We are now entering our second straight New Year’s in the middle of the pandemic. Despite the continued struggles in fighting the spread of COVID, 2021 had a lot of bright spots to be grateful for.
This period of time has especially been hard on international students, who have had to battle these complications on their own in a foreign country while focusing on their studies. We still have a long way to go before we move past the pandemic but 2022 should be a year of continued progress and things to look forward to.
Here are the top 5 things international students can look forward to in 2022:
Increased International Student Recruitment
With the effect COVID-19 had on international travel, 2020 and 2021 were tough on international student enrollments. Though numbers were already decreasing, the 2020-2021 school year saw a dramatic 46% drop in new international student enrollments and a 15% decrease in total international students.
Enrollment numbers were bound to increase for this school year with travel restrictions easing and visa backlogs starting to get cleared. However, many were still welcomely surprised by early reports that new international student numbers increased by around 68 percent.
It’s clear that colleges hold international students in high regard due to the skills and diversity they bring to their campuses and the immense impact they have on the economy after graduating. Following the sharp declines of last year, schools are putting emphasis on finding ways to attract new international students, whether through recruiting events or working with agents overseas.
An increase in international students has many trickle-down effects, including increased graduate program opportunities and more incentive for schools to provide resources for their growing international community. That’s not to mention many more people for you to connect with!
More In Person Classes & Events
Many of you are probably already attending schools where your classes have returned to at least a hybrid in-person schedule. As the spread of COVID continues to decrease, colleges have given more freedom for extra-curricular events to take place in person.
Though you come to college to learn through your courses, there are so many valuable learning experiences that you will get through being involved outside of your classes. This is also where most of the fun of the college experience comes from!
With restrictions loosening, make sure to get out and try to get as involved as your schedule allows. Attend a networking event, join a club or enter an intramural sports team with your friends and make the most of your time in school in 2022.
If you are still not comfortable meeting in person just yet, there are also plenty of virtual events you can explore as well. You should visit your school’s website for more information.
Increase in Employment Opportunities
One of the most unfortunate effects of the pandemic was the number of people who became unemployed as businesses had to mitigate costs to stay alive. Unemployment grew to as high as 14.8% in the U.S. but had slowly dwindled down to 4.6% as of the last estimate. The Biden administration is also highly focused on creating new jobs in whatever ways possible.
Finding a job in the U.S. is becoming easier as operations return to in-person and more focus is put on job creation. This is especially relevant for international students graduating in 2022 who are looking to enter their Optional Practical Training (F1 OPT) period.
It also may be simpler for those who are looking to go onto H1B as the Biden administration denied a Trump bill that would have prioritized international visitors who were sponsored by higher-paying jobs in the H1B lottery. This will make it a lot easier for international students to transition to H1B as an alternative.
Getting Your COVID-19 Booster Shot
When the COVID-19 vaccine rollout first began across the globe, one of the primary questions was how long the efficacy in preventing COVID would last. Studies earlier this year determined that a booster shot would be needed.
Luckily, the U.S. has led the charge on vaccine distribution and the two primary approved American vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer, have created a booster shot that is currently being administered. It is recommended to get your booster around 68 months since the last shot if you received a two-dose vaccine, so many of you may should already be due for it.
To get your booster, Google options in your area that are providing the vaccine and you typically can walk-in or make a same-day appointment to get your booster free of cost. For more information, you can review here.
Get your booster and increase your protection against COVID-19!
Increased travel & New attractions
International travel restrictions may continue to be difficult, the U.S. is making efforts to remain opened and connected. Almost all states have no restrictions for travel domestically, though you may need to show proof of a negative test beforehand.
Though you are in the U.S. to study, we understand many international students use their period abroad to fully experience a new culture. The pandemic took that opportunity away for many but the U.S. has made constant efforts to re-open and as we move closer to an endemic, these opportunities are available again.
Whether you’re interested in trying out new restaurants in NYC, new concert venues in San Diego or just need a warm weather getaway in Miami, your options are open to travel and make the most of your time in the U.S.
