Organizing a plan to study abroad before the pandemic was already a challenging task, now within the confinement and its restrictions, it can be frustrating for many who wish to have an international studying experience. Students from Brazil, for example, are at risk of losing scholarships abroad. Europe closed its doors to Brazilians in February 2021 due to its new variant, and only essential travel is allowed. But that didn't just affect tourists.
Where are students from?
Students from Brazil, Peru and India share their frustration and fear of facing travel restrictions.
Luiza Catapani, from São Paulo, Brazil, aims to study a Master's degree in Sustainable Tourism Management of Resources and Destinations in Barcelona, Spain. She sold her car, flat and came back to live in her parents' house to save money to perform her dream to study abroad. “We have no idea how long their decision will last. It is an extremely frustrating and distressing situation since we had a long emotional, intellectual and financial preparation for the applications, and we had to give up several things in Brazil”, says Luiza, who might lose her scholarship if the ban continues.
This situation, at the present time, prevents more than 330 Brazilians from studying and researching in Spain. In order to give voice to this case, students from Brazil, together with Luiza, created a movement on various social media pages, which is called Estudiar Es Esencial. They contacted the Spanish and Brazilian authorities, requesting help to resolve the issue, in addition to seeking spaces in the media and social networks to publicize their cause.
Working abroad is not permitted
Education at the international level is a great advantage as it opens up new possibilities for professional development as well as for cultural and social exchange. However, for those who are just started working, one work experience abroad can also be life-changing.
José Vieira, also from Brazil, would like to work in Germany, a country that has also banned students and workers from Brazil due to Covid-19. “I have a degree in mechanical engineering and a contract with a multinational food company, and like the other students, I'm expecting to start in the fall”, says José. He's also participating in a student group called Barred From Germany, with other students, scientists, workers, au pairs and volunteers from Brazil who find themselves in the same situation.
India
Rhea Bhansali, from Mumbai, India, is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholar, awarded a dual degree in Hydroinformatics and Water Science Management by the EU Commission. Her first country of mobility is Spain, second UK, third France/Poland/Germany, and fourth is a thesis anywhere in the EU.
She is currently the only Indian with a fully-funded scholarship of 49000 euros in this particular program and is at risk of losing it in case borders don't open. Currently, there is a travel ban for students, researchers, and working professionals from India to Spain.
The embassies in Mumbai and Delhi are accepting applications but not stamping the visas until the travel ban is lifted. “I feel scared, anxious, worried about my future, helpless, lost, unseen and unheard. For me, studying abroad means countless opportunities, a better standard of living, a wider perspective, a bigger personal and professional network, cultural exchange, and a growth mindset”, comments Rhea.
Peru
Italo Del Castillo, is from Peru and is expecting to study a business administration major in Canada in September. Canada has never banned international students from entering the country. However, the north country's measures throughout 2020 were very strict for newcomers, such as requesting a staying in a hotel under their approval for three days in order to determine whether the individual tested positive for COVID-19 or not. After, one should undergo a quarantine period of 14 days. On the other hand, nowadays, the rules are relaxing, and there is a greater chance that Italo goes to Canada, as those who are vaccinated are eligible to enter the country.
Italo is trying to keep himself positive, and for him, his dream to study abroad could wait for the next year if there is no other way. “There is always a plan (b) for everything. So, I would aim to postpone my period of studies to next year and apply for permission again if things don't go the way I expected to”.
What is next?
For all students, their hope is that countries will allow entry with long-stay VISAS, even if it requires security measures such as PCR tests before boarding and quarantine after arrival in the destination country. These students are in search of quality of life and professional fulfilment. Therefore they are expecting governments to propose a solution to their cases, as they have been waiting for months and with no prospects. On the other hand, with some Covid-19 cases arising in Europe with Delta variant, and taking to account that they all intend to go abroad in the next fall, it is certain that the clock is not in their favour.
