Education news | Latest updates and 2022 guidelines!

A lot has changed in the education sector over the past year. From switching to online learning to offline learning to having hybrid learning in the mix, students have done it all. And with new variants popping up just when things are starting to look good, it’s become difficult to keep up with the latest education news in your own country, let alone others.

But if you are interested in studying abroad, you need to stay updated with what’s happening in the country of your interest. To make this process easier for you, we have covered the latest education news from around the world in this blog. We have also talked about how COVID-19 is affecting the situation. Read on to know more!

Latest education news from the USA

In 2020-21, the USA saw a 15% decrease in the enrollment rate of international students. Although the majority of people still rank USA educational institutes as one of the best in the world, the drop last year showed how serious the effects of COVID-19 were. The 2020-21 year was the first time in the past 5 years when less than a million international enrollments took place across the country. However, for 2021-22, the numbers seem to be rebounding and getting closer to the original numbers.

Regulations are also being implemented seriously across the country. For example, several employees were terminated in relation to stricter vaccination requirements at the Los Angeles Unified School District. This was because many chose not to get vaccinated before the deadline. The same district would not permit unvaccinated students to enter the campus.

Similarly, states like Oregon and Puerto Rico are mandating that all teaching staff need to be vaccinated. Mask-wearing is still in force across most swathes of the country, and this extends to all educational institutions. 

Travel news 

With the Omicron variant coming on the scene, international travelers now have to face stricter norms. They will require a negative test result no later than a day prior to departure. This applies to all travelers. Certain countries (including South Africa) have fallen under a ban. The US will accept no travelers from these countries for the time being. 

Education news from Germany

Germany has been a top education destination for a while, not just in Europe but also globally. This was recently reaffirmed in the Times Higher Education ranking of world universities, with 22 of the top 200 being from Germany. LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, University of Freiburg, and the University of Hamburg were among the top German universities mentioned on the list. 

One update on the broader German education system is that it is no more in the top 10 English Proficiency countries right now, falling to 11th place by 2021. This latest education news seems to be related to the availability of better English programs across European nations.

In other news, vaccinations have begun for children between 5 and 11. This may help to kick-start in-person classes for younger students in the country. 

Travel news 

All the same rules continue to apply. Citizens from the Schengen area will be permitted to enter Germany. Those who are fully vaccinated will also be allowed, along with those who have residents permit or proof of recovery certificate. 

Education news from the UK

The Secretary for Education stated recently that schools may have to close down in January, as a response to Omicron. This latest education news indicates that the UK Government is at the ready and monitoring the situation as it develops. And if necessary, it will call for schools to stay closed. 

In a broader sense, across England, the national guidance has been to work from home once again. This is in response to a growing number of Omicron cases in the UK, and is an effort to stem the tidal wave of cases this variant seems to be bringing.

For those planning to visit the UK to study, this next piece of education news may be of interest.

Travel news 

If you have already confirmed your admission to a university or college in the UK, then there are still travel restrictions that apply. You should be aware of the stringent travel restrictions in place for international travel in light of the Omicron variant. 

There is a ‘red list’ of countries, which now includes South Africa and Zimbabwe (countries where Omicron was first detected), and 8 other African counties. Quarantine protocols are in place (10 days) for all international travelers (hotel or self-isolation). 

How should you plan your international education?

1. First, you need to learn everything you can about travel restrictions in your destination country. Many countries have issued bans on travelers from certain countries, while others are allowing travelers to enter, but have placed testing or vaccination requirements on them. 
2. Second, you need to find out what documents your university requires from potential students. If you are seeking staying at your university, then a vaccination certificate may be mandatory. 
3. Finally, if you are unable to travel to your university for whatever reason, then you may need to find alternatives. This may involve finding countries/universities where you are eligible to study, and can pass the required safety protocols. 

Conclusion

We didn’t cover a few other major countries on this list. For example, Australia may be opening up after a brief pause in accepting international students due to the Omicron variant. 

The main takeaway is that the situation is constantly evolving, and you need to follow the news regularly and always check with official government sources for the most accurate news. 

Keep in mind that not all countries are experiencing this pandemic to the same degree. The country you wish to visit for your education may be affected more or less than your own country. 

We hope you found this blog informative and helpful. And if you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. You can also get in touch with us!

FAQs

1. Is vaccination required to enter the USA?

Yes, currently, if you are not a US citizen, then you need to be fully vaccinated to enter the United States by plane. 

2. Is Singapore accepting international students?

Yes, the country is accepting international students as per usual. However, all students should visit the SafeTravel portal to learn about any additional measures they need to take before arriving in the country.

3. If I am already vaccinated, will I need to get tested when I arrive?

No, you will need to be tested at the departure location prior to your flight. If you do not show a negative test result, then you will not be able to board your flight to the country. This test has to be at most 1-day-old.