India is facing the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you would be aware, many countries have restricted the entry of Indian travellers to their land. However, this is temporary; travel restrictions are expected to ease once India finds its foot and stands tall amidst the pandemic.
Research has shown that despite the COVID-19 situation, students are keen to study in foreign universities. Their parents also support their decision by availing a personal loan, if required. Hence, it would be pertinent for you to stay focused on your goals. Here are some points to keep in mind while you prepare and plan for overseas education during this challenging phase:
Stick to your guns
Temporary distractions should not affect your goals. If you have decided that you wish to study abroad, plan and prepare in that direction.
You may wish to review the course, which you want to pursue in a foreign university. COVID-19 has flipped the business dynamics substantially. Spend some time and research on which sectors could be more promising in the post-COVID scenario – healthcare, medical research, logistics, social entrepreneurship, cold storage, organic farming, etc.
Once you have decided the career you wish to pursue, use your time productively and research about the good universities, the specific course you wish to take and the prerequisites for making an application.
Continue with your preparations
Studying in a foreign university needs significant paperwork to be in place before you apply for admission – your identity and educational documents, test score certificates, financial records, etc. Collate these documents so that you don’t have to rush at the last moment. Invest in a couple of online courses or take up an internship that can add value to your career.
Most probably, the lockdown situation is expected to continue over a year or so. In that case, universities would conduct their classes in virtual mode. Build a suitable infrastructure at home that allows you to function seamlessly in the virtual classrooms – a secluded place for your study, unfaltering internet connection, a good laptop or a high-end laptop if you intend to make a career in gaming, advertising or graphic designing.
It is likely that once the travel restrictions on India ease, foreign travel would open up for Indian students, especially those vaccinated. Hence, get yourself vaccinated at the earliest once slots are available for adults above 18 years of age. Besides, one should also prepare for a longer time for visa approval.
Put your finances in place
The lockdown has affected many businesses unfavourably and brought in financial uncertainty. In such a scenario, it would be advisable for you and your parents to sit on the drawing board and re-work the finances, especially your eligibility for a personal loan and the personal loan interest rates. You must also factor in the economic uncertainties in future while planning for EMI payments.
Stay updated
In these unpredictable times, universities change their mandates frequently based on instructions from the regulators. Hence, it is vital to stay updated with the latest developments of the universities on your radar. If you have already identified your university and course, stay updated with the application process and the time schedules for conducting virtual classes.
Conclusion
Remember, while you stay indoors, “Education cannot wait.” Stay abreast with the latest changes about your course, university and financial planning. If you want a personal loan for education, plan for the next few years with the personal loan EMI calculator.
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