Page 48 - StudyTravel Magazine September/October 2021 Issue

usa Key pOInts

marKet analysIs 25

schools participated in our survey
There is optimism that international student
recruitment levels for US IEPs will return 3,517
to pre-Covid numbers or better provided the
pandemic doesn’t worsen in other parts of the total number of students at
world, as Nicola Hancox finds out. these schools in 2020

lAnguAge
52,755
total number of estimated
student weeks at these
schools in 2020

30%
he number of international stu- regions eligible for NIE include Brazil,
dents studying at US Intensive China, India, Iran and Europe. of these students were studying
T English Programs halved in 2020, According to Chiara Thomas at online
according to the International Insti- Converse International School of
tute of Education’s (IIE) annual Open Languages https://cisl.edu/ in San
Doors report, which counts interna- Diego, CA, the school has already
tional students on F-1 visas. had a boost in Brazilian enquiries.
In total 37,365 students were “However, they are still unable to Cheryl Delk-
enrolled at an IEP in 2020, a 50.4 per arrive unless they request the F-1 Le Good, from
cent decrease on the previous year visa which has been very diffi cult to EnglishUSA,
and the lowest recorded total since obtain so far,” she adds. talks to us...
1990. “We lost 35 per cent of our Nicholas Sacco at Connect English
students in 2020,” relates Selin Ozer www.ConnectEnglish.edu in San Diego, “There is optimism for the upcom-
at California College of Communica- CA, agrees adding the biggest chal- ing sessions with more than half
tions (CalCC) http://www.calcc.edu/ lenge for a lot of applicants is fi nding a of member survey respondents
in Santa Clara, CA. The school was able US embassy or consulate that is open anticipating an increase in fall
to open for in-person classes for some for F-1 visa interviews. “Finding open/ enrollments over last year. Back-up
levels in October 2020 and blended willing consulates has been a fun processing and visa issuances for
learning options were available for adventure in 2021, and the students English language study remain a
students already in the country. are doing great work cooperating with concern, however, as we wait for in-
Indeed, student ‘walk-ins’ or local us to fi nd visa interview locations.” creased numbers of applications to
bookings were a more common source With travel restrictions easing there convert into visas being issued. We
of students in 2020, up from eight per is optimism demand for language are encouraged by the recent joint
cent in 2015 to 16 per cent in 2020. study in the US is still there. “Students statement from the Departments
The announcement that the US want to travel and come study in the of State and Education, “Reengag-
Department of State was extending US; we say this as we continue to ing the World to Make the United
the validity of ‘National Interest receive multiple enquiries especially States Stronger at Home: A Renewed
Exemptions’ from travel restrictions for spring and summer of 2022,” says U.S. Commitment to International
for student visa holders in July Chiara. Connect has already started Education.” However, we need to
was welcomed by the sector. Each to see a return to normal student stay vigilant and advocate for the
approved NIE is now valid for 12 numbers. “We may even exceed ELT component of this commitment,
months from the date of approval and normal enrollment numbers in the which supports many international
may be used to travel to the United later months of 2021,” says Nicholas. students on their path to academic,
States multiple times. Countries and nicolahancox@studytravel.network professional, or personal goals.”

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