Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing uncertainty and challenges faced by Chinese students planning to study in the United States, driven by changing U.S. immigration policies and rising costs of education, leading to a decline in the number of Chinese students studying in the U.S. and a shift in their preferences towards other countries [1][2][3]. Group 1: U.S. Immigration Policies and Their Impact - In May 2025, the Trump administration considered requiring international students to undergo social media scrutiny, leading to a suspension of visa interviews for students [1][4]. - The announcement of a ban on Harvard University recruiting international students and subsequent entry restrictions for foreign citizens studying there created significant anxiety among current and prospective students [4][5]. - A temporary restraining order from a federal judge halted the enforcement of the entry ban, but the uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies continues to affect international students [5][6]. Group 2: Decline in Chinese Students and Rising Costs - 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 from the peak in the 2019/2020 academic year [7][10]. - The average annual expenditure for Chinese students in the U.S. has surged to $52,000, reflecting a $10,000 increase compared to previous years [7][10]. - The tightening of U.S. visa policies has resulted in a significant rise in the visa rejection rate for international students, reaching 36% in 2023, compared to 15% in 2015 [10][13]. Group 3: Changing Preferences Among Students - A survey indicated a growing concern among families regarding studying in the U.S., with the percentage of families reconsidering their plans rising from 18% to 51.9% within six months [20][21]. - Many families are now considering multiple options for studying abroad, with countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia becoming increasingly attractive alternatives due to perceived safety and cost advantages [21][23]. - Despite the challenges, the number of applications from Chinese students to U.S. universities showed a slight increase in early 2025, although the overall sentiment remains cautious due to ongoing policy uncertainties [18][19]. Group 4: Evaluation of Study Abroad Destinations - The Chinese Ministry of Education's report indicates a diversification in popular study destinations, with the U.S. dropping out of the top three most favored countries for study abroad, although it still hosts the largest number of Chinese students [23][24]. - The report ranked various countries based on quality, safety, and cost, placing the U.S. fourth overall, highlighting the competitive landscape for international education [24].