Europe's Current And Expected COVID-19 Situation Before Fall'21 Intake
The words ‘study abroad’ carry much more weight than one can imagine. Indeed, the decision to study abroad is a life-changing verdict for any student. Not only does it require significant financial resources but the students also have to dedicate the precious years of their lives. In this sense, study abroad aspirants must research thoroughly before coming to the final conclusion. Over and above the ‘what to study’ part, the ‘where to study’ aspect of study abroad is equally important for the students. After all, a highly conducive learning environment is essential for the personal, academic, and professional growth of the students.
But just like every other sector, COVID-19 left its mark on the study abroad landscape as well. While the pandemic did create an impact, it didn't necessarily cause a block or hurdle of any form. Universities all over the world, especially in Europe, continued with their respective academic programs via virtual classrooms.
The pandemic, however, did bring about a drastic change for study abroad aspirants, mainly because of the associated safety concerns. As mentioned earlier, the destination of education is just as important for students as the course they adopt.
The pandemic, however, did bring about a drastic change for study abroad aspirants, mainly because of the associated safety concerns. As mentioned earlier, the destination of education is just as important for students as the course they adopt.
3 Key Factors That Study Abroad Aspirants Must Consider Before Choosing Their Next Destinations
1. Quality of Education
Considering that a student’s prime motto is that of gaining higher education, this is the first and obvious factor that he/she must consider. Before landing on a country, you must verify whether it is a proper study abroad destination that imparts quality education. Remember, you will be spending the most productive years of your life while studying abroad. So make sure that the destination stands by its promise of quality education.
You can gauge a country’s quality of education by looking into its history of education, financial priority given to the education sector, infrastructure facilities, scholarship programs, and many other factors.
2. Rankings
The next aspect to review is the international ranking of the countries and their universities. Several globally recognized publications such as QS Ranking, Financial Times, etc. publish an annual ranking of the universities to help study abroad aspirants make a smart decision. These rankings are based on factors such as alumni salaries three years after graduation, the quantity of research in recognized journals, and the diversity of students and faculty.
An ideal study abroad destination for you can be a country that hosts several top-ranked universities that offer accredited courses in your desired field.
3. Safety
With the uproar of the COVID-19 pandemic, safety has become a vital factor in determining the ideal study abroad destination. As a study abroad aspirant, you need to review the status of the country amid the current pandemic situation and the level of safety measures followed. Not only that, but you must also gather information regarding the vaccination drive of the country and its effectiveness.
The European Nations Successfully Meet Each Criteria
Europe flaunts a long history of literacy awareness and holds the importance of education in high regard. The continent is home to several renowned study abroad destinations such as France, the UK, Poland, Germany, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland, Malta, and many more. These countries host several internationally recognized universities that consistently feature in the world’s top rankings.
Incidentally, Europe’s quality of education can be reflected in the share of its GDP reserved for the education sector. In 2019 alone, general government expenditure on education in the EU-27 amounted to EUR 654 billion or 4.7 % of GDP.
More notably, the continent has led a triumphant charge over the COVID-19 pandemic. The European nations' efforts in combining strict safety protocols with rapid vaccination drive have enabled them to get the situation under control.
These countries are on a rapid recovery path and can now vouch for the safety of their citizens as well as foreign guests, mainly study abroad aspirants. Several universities are even looking at the possibility of conducting on-campus classes and offering the students a complete learning experience starting from the Fall 2021 intake.
Statistics Support The Claims
European nations were certainly among the worst hit at the beginning of the pandemic. But since then, they have regrouped in their efforts and are now among the best-recovered countries.
Below we have outlined the key statistics of certain European countries. These statistics are indicative of their current pandemic situations and also reflect on their expected status by the Fall'21 intake
With strict safety protocols and prompt vaccination drive, these countries turned the tide in their favor.
France
- Avg. Daily Cases During Peak (Nov. 2020): 54,042
- Current Avg. Daily Cases (April-May 2020): 17,834
- Population Vaccinated With At Least One Dose: 26.6% (As of May 9, 2021)
- Population Expected To Be Vaccinated By October 2021: 60%
France is witnessing a sharp reduction in the cases all thanks to rapid vaccination and safety measures. As the authorities gradually begin to lift the restrictions, certain universities have held out hope for conducting on-campus classes starting from the Fall’21 intake.
Ireland
- Avg. Daily Cases During Peak (Jan. 2021): 6,085
- Current Avg. Daily Cases (April-May 2020): 426
- Population Vaccinated With At Least One Dose: 27.1% (As of May 8, 2021)
- Population Expected To Be Vaccinated By July 2021: 80%
Although the pandemic did not hit Ireland as hard, the country still ensured maximum safety protocols to curb the spread of the virus. With the no. of infections shrinking gradually, Ireland also has greatly eased the restrictions.
Denmark
- Avg. Daily Cases During Peak (Dec. 2020): 3,508
- Current Avg. Daily Cases (April-May 2020): 877
- Population Vaccinated With At Least One Dose: 25.9% (As of May 9, 2021)
- Population Expected To Be Vaccinated By August 2021: Nearly 100%
Denmark’s vaccination drive has caught immense speed in the recent weeks and the authorities are aiming at full vaccination ratio by the end of summer.
Germany
- Avg. Daily Cases During Peak (Dec. 2020): 25,682
- Current Avg. Daily Cases (April-May 2020): 14,639
- Population Vaccinated With At Least One Dose: 32.9% (As of May 9, 2021)
- Population Expected To Be Vaccinated By October 2021: Above 60%
As the numbers of daily cases are on constant decline, Germany has decided to ease off the restrictions nationwide and boost up the already-vigorous vaccination drive.
Switzerland
- Avg. Daily Cases During Peak (Nov. 2020): 8,438
- Current Avg. Daily Cases (April-May 2020): 1,519
- Population Vaccinated With At Least One Dose: 23.4% (As of May 5, 2021)
- Population Expected To Be Vaccinated By August 2021: Above 60%
Switzerland is already ahead than its European counterparts in easing the restrictions and allowing citizens a breath of fresh air. The Swiss authorities are also planning a move to continue in-person classes in universities by as early as August 2021.
Normalcy In Europe Education Is Just Over The Horizon
The statistics mentioned above evidently suggest that Europe is on a drastically swift recovery haul. Strict adherence to protocols as well as boosted supplies of vaccine indicates the countries' prompt and intense response to the situation.
Europe's rapid recovery also brings with it a new wave of opportunities for study abroad aspirants. With an improvement in the current pandemic situation, most European universities have hinted at on-campus classes starting from the Fall'21 intake. So instead of watching the game from the bench, leverage this chance to get ahead in the field and enroll to study In Europe's top-ranking universities.
With Edugo Abroad as your dedicated admission partner, our team will ensure that you begin your study abroad journey in just the right way and at just the right place.
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