Cancelled Semesters Abroad: Berlin Students Wary of U.S. Visa Policies
Students from Berlin Call Off Studies in the U.S. for the Upcoming Semesters - Berlin scholars abandon their US academic term
Mostly due to the recent political noise coming from the USA, some students in Berlin are second-guessing their intended semester sojourn in the States. Humboldt University (HU), for instance, has seen 10 out of 40 students back out, while Free University (FU) has lost 2 out of over 40, and Technical University (TU) has had one cancellation, as per a German Press Agency survey.
personal reasons have been given by some students, while others have voiced worries about political turmoil. A HU spokesperson pointed out that non-binary individuals were particularly unsure due to the chaotic climate. Meanwhile, the cancellation at TU came from a transgender student, and the two students who reconsidered their plans at FU did so out of political concerns, according to a FU spokesperson.
The US administration, under President Donald Trump, is making a significant impact on US higher education policy. The government is attempting to bar elite university Harvard from admitting international students and plans to intensify scrutiny of international students and participants in exchange programs. The State Department has apparently instructed US embassies and consulates to halt the scheduling of appointments for relevant visa applications, and Chinese students studying in the U.S. may find their visas revoked, media reports suggest.
While students remain hopeful for a positive turn of events, uncertainty is running high. Affected students at various Berlin universities have sought advice, with some universities stepping up to offer counseling. Yet, at FU, most students haven't yet received their visas, according to the spokesperson.
Universities urge students not to cancel trips or reservations just yet but to stay informed and watch for developments. Reduced interest in US study abroad programs is expected by universities due to these policies. A spokesperson for TU noted that attendance at an info event about studying in the U.S. in April was unusually low.
For now, universities are not discouraging a US study abroad experience, with FU President Günter M. Ziegler stating, "The Free University will continue to actively promote its exchange programs because we believe that students at our partner universities will, in general, have an outstanding experience, despite the dramatic interventions by the US government."
- USA Colourful Politics
- Student Controversy
- Berlin
- FU
- Humboldt University
- TU
- German Press Agency
Enrichment Data Snippets:
- Visa interview delays: The U.S. has halted scheduling new student visa interviews, causing delays for applicants planning to study in the U.S. [2][4]
- Mobility impact: The stringent visa policies are causing international students to reconsider travel plans, impacting the broader travel industry. [3]
- Global perception: The U.S. visa crackdown may lead international students to perceive the U.S. as less welcoming, potentially causing them to opt for other countries. [3]
- Universities' response: Universities may need to adapt their travel programs, monitor updates, and offer support to international students navigating the evolving visa landscape. [2]
- University collaborations: The visa policies may affect German universities' collaborations with U.S. institutions, requiring universities in Berlin to adjust their international programs. [3]
- The visa policies enacted by the USA's current administration are causing uncertainty among students in Berlin, with some withdrawing from planned semesters at US universities due to concerns about political turmoil and a perceived less welcoming environment.
- Universities in Berlin, such as FU, Humboldt University, and TU, are urging students to stay informed and adaptable as US higher education policies continue to evolve, with a potential decrease in student interest in study abroad programs in the USA expected.
