What lies ahead regarding the postsecondary education landscape in the United States and how might this affect international students? Part 3
- Yulia Sobol
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Lumina Scholastic's college counselor Peter Petite reflects on the main concerns that are raging in the international student community about their plans to pursue an education in the US, and how current politics and other aspects can affect this.
Finally, another source of uncertainty affecting university studies in the United States pertains to the politicization of campuses. How will students and faculty respond to the new administration? How will colleges and universities continue to respond/react to ongoing conflicts and crises, domestically and throughout the world? It’s hard to say in advance. While there seems to be a resurgence of student activism, ironically, it is often dependent, implicitly or explicitly so, on social media, which, while good at stirring pots and exciting a crowd, does not seem well suited to the grinding, tedious footwork that brings about sustained effort and long-term results. How international students respond to and/or engage student activism may well depend on the countries where they come from and the expectations they carry with them.
A bit more on visas. Regarding international students specifically, much is being said these days about the future of the H1B visa program in the States. While this does not immediately affect F1 student visas, the thinking at work in the background of these conversations and debates could influence, for better or worse, F1 policies.
At the same time, colleges and universities will continue to welcome international students. Indeed, it’s no secret that some colleges and universities have become increasingly dependent on foreign students to close budget gaps. And, as has been the case for years, financial aid to international students will remain limited, especially at state schools, where financial aid by law must go first to students residing in the state where the school is. There are need-blind schools that can offer generous financial aid to all the students they accept, but these schools are few in number and highly selective.
All this said, classes will take place. Interesting discussions will happen between and among faculty and students. Much of college life will continue as it has. How well students, international and domestic, navigate life on any campus will continue to depend on the support of families, friendships formed, willingness to engage faculty, organization of time, and an overall ability to observe, assess, and take delight in the world around them.
