Results from an international survey by GTS ALIVE, the official issuer of international identification cards ISIC, in which 5,576 Czech students from secondary, higher, and university schools responded, show that much more than job loss, young respondents are troubled by the prospect of not being able to travel abroad in the future.

Financial losses affected 36% of students in recent weeks. In some cases, family finances were impacted by the loss of parents’ jobs; others lost part-time or full-time jobs and regular income. This situation manifested most quickly in the gastronomy sector, which was identified by up to one-fifth of respondents. The amount of losses typically ranges in the thousands of crowns per month, making many students now completely financially dependent on their parents.

Currently, 18% of students fear being laid off, but up to 39% fear closed borders. “Students perceive traveling as an essential part of both career and personal development. They belong to the group that will likely change their travel plans minimally. Despite the current situation, about a quarter of them plan to work or do a study internship abroad in the upcoming school year. Most indicated in the survey that they might postpone traveling, but will most likely not cancel it,” comments Jana Valušová, Director of International Business Development at GTS ALIVE.

Students are expecting to spend the summer domestically

Concerns about the future, economic situation, the health of family and friends, or fear of not completing the school year were among the most frequently mentioned worries of students. The pandemic also impacted their summer plans. Some fear they will have to cancel a foreign vacation or even a wedding, while others worry about participating in summer camps, language courses, festivals, and similar large events. Nearly half of the students are already planning a vacation in the Czech Republic instead of abroad.

With family yes, but not at home

The current situation has also brought several positive changes. Up to 40% of students appreciated the opportunity to spend more time with family. However, most of them are already tired of spending so many days just at home. They dealt with the closure of public spaces and schools in their own way. In their free time, they mostly devoted themselves to watching series and movies, family, sports, or social media. They also spent much more time at home studying. A full 70% of respondents simultaneously identified preparation from electronic sources as their least favorite activity.

Czech students volunteer more than abroad

"From long-term work with the student community at both Czech and international levels, we know that students want to actively engage in societal affairs. Students worldwide now participate in volunteer activities, and we are very pleased that Czech students have participated the most among all surveyed countries," comments Matt East, CEO of GTS ALIVE. In the Czech Republic, respondents were most involved in sewing face masks, homeschooling children, helping seniors, or babysitting.

Shopping during the pandemic

Students also shopped online more during quarantine. The survey results show that 55% of them regularly used e-shops. Popular items included mainly clothing, books, food, but also computer and board games, PC accessories, crafting supplies, toiletries, medicines, protective equipment, and pet supplies. Two-thirds of respondents managed with an amount up to 500 crowns per week.

About the survey:

The online survey "Covid-19 through the eyes of students" was conducted by GTS ALIVE on 5,576 Czech students of secondary, higher vocational, and university schools during the period April 3 – April 14, 2020. An identical online questionnaire was also conducted from April 8 – April 16, 2020 in Spain, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Romania. In total, 9,209 students participated in the international survey "Covid-19 through the eyes of students."