Difficulties for Berlin Students Studying in the USA: Brakes on Visa Appointments and Stricter Screenings
Berlin students delay a semester abroad in the United States - American-bound Berlin students reconsider studying abroad due to unknown factors.
In the current political climate of the USA, some Berlin students are reconsidering their plans for a semester abroad, especially at Humboldt University, Free University, and Technical University. Of the initial student populations, 10, 2, and 1 respectively have opted out of attending, according to a survey by the German Press Agency.
Personal reasons and political concerns were some of the reasons given for dropping out, with non-binary individuals and trans students more likely to find themselves uncertain about the venture. The withdrawal from Technical University was indeed from a trans person, while at Free University, the withdrawals were due to political reasons.
In light of ongoing changes, the US government under President Donald Trump is making substantial alterations to higher education policies within the country. The administration is attempting to prevent elite universities such as Harvard from welcoming international students, and international students and exchange program participants can expect to face stricter scrutiny in the future.
According to media reports, the State Department has instructed US embassies and consulates to put a hold on scheduling appointments for student visa applications, potentially affecting Chinese students studying in the USA. Furthermore, visas could be revoked for these students.
A Humboldt University spokesperson stated, "Students are still hopeful that the situation will clear up soon," but uncertainty remains high. Affected students have already sought advice from multiple Berlin universities, with some institutions like Free University reporting that many of their students have yet to obtain a visa.
Universities are expecting a decrease in interest in a USA stay, as demonstrated by a low turnout at an information event at Technical University about studying in the USA. Although universities do not currently advise against a USA stay, Free University President Günter M. Ziegler emphasized that the institution will continue to support exchange programs in hopes that students will still have a successful experience.
- USA
- Students
- Berlin
- FU
- Humboldt University
- TU
- German Press Agency
Background Info:
- The Trump administration's visa policies imposed thorough new screening measures and procedural delays for student visa applicants, including:
- A temporary halt on scheduling new interviews for student visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates.
- Plans to expand social media vetting for all student visa applicants, which could include checks for potential security threats and antisemitic activities, potentially delaying and complicating the application process.
- These new policies may increase processing times, causing uncertainty and difficulties for Berlin students planning their studies in the U.S. and might impact institutions that depend on foreign students for enrollment and financial support.
In the context of increased visa scrutiny under President Donald Trump's administration, organizations like the German Press Agency have reported a rising concern among Berlin students planning to study in the USA. This heightened level of screenings and delays, such as the temporary ban on scheduling new interviews for student visas, may lead to difficulties for students attending institutions like Humboldt University, Free University, and Technical University. Additionally, the potential expansion of social media vetting for student visa applicants could further complicate the education-and-self-development journey for Berlin students, affecting their vocational training and future opportunities.
