How to Prepare For The Consequences of COVID-19

 
It is not the strongest of species that survive nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change! History is a testament to this statement. Recently, we have witnessed various changes across the globe, which have influenced our way of life. We have fought bravely against terrorism, natural calamities, social inequalities, religious persecutions, civil wars, and of late the pandemic that is COVID 19.

On the other hand, history has also taught us an invaluable lesson that a human being is resilient! We bounce back, and we don't let challenges stop us. For any country, human capital is the most important. Human capital leads to development due to two factors  health and education. It should come as no surprise then, that health was given precedence by every country and humankind has been under a lockdown for a while.

While we are under lockdown, governments worldwide, with the help of science and technology, are coming up with a solution. The primary amongst the tasks at hand is how to educate students who are the leaders of tomorrow and how to allow them to study wherever they want to  in their domestic country or abroad. Many people assume that the number of admissions in universities abroad will fall as a consequence of COVID 19, but the opposite is correct. Due to the recession in the global economy, many might face unemployment or underemployment due to a lack of necessary skills. Such unemployment, in turn, will lead to many of them wanting to graduate from the leading universities of the world to become employable. This trend was seen post the 2008-09 global recession too.

An elite institution like Stanford University is processing student applications online. Harvard University is holding its orientations virtually for the time being. California Institute of Technology is accepting international students but has kept a mandatory period of self-quarantine for them. Many of them are holding online classes until they get a green signal from their respective governments. These steps are being taken to mitigate the negative impact on students. Such preparations show that the educational institutions are doing their bit to make sure that this pandemic doesn't interfere with your dream to study abroad.

The most important thing is that like any other problem, this will also end, and like any other problem, this will also change our lifestyle for the better. Every university, as a whole, and every student, as an individual, must take preventive action to be able to function normally. Once the pandemic is under control, it will all get better. In the meantime, those who wish to study abroad can prepare for starting their next phase of higher education.

Firstly, students must carefully analyze and decide on the college they wish to get admitted to and what they would want to major in. Here, students must try to strike a delicate balance between their passion and job opportunities.

Secondly, they must try to finish off their current degree to be able to apply to their chosen college at the proper time. Many students have stopped studying for their upcoming examinations wishing that they may be postponed indefinitely! Kindly don't fall into that trap. Use this period to be ready by the time this crisis ends.

Thirdly, students must sit with their families and make a rough draft as to the requirements about the budget of their tuition fee and the cost of living, including accommodation and travel expenses.

Finally, students must not lose hope. Use this time to be prepared so that as soon as the governments open the lockdown, most of your work is done. Each problem can be solved, especially when the best minds across the globe are working towards it. Students can broaden their horizons by utilizing this time and reading books to learn about the country's history, culture, and environment, which will help students to integrate with others once the current issue ends. Learn the language which is commonly used in such a country so that communication ceases to be a problem for you.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the steps that you need to take to combat the after-effects of COVID-19. Use your time to prepare, draw out a list of preferred colleges and universities, work upon your application so that it stands out and learn the languages and culture of such a country. If you do these things, getting admitted to your desired university will be a piece of cake