back and evolve based on lessons learned from the pandemic.
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Chinese schools are not only re-opening, but taking stock of what did and didn’t work with online learning.
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