There seems to be a universal agreement that Corvid 19 has had a strong effect on students lives. Both academically and socially.
For most students, school encompasses more than just academics; it plays a crucial role in their social interactions. Friendships often blossom from the simple act of sitting next to each other in class. The anticipation of passing through a specific hallway between fifth and sixth period, where a student can reliably encounter their crush, can become the highlight of their day. Groups of friends gather during lunchtime, strengthening their bonds on a daily basis. Through their interactions with teachers and other school staff, young individuals learn how to engage with authority figures outside of their family circle. Within the hallways and classrooms of their educational institution, students are establishing their social roles.
School closures have also impacted extracurricular activities. Many students find joy and fulfillment in participating in sports, music, school plays, robotics, and various other pursuits. Involvement in these activities not only enhances their college and career prospects but also forms an integral part of their identities. Such activities provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie among like-minded individuals who share common interests and skill sets, forming a cohesive "tribe."
All these effects have weakened social lives as well as the collective love of academic achievements for many.
An international course can provide a whole new adventure and widen social experiences. By enrolling they expose themselves to new interactions, a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life that differ from their own, and so hence, greatly boost social skills as well as academic ones.