Studying Abroad in the USA: A Second Thought for Some Berlin Students
Some students in Berlin opt out of their academic terms in the United States - Students End Their American Academic Tenure in Berline Due to Circumstances
In the face of shifting circumstances in the U.S., a growing number of students in Berlin are re-evaluating their plans for studying abroad. To paint a picture, out of 40 students at Humboldt University, 10 have chosen to abandon their semester in the States, while 2 have made similar decisions at Free University. At the Technical University, 1 student has opted out. These numbers were disclosed following a survey by the German Press Agency.
Personal reasons and political apprehensions drive the decisions of these students. A spokesperson from Humboldt University stated that non-binary individuals are particularly uncertain, and the withdrawal at Technical University was from a transgender student. At Free University, the withdrawals were due to political concerns, according to the spokesperson.
The U.S. administration under President Trump has been actively intervening in higher education policy, attempting to bar elite university Harvard from accepting international students. Moreover, international students and exchange program participants are likely to face increased scrutiny in the future.
Rumors suggest that the State Department has instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt scheduling appointments for visa applications. Chinese students pursuing higher education in the U.S. may even face visa revocation.
An Humboldt University spokesperson stated, "Students remain hopeful that the situation will soon clear up." However, the uncertainty looms large. Affected students have been seeking advice at multiple Berlin universities. Some universities, proactively, have offered counseling to these students. At Free University, most students have yet to secure a visa, highlighted the spokesperson.
Universities such as the University of the Arts have 14 students planning to study in the U.S. during the winter semester. At the University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Law, the number stands at 17. Surprisingly, no withdrawals have been reported as of yet, according to university spokespersons.
Berlin universities expect a decline in the interest for studying in the U.S. in the near future. The number of participants for an info event at Technical University about studying in the U.S. was significantly low, announced the university spokesperson.
At present, Berlin universities have not discouraged or paused U.S. exchange programs. Free University President Günter M. Ziegler commented, "The Free University will continue to actively encourage its exchange programs, as we anticipate students at our partner universities will generally have a fantastic experience, despite the drastic interventions by the U.S. government."
- Students
- Berlin
- USA
- FU
- Humboldt University
- TU
- German Press Agency
Insights:
While the official stance of Berlin universities concerning U.S. study abroad programs remains neutral, an increasing number of students are reconsidering their decisions due to heightened risk awareness and political uncertainties in the U.S. To counter these concerns, Berlin universities are stepping up their support and guidance to students planning to study abroad, particularly in the U.S.
In light of the uncertainty and potential risks related to studying in the USA due to shifting political dynamics, many students in Berlin are reconsidering their decisions. To alleviate these concerns, several Berlin universities are proactively offering counseling and support to students planning to study in the US.
