Latest news with #USeducation
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Trump says Chinese students in US will ‘be okay'
International students make up just under 6% of the US university population. (AFP pic) WASHINGTON : US President Donald Trump told reporters late yesterday he wanted to assure Chinese international students in the country that they would be fine amid his administration's crackdown on academia. Trump's administration this week said it would specifically target permissions for Chinese students, in its latest broadside against US higher education. But when asked yesterday what message he would send to Chinese college students in the country, Trump insisted: 'They're going to be okay. It's going to work out fine.' 'We just want to check out the individual students we have. And that's true with all colleges,' he told reporters. The softer tone comes after a judge on Thursday extended a temporary block on Trump's bid to prevent Harvard from enrolling international students. US secretary of state Marco Rubio vowed on Wednesday to 'aggressively' revoke visas to students from China. Rubio has already yanked thousands of visas, largely over students' involvement in activism critical of Israel's offensive in Gaza, but also over minor traffic violations and other infractions. The Trump administration has been in an ongoing showdown with academia, and Harvard in particular, demanding it provide a list of students that the government is interested in, something the prestigious university has declined to do. 'I don't know why Harvard's not giving us the list. There's something going on because Harvard is not giving us a list,' Trump said yesterday. 'They ought to give us a list and get themselves out of trouble,' he insisted, suggesting that 'they don't want to give the list because they have names on there that supposedly are quite bad.' At graduation ceremonies this week, Harvard University president Alan Garber received a one-minute standing ovation when he called for universities to stand 'firm' in the war the Trump administration has waged against students and schools. 'We want people that can love our country and take care of our country and cherish our country,' Trump said yesterday. International students on average make up just under 6% of the US university population – far below Britain, the second top destination for international students, where the figure is 25%.
CNA
5 days ago
- Business
- CNA
'Anxious, uncertain': US study plans for Singaporeans derailed by halt on new student visas
SINGAPORE: Music teacher Sharon had long dreamed of studying piano in the United States. With her children now grown, she finally pursued that goal – auditioning in person, enduring multiple screening rounds and securing offers from two American universities. But on Tuesday (May 27), her plans were thrown into turmoil. An internal cable obtained by Reuters revealed that US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered consular offices worldwide to stop scheduling new visa interviews for students and exchange visitors. The move comes as the State Department prepares to expand its vetting of applicants' social media activity. 'It's pretty disappointing. I've actually put in a lot of effort to go to America," said Sharon, who asked that her real name not be used. "The audition preparation took about a year. If I cannot go, it's going to be like a waste of … another academic year." UNCERTAIN POLITICAL SITUATION Many affected students, speaking to CNA on condition of anonymity due to fear of visa repercussions, expressed deep concern over the US move. Among them is Kevin, who had accepted an offer to study computer science at a university in California. He had wanted to study in the US since junior college, he told CNA. 'My end goal was always to potentially move there and work there, because I wanted to do tech, and I think the US is the best place to do tech,' he said. But in light of recent political developments, including a controversial move to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students, Kevin decided to 'play it safe' and enrol in a university in Singapore instead. Before he changed his mind, he had settled most administrative matters and had just stopped short of getting his visa. It was 'too big of a risk', especially because he would be funding his own studies, Kevin said. 'If I go, I'm always going to have this at the back of my mind, this stress about the political situation,' he said. 'So I don't think it's worth that extra stress when you're already stressing about things like finances, academics and career in uni.' A judge has since suspended the Harvard directive pending a legal challenge from the university. Students typically begin their visa application process shortly after accepting university offers in April or May. Sharon, for instance, is still waiting on her I-20 form, which certifies eligibility to apply for a student visa. Though she deferred enrolment to a later semester, her university had advised early visa preparation. Now, all she can do is wait to see how the situation unfolds – and scrub her social media profiles. She has even considered deactivating her accounts, as she does not know what authorities will look for when vetting her online presence. 'I'm not young anymore,' she said. 'If I'm going to go through another round of applications … I have to prepare everything all over again. There's a lot of effort and time.' In response to queries from CNA, the US Embassy in Singapore said visa applicants have been required to provide social media identifiers as part of the application process since 2019. A spokesperson said the State Department uses 'all available information' to screen visa applications. "At this time, applicants may continue to submit applications," the embassy said, "as the consular section constantly adjusts schedules to allow for sufficient time to vet cases before them.' For some, the process had already begun before the visa directive was issued. Diane, who started a graduate programme in New York, applied for her student visa in April. She received approval in May, describing the experience as "smooth". But the latest developments have shaken her confidence. When she accepted the university offer, she did not think the political situation would escalate to a point where the US would turn away international students, Diane said. "I was naive and did not think it would affect me. Hence the political situation did not weigh heavily in my decision to choose a programme," she told CNA. "But right now, after the visa interview pause, I am very worried that (Trump) can ask all international students to leave on a whim," she said. Even though she has already started school, she is wondering if she should have accepted the other offers she had from the UK and the Netherlands. "At least with that, I will get the certainty that I won't get kicked out of the school and country for no good reason, and I'll be able to finish my degree," she said. Education consultancies supporting students in their overseas applications said their clients are concerned but that most are staying the course – for now. Ms Joanne Gao, regional manager at education consultancy Crimson Education, said about half of their 500 Singapore-based clients apply to US schools. While students are "definitely concerned", she said many remain committed to their plans, especially those headed to prestigious institutions like Harvard. "None of them are rushing to change their plans," said Ms Gao. "They know how competitive it is to get into these institutions and how much work they've put in to get there." Still, she advised students with confirmed visa interviews to keep their appointments and reminded all clients to 'carefully review their public social media profiles'. Dr Chan Khai Leok, director of education consultancy theRightU, echoed these concerns. Of the 1,000 students his team advises annually, around 10 to 15 per cent express interest in US schools. 'Obviously, they would not be changing their minds immediately, because they would have paid a deposit. They would have committed quite a bit of time and attention to and pretty much committed to going to the US,' he said. The consultancy has also advised its clients to be mindful of how they present themselves on social media, he said. Dr Chan added that while those who have accepted offers are likely to stay committed, students in the process of deciding where to pursue their studies are 'more likely to turn their attention to other countries'.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Top Admissions Experts On International Student Ban At Harvard
On May 22, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students. This leaves many international students wondering what to do. Some consultants were themselves once international students. In a direct message to me on LinkedIn, Petia Whitmore, Founder of My MBA Path, said, "As someone whose life and career were profoundly shaped by the opportunities made possible through U.S. education, I'm deeply invested in ensuring others can continue to access those same paths. The prospect that this route could narrow for future applicants is extremely troubling.' Whitmore says, 'I'm actively speaking with candidates about it, including one international applicant I just commenced Round 1 work with this morning, who has HBS on their list. We discussed the uncertainty ahead and the importance of expanding both school and career strategies to include the U.S. and Europe. That said, this remains a fast-moving situation, and it's still too early to offer clear, actionable advice." Arvind Kumar is the Founder of admitStreet in Bengaluru. In correspondence on WhatsApp, Kumar said, 'I work with a mix of candidates exploring both U.S. and E.U./U.K. programs, and my advice to them right now is to stay optimistic, but also mindful of the risks.' Could this be a permanent chill? Kumar said, 'The U.S. has weathered political and cultural shocks before, and today's uncertainty could even open up opportunities for applicants by lowering competition. But some of what we're seeing now feels different--more serious, more lasting--and it may potentially affect more U.S. schools over time.' Kumar advises students to think beyond the U.S. He said, "Given that, I'm encouraging candidates to hedge their bets and consider a balanced mix of programs across the U.S. and E.U./U.K.--aligned not just with their short-term and long-term career goals, but also with their geographic and financial preferences.' Candy Lee LaBalle, Founder of mbaClarity in Madrid, used 'heartbreak' to describe her response. Laballe wrote to me on WhatsApp, 'In general, I'm heartbroken. But my job as a consultant is to console my clients and share with them the most correct information that I can find.' LaBalle's response was visceral. She wrote, 'When I read the decision by the administration, it felt like a kick in the chest. I had a panic attack. I cried for a few hours. And then I spent the next day talking with all my colleagues around the world. In general, I think we have to wait and see. The response of my admitted students has mainly been controlled worry. They have told me things like, 'We are hoping for the best.' And I think that's all they can do right now.' Admissions Gateway in Gurgaon saw 35 of their international clients accepted to Harvard Business School this year. Founder Rajdeep Chinmi told me in a direct message on LinkedIn, 'While there is uncertainty, we have advised students to stay calm, control what is in their sphere of influence, and wait for the outcome of the May 29th court hearing." Harvard's generous financial aid helps, suggested Chinmi. He said, "Many of the students Admissions Gateway worked with this year got substantial aid packages, including tuition waivers. The uncertainties of the new policies and everything that is happening with the Trump administration gets a little set off when you place it with the fact that those people are not taking out $170,000 of debt and having this uncertainty. They have a fee waiver and they have all this uncertainty, which is an easier situation to sort of palate.' HBS has offered international students a solution of last resort. On May 23, Rupal Gadhia, Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at HBS, wrote to admitted students, 'As in past years, any international admitted student who is unable to start the program due to visa issues, despite having taken all reasonable and proactive steps to secure a visa, will be given an option to defer to the HBS MBA Class of 2028.' Of course, this leaves open the question of what might happen if HBS is unable to enroll international students at all. But it does give admitted students the sense that HBS is on their side as they navigate unprecedented uncertainty.
Bloomberg
23-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Damage Here is Not to Harvard But to The US Says Mukunda
The Trump administration's decision to bar foreign students at Harvard University is seen as a blow to the US's standing in business and an advantage to elite rival colleges across the English-speaking world. The move is expected to have a chilling effect on foreign students, with many already thinking twice about studying in the US, and some considering alternative destinations such as the UK, Canada, and English-language programs across Asia. The decision is seen as a "devastating, self-inflicted wound" that will damage America's reputation and benefit the university systems of other countries, with many warning that it will hurt US competitiveness and undermine the country's influence in the world. Gautam Mukunda, Executive Fellow at Yale School of Management, joins to discuss the future of Harvard. (Source: Bloomberg)
South China Morning Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
‘Hesitant' Hongkongers worry Trump has shattered dreams of studying in US
A year ago, 13-year-old Sophia wanted to leave Hong Kong to study in the US, which is home to many renowned universities and boarding schools. With her eyes on east coast boarding schools, she had planned to apply for the 2025-26 academic year. '[US] boarding schools ... foster open discussion instead of lectures and encourage even introverted students like me to be braver in expressing themselves,' the German Swiss International School student said. 'I could explore new opportunities beyond academics, whether in sports, music or other extracurriculars, which is difficult in Hong Kong, where the focus is mainly on academics.' But to her dismay, this dream has crumbled. 'My plans changed due to growing concerns about US visa and immigration policies under the Trump administration,' said Sophia, who only gave her first name. 'I saw lots of news about student visas getting revoked. This made me question the long-term stability of staying in the US without citizenship.' She is just one of the thousands weighing the risks of studying in the United States following the election of President Donald Trump. Hong Kong sees 15% drop in students seeking overseas education since 2012 'Unsettling' The US has long been the most popular destination for international students, with around 1.1 million receiving tuition in the country last year. But recently, Washington has been revoking visas and threatening students with deportation. At least 1,024 students from 160 universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March, according to the Associated Press. Many have said they have not committed a deportable offence. A large number of those who lost their legal status are from China and India. These two countries make up more than half of the international student population at US universities. In Hong Kong, the US was already becoming less popular as a study destination. The 2023-24 academic year marked a record low for Hongkongers pursuing undergraduate degrees in the country, with just 2,762 making the move, according to a survey. Sophia is now among those deciding against going to the US. She will instead stay in Hong Kong to finish secondary school. 'My parents and I agreed that there would be a possibility of not being able to graduate with a high school diploma. The thought of being suddenly uprooted from school, separated from friends and unable to complete my education, was unsettling,' she said. 'It was a difficult decision given that this was my dream and goal for three years.' Sophia said that the constant negative news was likely to have made her feel 'unsafe and anxious' if she went to the US. She will consider attending university in the country in 2029 'if the immigration and visa policies improve'. Hongkongers are reconsidering studying in America because of President Donald Trump's policies. Photo: Reuters Cautious hope Education consultants have said that the visa measures have had little impact on the decisions of their clients. For Hongkonger Max*, he has already achieved his goal of being accepted into a US university. 'I have always dreamed of going to a US university because of its flexible liberal arts system,' he said. Max, who preferred to keep the name of the east coast university private, will start later this year. 'This university had a very collaborative and friendly community, and I liked that the course was very flexible, allowing me to study a range of subjects which I enjoyed,' said Max, 18, who has already received his visa. He said he felt comfortable with his decision, even if he and his parents were 'a little worried'. 'I believe the policies have only targeted a small proportion of students,' he said. He remains keen to make the move. 'I think it will be an amazing experience in and out of the classroom,' he said. More than 1,000 international students in the US have had visas or legal status revoked Another Hongkonger, David*, said attending a US university was 'a dream' that was inspired by his family. 'My parents put a lot of emphasis on how amazing the environment is [in the US] and how much you can learn from American society,' said the 16-year-old, who attends a school in Hong Kong that follows the American system. David's sister and parents all went to university in the US, making it a natural path for him. He is already looking to apply to 'a lot of the top colleges in the US' for enrolment in 2026. But he admitted that the recent news had taken a 'little bit of a toll on my mind'. He has been trying to stay informed about the latest developments and said he was starting to feel 'concerned' and 'hesitant'. David worries that all his hard work to get into a good university will go to waste. 'It feels like a lot of that is in jeopardy and at stake, especially as an international student,' he said. David, who will graduate from secondary school in 2026, said he was 'still definitely going to apply' as the US had always been his 'dream place' to study and work. But now he was likely to look at other options too. '[Recent events] have definitely made me consider the UK a lot more,' he said. * Name changed at interviewees' request. Stop and think: What reasons are behind the decline in Hongkongers' interest in studying in the US? Why this story matters: Many young Hongkongers have ambitions to attend universities in the US. But because of the country's current policies, some may no longer feel safe to do so and may decide to attend local institutions or others overseas or in mainland China.
