2020 is certainly a year for the history books. While you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who has not been affected by the global pandemic, some segments have been affected more than others. For students this is particularly true as plans were uprooted, routines broken and exams delayed. For many, their experience of this time has been directly affected by their individual university or business school’s reaction to COVID.
School leadership teams have had to adapt to rapid change, uncertainty and fear in a way they have never before, to ensure the safety and security of their students and staff. Processes and procedures that have served well for decades were suddenly defunct, physical and mental health issues on campus were heightened and any institutes who had been slow to adopt newer technologies had to expedite their upgrades. We look at 6 verified student commentaries about their business schools reaction to COVID-19.
Business School’s Reactions To COVID 19
Coventry Business School, UK
Coventry University and Business School have taken clear steps to keep students up to date on how the pandemic has affected the school, and also to embrace new ways of studying to ensure the safety of students and staff, implementing blended learning and new learning experience technology. They have also made efforts to keep international students up to date.
A Masters student at Coventry Business School, who choose to remain anonymous, rates the school at 4 out of 5 overall. They particularly praised the diversity of the campus and how modern their systems are.
However, they noted some areas for improvement in the handling of the response to the pandemic. Whilst any issues have now been overcome, they had some constructive comments on the handling of the situation at the time. In particular, implementing a student-first response would have been a welcome approach, giving students the reassurance that their needs were being prioritised.
The Universities’ London Campus is very diverse, their system Moodle and services are modern and the environment is very friendly and welcoming. However, there is some bureaucracy in their internal procedures and we observed some difficulties in responding to some of the international student worries during COVID 19 period, which was overcome with time, however, in a midst of future crisis, it would be advisable to prioritize their student needs first and communicate those values effectively through their actions and handling of student matters.
International Business School – IBS, Hungary
IBS has been quick to adapt to new learning methods to provide maximum flexibility for its students. All programmes are offered both online and in-person. They have also made sure to keep international students abreast of constantly changing travel procedures.
Mihiri, a student of International Business Management, talks about how great their experience has been. She comments on how global the school is, which has given her truly international exposure. She also speaks of how helpful the faculty are.
With regards to COVID-19, Mihiri is impressed by IBS’s adoption of new technology and teaching methods, being the first university to implement online learning in Budapest. She talks about how they supported every student with guidance and mentoring and thanks to the entire staff for the fantastic experience they’ve provided.
My overall experience at IBS has been amazing so far. I was able to make friends all over the world because of the international exposure provided by IBS. The staff and the panel of lecturers are extremely helpful and willing to assist you whenever required. Needless to say that, IBS is so student-oriented and always focus on student well-being along with their development. Most importantly, IBS is the very first university to implement online teaching-learning in Budapest during the COVID-19 pandemic and they made sure every student follows their studies well and provided all the required guidance to meet the assignment deadlines. All the students were personally monitored by respective peer mentors and lectures which was really helpful. All in all, I am very much satisfied with the time I am having at IBS and so thankful to the entire staff and lecturers for making it a fantastic experience.
Southampton Business School, UK
Southampton Business School has taken many steps to support their students and the community throughout the challenges posed by the pandemic. They have declared flexibility and support for students who may wish to volunteer to support the UK NHS (national health service) on either a full or part-time basis. They have also ensured to keep students up-to-date on all changes and developments via an online portal which categories information into helpful segments such as accommodation, wellbeing and teaching.
Anisha, an International Masters student Talks about how supportive the school is of international students and describes her experience as ‘amazing’. She mentions how the opportunities the school has provided her have helped her to ‘fly higher’ in life. On their handling of the COVID-19 crisis, she mentions how empathetic and compassionate the school has been.
An absolutely amazing university experience The whole university is so supportive of international students! Always helping our, very compassionate and empathetic, especially during COVID 19 situation. I have received several opportunities at this place, which has only allowed me to fly higher in life. The faculty is absolutely encouraging and motivating, always looking out for students and helping at every possible way however they can!
IE University, Spain
IE University’s response to the pandemic was swift and organised. They launched a new online system called ‘Building Resilience’ to provide users with resources geared towards helping them navigate and adapt to changes in lifestyle, business and studying. It contains a multitude of resources including webinars, videos and articles. They also adopted a new online learning system and remote methods for exams and evaluations.
An international BBA student, who choose to remain anonymous, spoke highly of how the university made it easy to integrate due to the available activities and facilities. This made them feel at home straight away. They also comment on how the experience is very personal and allows students to form a real bond with their teachers.
When it comes to the universities response to COVID they spoke of how the system was extremely effective (give or take a few crashes) and how exams were able to continue as usual despite many universities having to push exams to the summer.
IE University has made integration very easy as everyone comes from such an international background like myself. I directly felt at home especially after the ice breaker activities organized at the beginning of the semester. The facilities of the school are really modern and allow a lot of interaction!
Classes are very small making the teaching experience feel very personal. We really do get a bond with our teachers which is not common in many universities. The content of the BBA course is challenging but does not overtake our social life balance either. It is very well balanced as it includes different fields beneficial in the business world: finance, economics, marketing, programming, etc. The way the syllabus is organized allows us to communicate a lot with others such as through group works as well as improve our public speaking through BPR classes.
IE has acted outstandingly as a response to the Covid-19 situation. The online class system was effective, although there were a few crashes. Exams continued as usual which is not the same for many universities (most pushed exams to be in the summer).
Overall, I really enjoyed my first year at IE. The campus is very central surrounded by many cafés, restaurants and bars. I highly recommend the university!
Geneva Business School, Spain
Geneva Business School has taken many steps to ensure the safety of their staff and students, whilst also allowing for continuity of studies. They have developed an extremely comprehensive action plan for a return to campus, whilst implementing a hybrid teaching methodology for those who cannot physically attend. They are also taking many steps to look after the safety of their students, so those attending classes in-person can feel assured that their wellbeing is of the uttermost priority.
A digital marketing student at the business school has spoken of their response to the pandemic. They mention in particular how well handled it was by the teaching staff and how successful their approach was. They also spoke about how they’ve particularly enjoyed the teaching techniques.
Very good and very well organized, especially in these times of the coronavirus. Teachers handled it very well and everything has been a success. I liked the teaching techniques of my new teachers and a good way of fluent explaining.
Budapest Business School – BGE, Hungary
Budapest Business School has taken many considered measures to address the safety of students whilst also continuing to provide a streamlined learning experience. They’ve created clear and unambiguous guidelines so that students and staff are clear on what lectures will be held remotely vs in person. They have also developed new methods for financial support for foreign students to help individuals who are struggling as a result of the pandemic.
One student has spoken to EDUopinions about how well organised they found the situation to be handled. They talked about the measures which were taken to allow for continued and uninterrupted learning. They also found that the staff were supportive and flexible to make sure that students continued their studies and successfully. In addition, they commented on how the school’s internal coordinator checked in with students to ensure their wellbeing – an extremely personal and empathetic gesture.
During the corona pandemic, the measures taken to continue on with the learning process were great. They took strict measures to ensure the safety of the students. The professors were supportive and used various mediums to ensure students learnt and understood what was taught. The university international coordinator checked up on us to make sure we were safe.
How do you feel your university handled the COVID-19 situation? By writing a review you will help countless other students make an informed decision about their studies. You might also be interested in reading about the impact of the outbreak on students around the world.
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