PRESS RELEASE: International students willing to quarantine if they can start face-to-face learning sooner

More than three quarters (77 per cent) of international students surveyed stated they would be willing to take part in quarantine programs if it meant commencing on-campus learning sooner.

According to the study released by IDP Connect – a division of global education specialists IDP Education – students with current offers from universities are holding on to their international education goals, despite prolonged travel bans and global lockdowns due to COVID-19.

Student confidence has increased since the last survey, with 74 per cent now expecting to commence their studies as planned, up from 69 per cent in April.

The second instalment of the International Student Crossroads survey found attitudes towards the global pandemic had changed as they come to terms with the reality of quarantine, and their concerns had pivoted to become much more practical.

Andrew Barkla, Chief Executive Officer, IDP Education, said more than three quarters of the 4,300 students surveyed were willing to quarantine, but more importantly, what they wanted was practical assistance with travel and logistics.

“Students want practical advice and help in arranging accommodation in quarantine, flights and logistics when they arrive,” Mr Barkla said.

“While there has been a lot of government and industry discussion about policy concerns and quarantine measures, it is just as important that we consult and develop solutions in line with student expectations and their willingness to participate – and help them to get to their study destination.

“For parents of international students in particular, they want assurance there is adequate healthcare available for their child should they fall ill.”

The research also found students are warming up to the concept of a blended online and face-to-face delivery mode for their education.

“Acceptance to start their studies online and transition to face-to-face teaching at a later stage has increased from 31 to 40 per cent since our first survey in April. This highlights that while students are warming to the idea and understand the current situation, many are still holding out for the on-campus - and life - experience,” Mr Barkla said.

Simon Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of IDP Connect, said there is more work to be done to ensure students can safely start back as early as September, particularly for the northern hemisphere destinations of Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Despite the ongoing global lockdowns and travel restrictions, students remain determined to study abroad,” Mr Emmett said.

“The research findings serve as a reminder that we need to put ourselves in our students’ shoes. Rather than focus on policy and domestic-focused rhetoric discussions, our sector must provide students and their parents with clear, practical and aligned information and support,” he said.

For more information, visit www.idp-connect.com

About the International Students Crossroads survey 

The International Student Crossroads survey tracks the shift in behaviours and motivations from 4312 students who hold current offers to Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand universities.

About IDP Education

IDP is a global leader in international education. We help international students study in English-speaking countries. Our success comes from connecting students with the right course at the right institution in the right country. We’ve been operating for 50 years, creating a network of opportunity with offices in more than 30 countries.

We are also a proud co-owner of IELTS, the world’s most popular high-stakes English language test, and an operator of 10 English language teaching campuses across South East Asia.

About IDP Connect

IDP Connect is a division of IDP Education, global leaders in student marketing and recruitment. Working with institutions as true partners, IDP Connect understands institution needs and enhances their capabilities with the transformative power of data, insights and engaged student communities.

IDP Connect is truly embedded in the markets its educational partners operate in and gives them access to over 30 countries’ worth of in-market knowledge. It also has a trusted student audience of 100 million visits from prospective students across its sites each year. IDP Connect’s exclusive real-time data provides institutions with actionable insights to drive and inform their marketing and recruitment strategies.

For media, please contact: Ashton Debono Porter Novelli adebono@porternovelli.com.au +61 402 978 485

Jonah Duffin IDP Connect jonah.duffin@idp-connect.com