American academic term on hold for certain Berlin students in the United States
Berlin, Germany - A survey by the German Press Agency has revealed that some students at Humboldt University, the Free University, and the Technical University are reevaluating their plans for exchange semesters in the United States. Ten out of 40 students at Humboldt, two out of over 40 at the Free University, and one out of 29 at the Technical University have decided not to go.
Personal reasons and concerns about political developments are causing students' reconsideration, according to university spokespersons. Non-binary individuals and transgender people are reportedly uncertain about the upcoming semester, while political motivations were cited as the reason for the withdrawal at the Free University.
At the University of the Arts and the University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Law, there have been no withdrawals as yet. The US government, under President Donald Trump, is taking an active role in shaping higher education policy. International students and participants in exchange programs are expected to face increased scrutiny in the future.
Media reports suggest that the US government is halting visa appointments and may revoke visas for Chinese students. However, many students are still hopeful for a clarification of the situation soon. Affected students have sought guidance at several Berlin universities, with some universities offering proactive counseling.
At the Free University, most students have not yet received a visa, a spokesperson confirmed. The universities expect interest in a US stay to decrease in the future. Despite the challenges posed by the US government's interventions, most institutions are continuing to promote their exchange programs.
Recent U.S. policies towards international students, such as the restriction on admissions in certain fields and potential visa revocations for students with ties to the Chinese government or studying key fields, may contribute to the uncertainty among students planning to study abroad in the US. However, a strong interest in US education persists, and many students are seeking alternative pathways if needed.
[1] Sources: "China scrambling to save 360,000 students in US amid tensions" - Reuters, May 26, 2020.[2] "U.S. may cap foreign student admissions at institutions: report" - Reuters, May 24, 2020.
- Students from Humboldt University, the Free University, and the Technical University are reconsidering their plans for education-and-self-development in the United States due to personal reasons and concerns about politics.
- Amidst the growing uncertainty about general-news events such as visa restrictions and potential visa revocations for international students, a strong interest in US education-and-self-development persists, with many students seeking alternative pathways if necessary.
