INDIA: LATEST UPDATES

The much awaited Unlock 2.0 will come into effect from July 1^st, entailing modified economic and healthcare regulations. While malls, restaurants, and other businesses were opened to the public in June, albeit with conditions, the plan is to (more completely) resume many other services such as metro (subway) trains, trains, banking, public offices, etc. Reduced restrictions in phase 1 contributed to stabilizing inflation and healthier economic performance. States with good coronavirus containment and recovery records have been advised to share best practices with others. Total COVID-19 case counts have surpassed the 450,000 mark in India, but the recovery rate has improved to almost 56%. States consistently accounting for a majority of case counts are Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Visa Application centres for countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Germany, Netherlands and a few other European countries were reopened in New Delhi. They have resumed Passport Passback services.

NEWS ON EDUCATION

After a petition was filed by parents in the Supreme Court urging reconsideration of final year exam dates confirmed by the CBSE board, a response / decision by CBSE is awaited any moment this week. Reports suggest that the top court’s hearing will impact ICSE board and entrance exams boards’ decisions as well. Some states including Maharashtra have cancelled 12^th grade exams and reopened schools for grades 9 through 12 in non-red zones. Delhi government had sought public opinion on reopening of schools but a majority of respondents are not in favour of opening schools soon.

NEWS ON INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC TRAVEL

Air India is operating repatriation flights to fly back Indians stranded abroad. The Aviation Ministry may soon establish “bilateral bubbles” with US, UK, France and Germany to allow their air carriers to participate in transportation of passengers. A final decision with regard to such bilateral arrangements is expected soon.

INDIAN SUBCONTINENT & SOUTHEAST ASIA: COUNTRY-WISE UPDATES

Pakistan: The country has imposed a ‘smart lockdown’ targeting around 500 hotspots around the country. Movements by local residents will be restricted in these areas. The Government is considering reopening schools if they agree to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, no decision has been finalized yet. Grade 12 exams were cancelled in the wake of the pandemic and students will be promoted based on the results of their previous year’s (Grade 11) examinations. A new examination policy concerning admission to higher education institutions will take into account key aspects and statistical patterns of Grade 11 and 12 syllabus and results. Closure of public and private universities may extend beyond July 15^th.

Bangladesh: Zone-wise lockdown was extended for another week in Bangladesh. Schools and colleges remain closed for students till August 6^th, but reopened for administrative staff earlier this month. The aim of such a measure is to enable future enrolments to subsequent grade / college levels. Classes are being conducted online and over television. The Government claims to have reached 92% of students through televised classes. A new online platform will be launched this week. No decision has yet been made on HSC exams.

Nepal: The government has altered modality lockdown and eased restrictions in order to gradually resume economic activities. Government schools remain closed, but private schools have shifted to online delivery of classes. Grade 10 Secondary Education Examination (SEE) were cancelled but the decision on grade 12 examinations is yet to be announced by National Education Board.

Vietnam: Schools in Vietnam resumed after the lockdown on April 22^nd. High school examinations will be conducted in August. The level of difficulty will be reduced, as the quality of online classes held between February and April were deemed sub-standard. This year, universities are recommended to give more weightage to their own entrance exams to qualify students for enrolment. Natural science and social science subjects will be scored separately and their scores will not be combined as suggested earlier. Local universities said they will still base their enrolment decision on high school exams and that they had full faith in the exam system. Meanwhile, foreign investors returned to Vietnam after it emerged relatively unscathed from the crisis. Now, the country is looking to lead regional revival of tourism. Canadian visa application services have also resumed in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

Philippines: The country has extended “modified general community quarantine” in metropolitan Manila and Cebu city. Private institutions have shifted classes online. Department of Education (DepEd) said students can continue learning through internet, printed modules, radio and television until a vaccine against COVID-19 becomes available. Over 300,000 public school teachers were trained on tech-based teaching. But, mass gatherings in colleges and universities are now allowed in some areas.

Sri Lanka: The country lifted its country-wide lockdown and curfew on May 31^st but restrictions on public gatherings remain. The country also opened more public places and national parks and resumed public transport, albeit with a prerequisite on the number of people allowed on buses and trains. A four-phased reopening of schools is scheduled in the month of July. GCE A/L Exams are postponed from August 5^th to September 7^th – October 2^nd.

DEVELOPMENTS: INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTIVE STUDENT SURVEY (Wave II)

Maple Assist and Academica Group conducted the second wave of the International Prospective Student Survey (IPSS) in May’20, in a bid to keep track of the sentiments of prospective students and applicants over the course of the evolving pandemic situation. The study traces shift in applicants’ top concerns and preferences between April and May 2020, and offers tailored recommendations for Canadian institutions.

 The student respondent database this time around was just under 3000 in number, about 20% of the earlier respondent group. While the demographic profile remained similar to that in wave 1, the participation of University going students increased to 69% as compared to 31% participation from those who have received admission in colleges.

Some of the key findings of the report are:

1. Top concerns: There is an apparent increase in concern about air travel restrictions, delays in visa and study permits, and obtaining work permits, whereas worry about personal health and wellbeing has reduced marginally.
2. Fall 2020 Plan: As for plans for September 2020 intake, 78% will still go ahead with their PSE enrolment this fall, but 10% are not planning to enrol any longer, and 13% would need some more time to come to a decision.
3. Online delivery:  Largely the response remains the same as in the last wave- if in-person classes are not available then half the number of respondents would still prefer to keep their registration and defer classes till the in-person option is available again. 44% would like to keep their registration and begin online classes. However, the unwillingness to take online classes continues even now and one-fourth of those surveyed were still not in favour of online classes as compared to one-fifth of the number in the first wave.
4. Communication: Over half the number of respondents felt they had received adequate information from their institution on the impact of Covid-19 on their enrolment and studies. Then again, 73% felt communication could be improved with greater clarity on how the learning process will take place and next steps on the admission process.
5. Financials: About half of international students are expecting some kind of financial support from their institution, the most preferred form being a tuition discount.

For a detailed read on the Academica forum, please click here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: TOP INTERNATIONAL STUDY DESTINATIONS

Australia

The Federal Government is working with states and territories to enable international students to return in a very controlled setting and only under pre-approved plans provided by institutions.Australia is already working on a pilot program for a planned return of about 350 international students. This lays the groundwork for large-scale arrival of students in the months ahead.

UK

• Foreign students who continue their studies through distance or blended learning but enter UK before April 6^th and complete their final semester in the country will be eligible for post-study work visas in 2021 upon graduation.
• According to a survey carried out by Universities UK, 97% of 92 universities reviewed said they will provide in-person teaching at the start of the term, but many have moved the start dates to October and November 2020.
• Universities offering blended and in-person classes this fall are planning to accommodate international students and put in place measures to engage and quarantine them for 14 days as per government guidelines.

USA

The new executive order on US visas has left out F-1 visa or temporary work visa given to foreign students. The new order will impact H-1B and L category visas. Graduates will find it challenging to secure jobs and sponsorships from companies for H-1B visa.

Maple Initiatives

• A follow-up session with Canadian Immigration lawyer Josh Schachnow is scheduled for Friday, June 26^th at 9am EST/ 6.30pm IST on the Instagram handle @mapleassistcanada. Following the success of the first Instagram Live earlier this month, this interactive meet will cover latest updates on the Canadian immigration front, Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and job opportunities in Canada for international students, in addition to a Q&A session.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• For International Recruitment Solutions: https://worldeduconnect.com/
• Maple Assist curated Blog: https://www.mapleassist.com/blogs/
• Scotiabank Resources for Newcomers to Canada: https://startright.scotiabank.com/covid-19-resources.html