Janice Lozano
The coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on international enrolments, with universities and governments needing to adapt to support students. The crisis has caused disruptions to the international student market, with some students postponing their studies or seeking alternatives, and others facing challenges with travel restrictions and feeling unsafe to travel. The shift to online learning has been a contested space, with concerns about the effectiveness of online learning environments and the impact on the socialization and group work aspects of courses. The financial implications of the crisis have also been significant, with universities facing exposure on international fee income and local communities losing the economic contribution of international students. Additionally, the pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of English language tests and study abroad programs, further affecting international student recruitment. While the impact is expected to be temporary, the extent and timing of the outbreak in different countries will continue to influence international enrolments and institutional responses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International student enrolments | Expected to fall |
| International student arrivals in the UK | Expected to be decimated |
| International student enrolments in UK engineering departments | Expected to fall |
| International student enrolments in the US | Expected to fall |
| International student enrolments in Australia | Expected to fall |
| International student enrolments in Canada | Expected to rise |
| International student enrolments in the EU | Expected to fall |
| International student enrolments in India and Pakistan | Expected to fall |
| International student enrolments in China | Expected to fall |
| International student enrolments in the long term | Expected to recover |
| International student fees | Expected to be unaffordable |
| International student experience | Expected to be disrupted |
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What You'll Learn
International student enrolments
The coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on international enrolments, with universities around the world bracing for a probable collapse in international student numbers. The University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, and Queensland University of Technology have asked Chinese students to enrol later or defer, while some are rescheduling exams.
In the UK, a London Economics study predicts that around 120,000 international students will not arrive as expected, resulting in a potential loss of £6 billion in international fee income for universities. The situation is further exacerbated by the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and its potential impact on EU student numbers. Additionally, travel restrictions and safety concerns may deter international students from choosing the UK as their study destination.
Australian universities have also been affected, with the high cost of studying and living expenses in the country. The transition to online learning during the pandemic has presented challenges, particularly for institutions offering complex courses like medicine. The pandemic has disrupted the international student market in Europe, with engineering departments heavily reliant on tuition fees from students in regions hard-hit by COVID-19.
However, some universities have demonstrated agility and flexibility in response to the crisis. For instance, Monash University in Australia postponed the start of its semester by a week, while others offered online courses for students unable to travel. Universities in the US have also moved classes online and demonstrated flexibility with application requirements and deadlines.
While the pandemic has undoubtedly affected international enrolments, it is important to note that the impact is temporary, and universities that effectively navigate the financial and operational challenges can expect a potential boom year in 2021 or 2022 as deferred students arrive alongside new applicants.
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Online learning
The coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on international students' education, with many universities moving classes online. While online learning can be a useful alternative to in-person teaching, it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.
Firstly, designing an effective online learning experience is a complex task that requires significant resources, thought, and time. Academics need to create a productive and engaging virtual environment that facilitates student interaction and collaboration, which can be challenging, especially when there is limited time to build additional resources. This is particularly true for disciplines such as medicine, where online learning has shown mixed results in the past.
Secondly, the cost of online education can be a barrier for international students. Studying abroad is already expensive, with international students in Australia, for example, spending between A$20,000 to A$45,000 annually on their degree, in addition to living expenses. The transition to online learning may add further financial strain, especially if students need to invest in technology or software to participate effectively.
Furthermore, the social aspect of university life is crucial for international students' transition and well-being. Online learning can make it more difficult for students to make friends and build a support network, especially during the important first few weeks of their studies. Universities should thus aim to provide additional support and resources to help international students connect with their peers and adapt to the online learning environment.
The impact of coronavirus on international students' enrolment and progress cannot be understated. Some students may have to extend their stay in their host country due to delayed progress, incurring additional expenses. Others may choose to postpone their studies or seek alternative options if they feel unsafe travelling to their host country.
Overall, while online learning can be a viable alternative during the pandemic, it is important for universities to provide comprehensive support and resources to ensure international students can successfully adapt to this new mode of learning.
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Student finances
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the finances of international students in several ways. Firstly, there has been a decline in the number of international students enrolling in universities, which may result in a decrease in tuition fees and other associated revenues for educational institutions. This decline in enrolment could be due to various factors, such as travel restrictions, safety concerns, and the psycho-emotional impacts of the pandemic.
Secondly, the pandemic has caused fluctuations in currency exchange rates, affecting the affordability of international education. A global recession, higher unemployment rates, and lower incomes may make it more challenging for students to repay their loans. However, there is a possibility of lower interest rates on federal student loans, which could benefit new borrowers financially.
International students in certain countries, like the United States, typically pay more out of pocket and are often ineligible for federal financial aid or in-state discounts. The pandemic has further complicated their financial situation, with visa processing backlogs and travel restrictions affecting their ability to enrol and continue their studies abroad.
Some countries and universities have implemented measures to support international students financially during the pandemic. For example, the EU Commission has stated that Erasmus students can be reimbursed for return or cancellation tickets due to travel plan changes. Additionally, some institutions have advocated for international students during the enrolment process and offered flexibility with deadlines and admissions decisions.
The pandemic has also disrupted the stock market, potentially impacting college savings plans with high foreign stock exposure. However, it is important to note that the specific financial implications for international students can vary depending on their location, individual circumstances, and the policies of their host country or institution.
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Socialisation and group work
The shift to online learning during the pandemic has also presented challenges for socialisation and group work. While online courses have provided a solution for continuing education, they have also widened the digital divide, with some students lacking access to laptops and high-speed internet, which are essential for effective online learning and participation in group work.
Universities and governments play a vital role in supporting international students during this time. Proper management and communication are necessary to ensure that late-joining international students can integrate into classes mid-semester and are not left behind in terms of socialisation and group work. This includes providing support to academic and student support staff, who are at the frontline of managing the fallout of the coronavirus outbreak.
The impact of the coronavirus outbreak on socialisation and group work highlights the importance of respect and empathy in the response to this crisis. It is crucial to recognise the unique challenges faced by international students and to provide the necessary resources and assistance to foster social connections and effective group work, contributing to a positive and inclusive student experience.
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Xenophobia
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered xenophobic behaviour towards international students, particularly those of Asian origin. In the UK, the Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) issued instructions to its members to be vigilant about prejudice against Chinese pupils, in light of the coronavirus outbreak that was first detected in Wuhan, China. The BSA advised schools to publicly support students from affected areas and to prepare quarantine procedures for pupils returning from China. This was to ensure that students from China did not face xenophobia from other students or external audiences, either in school or online.
In Poland, an anonymous online survey of Asian medical students at Poznan University of Medical Sciences revealed that 61.2% of respondents had experienced prejudice related to the coronavirus epidemic. The study, conducted before the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Poland, found that Asian students faced xenophobia more frequently when wearing face masks. The most common locations for encountering prejudice were on public transportation and on the street, with reported reactions including stepping away, changing seats, being asked to maintain a safe distance, and offensive language.
Instances of xenophobia have also been reported on the campus of the University of Tennessee (UT), where the spread of misinformation through media and word of mouth, rooted in anti-Chinese and xenophobic prejudices, has resulted in racist hysteria. The UT Graduate Student Senate has condemned racist and xenophobic biases, jokes, hate speech, and crimes targeting the university's international and Asian-American communities. The university provides resources and support for students, faculty, and staff who experience bias and prejudice on campus.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has emphasized the importance of combating xenophobia for an effective COVID-19 recovery. IOM calls for public communications based on facts and scientific data to prevent xenophobia and racial discrimination. Respect for the rights of all individuals, including migrants, will be crucial in curbing the pandemic and promoting an inclusive recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant effect on international enrolments, with some students postponing their studies or seeking alternatives elsewhere. However, there is a possibility of a boom year in 2021 or 2022, with deferred students arriving alongside new applicants.
International students face challenges such as travel restrictions, concerns about safety, and the potential impact on their finances due to currency fluctuations and the cost of living in their host country. They may also experience difficulties in socialising and group work if they are transitioning into classes mid-semester.
Universities have implemented various measures to support international students, including offering online courses, postponing semesters, providing academic advice and support, strengthening counselling services, and being flexible with application and enrolment deadlines.
The coronavirus outbreak has had a significant financial impact on universities that rely heavily on international student fees. For example, a London Economics study predicts that around 120,000 international students may not arrive as expected, resulting in a potential loss of £6 billion in fee income for UK universities.
