2021-05-31-IIE-COVID-19_EFFECTS_on_U.S._Higher_Education_Campuses_19页_3mb

Summary of "Preparing for the Future: The Path Forward for International Educational Exchange"

Core Content

This report, part of the IIE's COVID-19 Snapshot Survey Series, examines the effects of the pandemic on international student mobility and U.S. study abroad programs in the United States. It focuses on the 2021/22 academic year, analyzing trends in student applications, enrollment, institutional support, and future planning. The survey was conducted from April 15 to May 5, 2021, and included responses from 414 U.S. higher education institutions, representing 44% of all international students at U.S. institutions in 2019/20 and U.S. study abroad students in 2018/19.

Main Findings

1. International Students Studying at U.S. Institutions

• Spring 2021: 52% of institutions reported that most of their international students attended classes in person.
• Fall 2021: 90% of institutions plan to offer in-person or hybrid instruction to new international students, with none planning to offer virtual instruction only.
• Institutions have adapted to provide hybrid learning options, with 58% offering a mix of in-person and online classes, while 32% plan to offer in-person only.
• Over 70% of institutions increased communication with international students on health and well-being.
• Support services have expanded, including:
  • 80% adapted advising services for international students.
  • 69% provided academic support.
  • 65% adjusted course schedules/teaching for international students.
  • 65% offered IT support for international students.

2. International Student Applications and Enrollment

• Applications: 43% of institutions reported an increase in international student applications for the 2021/22 academic year, compared to 22% the previous year.
• Institutional type differences:
  • Doctoral universities: 59% reported application increases.
  • Community colleges: 58% reported declines.
• Enrollment flexibility: 77% of institutions offered deferment to spring 2022, and 47% offered online enrollment until in-person travel was possible.

3. Outreach and Recruitment Strategies

• Financial support: 77% of institutions reported maintaining or increasing funding for outreach and recruitment.
• Recruitment methods:
  • 73% hosted online recruitment events.
  • 68% engaged current international students in recruitment.
  • 65% used social media for outreach.
• Government resources: 55% of institutions utilized EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State's global network of student advising centers.

4. U.S. Study Abroad Trends

• Summer 2021: 43% of study abroad programs were canceled, but 56% of institutions reported offering some form of global education experience.
• Fall 2021: 49% of institutions plan to allow in-person study abroad, rising to 54% for spring 2022.
• Promotion: 94% of institutions are promoting study abroad opportunities, up from 84% the previous year.
• Community colleges remain an exception, with only 63% actively promoting study abroad.

5. Study Abroad Destinations

• Traditional destinations remain dominant, with the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and France as the top four locations.
• Non-European destinations: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Costa Rica, and New Zealand are among the top 15.
• Challenges: Less traditional destinations may have limited program availability or inadequate health infrastructure, leading to fewer planned programs in regions like India (less than 10% of institutions).

6. Vaccination Protocols and Safety Measures

• Vaccination plans:
  • 64% of institutions plan to provide vaccines to students, faculty, and staff.
  • Only 14% have a current vaccine requirement.
  • 55% are still deliberating on whether to require vaccinations for study abroad.
• Safety considerations: Institutions are using a multi-metric approach to assess destination safety, including:
  • Vaccination rates.
  • CDC and U.S. Department of State advisories.
  • WHO data and global health assessments.

Key Information

• The pandemic has shifted modes of instruction to hybrid or in-person models, with a clear trend toward resuming in-person learning.
• International student recruitment has remained a priority, with increased financial support and innovative outreach methods.
• Study abroad is expected to rebound in the 2021/22 academic year, with optimism among institutions.
• Safety and health protocols remain central to decision-making, with vaccination requirements still under consideration.
• Global travel restrictions and pandemic uncertainties continue to influence institutional decisions on both international student enrollment and study abroad programs.

Conclusion

U.S. higher education institutions are showing a cautious but optimistic outlook for international educational exchange. With increased vaccination rates and flexible learning models, there is a clear trend toward resuming in-person study for both international students and U.S. students abroad. However, global health conditions and travel policies remain critical factors in shaping future educational exchange opportunities.