Many international students considering switching schools to study in-person: survey

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Published April 28, 2021 at 11:30 pm

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While many post-secondary institutions have moved to online learning due to the pandemic, many international students are hoping for a swift return to in-person learning.

According to a recent report from IDP Connect, many international students would be willing to get vaccinated and quarantine if it meant they could return to on-campus study.

Based on the findings, while 75 per cent of students expect to continue their studies as planned in the fall, student confidence has dropped five per cent since October due to students’ frustration with the prolonged uncertainty and disruption.

Additionally, many post-secondary students believe the online learning model, thrust upon them due to the pandemic, doesn’t offer the full, university experience they want, and only 10 per cent of respondents said they would take a course that is entirely online.

However, 43 per cent of respondents said they would consider taking a course that was purely online if it transitioned to in-person later, while 31 per cent said they will defer their studies until they can pursue them in-person.

Further, 39 per cent of international students said they would switch institutions if the new destination would allow them to study in-person sooner than their current, and 30 per cent said they would do this even if it meant forgoing a scholarship.

“This is another really positive set of results for Canada, highlighting that Canada has a progressive set of policies for international students that have been well communicated globally,” Christine Wach, director of client partnerships at IDP Connect, said in a news release.

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