Omicron threat: Students forced to fly abroad early

MANGALURU: The Omicron threat is forcing students studying abroad to fly there in advance, to ensure that they don’t get stranded, in case flights get cancelled, or there is an increase in fares.
For instance, Ashwil Melita Veigas, a resident of Bajal, has travelled back to Australia almost two months in advance. A cyber security student at Deakin University, Australia, she said, “My course commences on March 1.With Covid cases rising, I fear that the borders could be sealed again. The moment bookings opened, I booked my ticket and landed here on December 20. I have been planning my higher studies for the past four years, and did not want Covid-19 to ruin it,” Ashwil told TOI.
Seetaram, a resident of Bengaluru, who has secured admission in Brunel University London, UK for an MSc in engineering management, has travelled a month in advance. He said that generally students studying abroad fly a week or two in advance, before the course commences.
“Since my study visa started a month before the start of my programme, I decided to get there earlier. This was because I saw that the air fares were getting more expensive, and the fear of rising cases of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. I have been recommending the same to my friends. Reaching here early also helps you settle down at ease, before classes commence,” said Seetaram, whose classes begin in the first week of January.
Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO, Leverage Edu, an education company, said that there is absolutely no reason for panic. “Countries like the UK, US, Canada and others are better prepared to welcome fully vaccinated students. Moreover, it is important for foreign universities to keep an open line of communication with students,” he said.