赴美留学人数跌至十年前，获批签证数腰斩

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing uncertainty and challenges faced by Chinese students planning to study in the United States, highlighting the impact of changing U.S. immigration policies and rising costs of education [1][5][12]. Group 1: Uncertainty in U.S. Study Plans - The U.S. government has implemented various measures that create uncertainty for international students, including potential social media scrutiny for visa applicants [1][3]. - Recent actions by the Trump administration, such as banning Harvard from enrolling international students, have heightened concerns among students and families [3][4]. - A significant number of students are reconsidering their plans to study in the U.S. due to the unpredictable nature of visa policies and the overall political climate [6][14]. Group 2: Decline in Chinese Students - The number of Chinese students studying in the U.S. has dropped to levels not seen in a decade, with a decrease of 95,000 students compared to the peak in the 2019/2020 academic year [6][7]. - The U.S. visa rejection rate for international students has reached a historic high of 36% in 2023, compared to only 15% in 2015 [9][12]. - The average annual expenditure for Chinese students studying in the U.S. has increased significantly, with costs now averaging $52,000, up by $10,000 from previous years [6][12]. Group 3: Changing Preferences for Study Destinations - There is a noticeable shift in the preferences of Chinese families regarding study destinations, with many considering options in the UK, Canada, and Australia as alternatives to the U.S. [16][18]. - The number of applications from Chinese students to U.S. universities has shown a slight increase for the 2024-2025 academic year, but concerns about U.S. policies continue to dampen enthusiasm [14][16]. - The perception of studying abroad is evolving, with families increasingly viewing it as a significant expenditure rather than a guaranteed investment in future returns [17][18].