Cancelled Semesters Abroad: Berlin Students Ditch US Due to Visa Uncertainties
Students from Berlin delay their academic term in the United States - Students from Berlin Decide to Postpone Their Fall Terms in the United States
Hey there! Let's talk about some changes in the US that are causing some Berlin students to rethink their study abroad plans. At Humboldt University, almost a fourth of students planning to spend a semester in the US have decided against it. The Free University and the Technical University have also seen cancellations, affecting around 5% of their respective students.
The reasons for these cancellations? A mix of personal matters and worries about political developments. Non-binary individuals were particularly uncertain, while cancellations at the Technical University came from a trans student. At the Free University, it was all about the political climate.
The current U.S. administration is shaking up higher education policy. They're cracking down on elite universities like Harvard, aiming to prevent international students from enrolling. International students and exchange program participants can also expect stricter scrutiny in the future.
In the news, we've heard that the State Department has instructed US embassies and consulates to halt scheduling appointments for visa applications. This could potentially affect Chinese students already studying in the US, who might face visa revocation.
An Humboldt University spokesperson admitted that while students remain hopeful for resolution, uncertainty is high. Affected students have sought counseling at Berlin universities, with some universities already reaching out to offer support. Most students at the Free University haven't yet secured visas.
UdK advises students to hold off on cancelling travel plans, but to stay updated on the situation. Other universities recommend monitoring developments closely.
Universities expect a decrease in interest for trips to the US. A study event at the Technical University in April saw lower-than-usual attendance, according to a spokesperson. For now, universities aren't advising against stays in the US, but are urging caution.
The Free University's president, Günter M. Ziegler, is optimistic about the future of exchange programs, despite the recent policy changes. He believes students will still have a great experience at partner universities.
Here are some facts you might find interesting:
- The Trump team has ordered a temporary halt on new student visa interviews, introducing possible delays for students planning to study abroad.
- Policy changes allow for possible visa revocation for individuals linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in sensitive areas. This has raised concerns among all international students.
- New visa policies aim to prioritize American interests, leading to stricter eligibility reviews and increased wait times for student visa applicants.
- While seasonal work visas have been temporarily increased, these changes don't apply to student visas and do not alleviate the tightening or increased scrutiny faced by study abroad applicants.
So, if you're a student in Berlin planning a semester in the US, definitely keep an eye on the situation to make the best decision for yourself!
- The growing uncertainty surrounding higher education policies and stricter visa requirements in the US have led some students at Berlin universities like Humboldt, Free University, and Technical University to reconsider their plans for vocational training and education-and-self-development in the US.
- Amidst concerns about politics and personal matters, particularly for non-binary individuals and the trans community, general news reports suggest that there might be a decrease in the interest for US-based vocational training, with affected students seeking counseling and support from universities.
