BENGALURU: City students had a mixed reaction to New Zealand government’s announcement on Thursday about its phased border reopening plans for 2022.
While some were elated over the clear timeline given, others were disappointed they will not be able to travel to the country even this year.
According to the announcement, only 5,000 international students with valid visas will be allowed into New Zealand in April. Others waiting to start studies in the island country will have to wait till October 2022 to get visa.
Bhavya Ravi, a final-year degree student, was among those overjoyed with the news of phased reopening of borders. “I am glad we at least have an idea of what will happen. Thankfully, their announcement came before I graduated. I can start my studies in New Zealand in February 2023,” she said.
‘Late annoucement’
However, there is also a section of students for whom the announcement is too little, too late. For instance, Kumar (name changed) first applied to a New Zealand university for the July 2020 intake and has since continued deferring admission waiting for the borders to reopen.
“After two years, their decision is to make students like me wait for another year. What is the problem in allowing fully vaccinated, healthy students?” he asked, saying his offer for admission in July 2022 will mean nothing now.
His friend said he cannot even change his study destination as he has been building his CV to suit the course and industry in New Zealand. “It is disappointing to see they are blind to students’ needs. Another academic year will be wasted,” he said.
Benazir I Shaikh, proprietor and director, Transcend Institute of Foreign Studies, Belagavi, said the delay in allowing international students into New Zealand continues to be a two-year hindrance to their career plans.
“The students are either forced to drop their plans and work or shift their study destination,” she said, adding that many of her students apply for New Zealand while having a plan B with countries such as Canada and the US.
