The Caribbean, Student Mobility and COVID-19
The successful CUP Fest Spring Education Fair tour in early March, across select Eastern Caribbean markets, which included St. Kitts and Nevis for the first time, confirmed continued interest in international education among Caribbean students. With positive reports from participating CUP Fest Schools based on # of inquiries, applications, and enrolments from the region, 2020 was expected to surpass the results of 2019. However, 2020 came with a different set of plans, amongst them, the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Caribbean region has managed reasonably well when compared to other regions. Some countries have recently reported a COVID-19 free status, while others have flattened the curve where new cases are concerned. While it appears that the region’s efforts may have paid off, according to PAHO, there is the expectation of a second wave. With some Caribbean countries having already started to reopen their borders to commercial air traffic, there is an expectation of increased cases of COVID-19. This is evident in the case of Antigua and Barbuda, which recently confirmed 39 cases after reopening the borders to commercial air traffic.
COVID-19 and Economic Recovery
The decision by some Caribbean governments to reopen borders and jump start their economies is based on the severe financial challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. National lockdowns brought a decline in revenues and increased levels of unemployment. With the closure of borders and restrictive travel, the heavily tourism dependent Caribbean region has incurred significant losses overnight. With tourism taking a massive hit the residual effect has been felt across other key economic sectors. Countries with more industrialised economies have also been affected due to the drop in global market prices on commodities such as oil, bauxite, and other minerals. Governments are strained with the arduous task of maintaining ‘sustainable’ fiscal balances while shouldering the responsibility of sustaining their populations.
The economic recovery according to most experts in the region is estimated to take at least two years, provided that no further lockdowns occur. The recent reopening of borders and the jump start to attract commercial airline traffic have started in most Caribbean countries with few exceptions, most notably, Trinidad and Tobago. The region’s tourism and travel industry, however, was dealt another blow with the recent talks to liquidate LIAT airlines, the main carrier across most countries in the Eastern Caribbean. The importance of LIAT to the region cannot be understated as it connects the islands to ensure mobility.
While the economic outlook may reflect a ‘gloom and doom’ scenario in this current climate, what is certain is that life must continue. The road ahead will be challenging for many countries as we move towards a new normal in a COVID-19 world. It is still unclear what exactly this new normal may look like, but it is clear that education is vital to the survival of societies and economies. When it comes to education, various points for discussion may include the upgrading of skills, the learning of new skills and knowledge or the creation of new teaching and learning environments. COVID-19 has presented an opportunity for many aged old debates and dialogue to be converted into meaningful change and action. The truth is education will be required for the change ahead. Whether it is to ensure that populations are adequately equipped to perform new jobs within emerging sectors or to increase capacity in essential services, there will be need for persons to be educated and trained.
What will be the impact on Caribbean student mobility?
From a student recruitment standpoint, COVID-19 appears to be a game changer when it comes to market share in international education. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic across major study destinations will have an impact on enrolment rates. With health and safety becoming a major factor in the decision-making process for students, a shift is expected in mobility flows among major destinations. For the Caribbean student, it is anticipated that Canada will continue to lead as the preferred international study destination, ahead of the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The uncertainty of the UK market coupled with the decline in the US leaves room for other major international study destinations such as Germany, Australia, New Zealand to increase their market share in the region in the long-term. Regional institutions are also expected to have possible increased market share as a result of students deferring their future studies abroad.
Room for new players?
In addition to possible mobility shifts, there may also be an opportunity for lesser-known destinations to gain more market share (if managed well). Caribbean institutions come to mind given their handle on the COVID-19 pandemic and proximity to other major international study destinations. If executed and managed well, could indigenous Caribbean institutions serve as an option to international students?
The Caribbean region has managed reasonably well when compared to other regions. Some countries have recently reported a COVID-19 free status, while others have flattened the curve where new cases are concerned. While it appears that the region’s efforts may have paid off, according to PAHO, there is the expectation of a second wave. With some Caribbean countries having already started to reopen their borders to commercial air traffic, there is an expectation of increased cases of COVID-19. This is evident in the case of Antigua and Barbuda, which recently confirmed 39 cases after reopening the borders to commercial air traffic.
COVID-19 and Economic Recovery
The decision by some Caribbean governments to reopen borders and jump start their economies is based on the severe financial challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. National lockdowns brought a decline in revenues and increased levels of unemployment. With the closure of borders and restrictive travel, the heavily tourism dependent Caribbean region has incurred significant losses overnight. With tourism taking a massive hit the residual effect has been felt across other key economic sectors. Countries with more industrialised economies have also been affected due to the drop in global market prices on commodities such as oil, bauxite, and other minerals. Governments are strained with the arduous task of maintaining ‘sustainable’ fiscal balances while shouldering the responsibility of sustaining their populations.
The economic recovery according to most experts in the region is estimated to take at least two years, provided that no further lockdowns occur. The recent reopening of borders and the jump start to attract commercial airline traffic have started in most Caribbean countries with few exceptions, most notably, Trinidad and Tobago. The region’s tourism and travel industry, however, was dealt another blow with the recent talks to liquidate LIAT airlines, the main carrier across most countries in the Eastern Caribbean. The importance of LIAT to the region cannot be understated as it connects the islands to ensure mobility.
While the economic outlook may reflect a ‘gloom and doom’ scenario in this current climate, what is certain is that life must continue. The road ahead will be challenging for many countries as we move towards a new normal in a COVID-19 world. It is still unclear what exactly this new normal may look like, but it is clear that education is vital to the survival of societies and economies. When it comes to education, various points for discussion may include the upgrading of skills, the learning of new skills and knowledge or the creation of new teaching and learning environments. COVID-19 has presented an opportunity for many aged old debates and dialogue to be converted into meaningful change and action. The truth is education will be required for the change ahead. Whether it is to ensure that populations are adequately equipped to perform new jobs within emerging sectors or to increase capacity in essential services, there will be need for persons to be educated and trained.
What will be the impact on Caribbean student mobility?
From a student recruitment standpoint, COVID-19 appears to be a game changer when it comes to market share in international education. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic across major study destinations will have an impact on enrolment rates. With health and safety becoming a major factor in the decision-making process for students, a shift is expected in mobility flows among major destinations. For the Caribbean student, it is anticipated that Canada will continue to lead as the preferred international study destination, ahead of the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The uncertainty of the UK market coupled with the decline in the US leaves room for other major international study destinations such as Germany, Australia, New Zealand to increase their market share in the region in the long-term. Regional institutions are also expected to have possible increased market share as a result of students deferring their future studies abroad.
Room for new players?
In addition to possible mobility shifts, there may also be an opportunity for lesser-known destinations to gain more market share (if managed well). Caribbean institutions come to mind given their handle on the COVID-19 pandemic and proximity to other major international study destinations. If executed and managed well, could indigenous Caribbean institutions serve as an option to international students?
