UK-bound students act relaxed despite flight ban

UK-bound students act relaxed despite flight ban

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad:22.12.2020

Kushal Panchal, a resident of Ahmedabad has secured admission at a London-based university to pursue his MSc with International Finance. He has got his visa and is set to travel to London on January 3. Even though the Union government has temporarily imposed ban on Vande Bharat flight movements to the UK till December 31, Kushal is not so worried about his travel plans. “Since the ban is till December 31 and the vaccination drive has already begun in the UK, I don’t think there should be any hassle. Although I hope it doesn’t get extended. I am already in touch with Indian students who are over there and I have been told that the authorities support students and therefore I am not worried,” he said.

Travel ban to the UK has been imposed in the wake of the mutant strain of Covid-19 infections, which is reported there. Since the vaccination drive has already begun in the UK, some universities are set to begin with the academic session in the UK itself.

Payal Kava, another student who is going to Scotland for postgraduate studies, said, “I am scheduled to travel on January 11 and I hope the situation normalizes by then. My friend went to the UK a month ago for her studies and I am constantly taking updates from her.”

Foreign education experts claim that a number of universities have also shifted their courses online. “Several universities have shifted their courses online and since this has already been done once, students are less hassled as far as their travel is concerned. Universities act supportive towards foreign students. Moreover, many students tend to opt for online sessions in a bid to save costs,” said Hitesh Devaliya, director, Endeavour Careers.

Meanwhile, foreign education consultants have advised students to take stock of the situation before finalizing their travel plans. Consultant Bhavin Thaker, said, “Several students went in the September intake as well, and many are scheduled to go in January. It is best to take stock of the situation before proceeding. All updates are usually available on the website of the British high commission.”