Question marks aplenty abound for educational institutions in the upcoming school year, one of the pressing ones being whether or not they will be capable of hosting in-person recruitment events for their potential future students. 

Prospective students receive a more personalized experience from in-person recruitment because it allows them to speak with an expert that is prepared to answer any queries, help navigate the institution, and provide important information relating to deadlines or events.  All parties would prefer to engage in the standard practice of communicating in the flesh during these events, but, as it stands, there are far too many hindrances which suggest that in-person gatherings will not be offered in the 2021/2022 school year. 

Why Has International Recruitment Shut Down? 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, so do the social barriers and limitations that have been placed upon people since its inception. Social distancing and crowd restriction parameters are preventing educational establishments from effectively planning in-person recruitment events. Of course, this merely represents one of several obstacles. 

Travel bans are another looming issue and, while certain countries can and have changed their restrictions, just as swiftly, some have reverted right back to them after COVID-19 case counts rose. For every country, there are several requirements to consider, including the border status, COVID-19 testing protocols, and quarantine obligations. Some countries are even being held back from re-opening due to limited resources in distributing vaccinations, upholding safety measures, and within the general sphere of public health. As of today, nine countries are fully open without any restrictions, 141 are open but have specific restrictions enforced, and another 76 are closed. 

These circumstances would create an unsafe environment for both international students and the college or university admissions staff in the event of a visit from either party. Academic mobility has been negatively impacted as a direct result. Last year, for example, a major survey discovered that the number of international students beginning courses with American universities at the start of the 2020/2021 academic year had plummeted by 43 percent year-on-year due to COVID-19. 

Until these regulations are loosened somewhat, live recruitment events will be in limbo, with both students and academic professionals awaiting a much-needed resolution. It might prove to be a lengthy process because, in previous times, international student mobility has been disrupted by demographics, economics, shifts in political conditions, growth in education provision, global workforce demands, digital technology, and cultural impact. The COVID-19 pandemic has activated all of these factors. 



How Is This Affecting Recruitment? 

With traveling schedules for recruitment purposes coming to a screeching halt, admissions offices are uncertain if they can manage to meet diversity goals. This comprises an important goal for educational institutions because it exposes students to a host of unique religions, cultures, races, and beliefs. Institutions continue to contemplate data, processes, and the overall framework to determine their capacity for recruitment in the near future. 

A massive disconnect, influenced by the various conditions and circumstances experienced through COVID-19, exists between admissions offices and students. Admissions officers for a college or university in the USA might be vaccinated, not wearing masks, and prepared to travel freely. Many students abroad, however, are living in areas where vaccinations are unattainable, masks are mandatory, and lockdowns are prevalent. Such complicated conditions have hampered the traveling capabilities of both recruiters and students since April of 2020. Department turnover has also played a huge part in this divide because of the reluctance shown by staff members towards the idea of traveling even when it is a feasible option. 

Admissions teams who are accustomed to in-person recruitment, such as open houses, information sessions, and admitted student days, are lacking a clear understanding of tourism and global marketing. Options for online marketing are not only limited, but they understandably fall short in generating the same buzz that prospective students feel when attending in-person recruitment events. As such, a crucial challenge remains, as the admissions staffs attempt to comprehend how to best invest department budgets and, in some cases, where to set the process in motion. 

What Is The Solution? 

Speak To A Recruitment Specialist: at Worldwide College Tours, we aim to provide information and encouragement to those thinking about an international education, with our exceptionally qualified team supporting students, parents, guidance counselors, universities, and colleges. We clarify questions relating to international education and the recruitment process, focusing on our core values of communication, acceleration, reinvigoration, and education. 

Join Virtual Fairs To Meet Students: virtual fairs are a terrific avenue to meet fellow students who are similarly seeking information on applying to an international post-secondary institution. Here, Worldwide College Tours unites students from all corners of the globe with various colleges and universities, presenting information on language schools, academics, immigration, studying abroad, and more. During these meetings with thousands of other students, you can share files, schedule meetings, track attendees, and build interest in your desired institution. 

Join Virtual Fairs To Meet Guidance Counselors: for those who are intrigued at the possibility of learning from experts in international education, applying to a college or university, or to simply explore their post-secondary choices as an undergrad, grad, or transfer student, Worldwide College Tours can put you in contact with trusted guidance counselors. Any questions or concerns that you may have will be addressed and explained. Join our Expand Your Knowledge Fairs to connect with Guidance Counselors - dates, and details can be found on our upcoming schedule HERE.

When Can We Expect A Return To The Norm?

Currently, there has been no firm date announced for the resumption of international in-person recruitment. Countries that have access to critical resources, such as Canada, continue to limit travel and discourage larger gatherings, a point emphasized by the continuous border closure with the USA. 



Worldwide College Tours is hopeful that, by the 2022/2023 academic year, it will be permitted to host in-person events. After these gatherings are approved by the various Ministries of Education around the world, confirmed dates for in-person recruitment will be announced on our website. Join our mailing list to promptly receive tour updates and ensure that you reserve your spot!