Chinese Film Students Fret, Pursue Studies Elsewhere Amid U.S. Visa Uncertainties

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For many modern Chinese filmmakers, attending American film schools was once a significant milestone, but with the uncertainties and conflicting signals from the Trump administration, this tradition seems to be waning. Now, universities in the UK, Australia, Poland, and the Czech Republic are being considered as alternatives, along with educational institutions in China, such as Hong Kong, and those nearby, according to Chinese students and scholars who shared their thoughts anonymously with The Hollywood Reporter, due to the sensitive nature of the topic both at home and under Trump’s increasingly restrictive U.S. policies.

Statements of hostility towards China from Washington, including threats to scrutinize social media feeds of visa applicants and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s comment about revoking visas, have caused unease among potential Chinese students and tourists.

Last week, President Trump seemed to soften these threats by stating on social media that his administration had reached an agreement with China, allowing Chinese students to carry on studying in U.S. universities. However, sources in China claim that they had already adjusted their study and travel plans due to the worsening relationship between the two countries over the past decade.

Chinese students studying in U.S. universities were upset upon learning that their studies could be at risk, as reported by a Chinese student residing there. On the other hand, a professor from a Shanghai university noted that students who opted to study in China remained relatively calm and composed. This was because they had anticipated potential issues with U.S.-China relations and U.S. policies, choosing instead to pursue their education at international universities or continue studying within China. The affected students did not appear overly disheartened or disappointed.

As the acceptance rate for U.S. institutions became more challenging, film schools in Lodz, Poland, and Prague, Czech Republic emerged as attractive alternatives. This shift in preference started at the beginning of the previous year, according to a source.

The exact number of Chinese students studying film in the U.S. is unknown, but there were 277,000 Chinese students in total at U.S. colleges in 2024, contributing an estimated $14.3 billion to the American economy in 2023, according to government data from the U.S. The University of California had approximately 17,832 Chinese students across all its campuses (UCLA had 2,208, while USC had nearly 6,000).

Another U.S.-based film student emphasized that international students significantly contribute to the economy. The preferred universities for Chinese film students have been AFI, USC, NYU, Columbia, and UCLA, as they still carry significant weight in the educational world. A student currently studying in the U.S. explained that they came to America to experience a unique educational system offering industry-level training and better job opportunities in the American film industry upon graduation. However, due to tensions between the two countries, many students are now considering alternative destinations where English-language film programs are still available.

A different American student studying film from China expressed that the inconsistent statements coming out of Washington have created a sense of uncertainty, leaving no clear picture.

Planning ahead is tough given the continuous unpredictability. I was aware that studying overseas would have its hurdles, but the present global politics only amplifies this uncertainty,” they expressed.

It seems that the current situation has compelled many Chinese students in the U.S. to alter their summer travel arrangements, as some opt to remain in the country out of fear that they might encounter visa-related difficulties upon re-entry to the United States. Another Chinese student residing in the U.S. expressed, “There’s a lot of uncertainty regarding the situation and how it will unfold.

All American students approached by THR confirmed that their schools had given general advice recommending they postpone any international trips during summer and to seek help if problems occur. However, one student expressed doubt about the school’s ability to intervene in serious situations, stating it seems more like a preventative measure rather than a solution. Another student felt anxious regarding future aspirations and expressed concerns about being unwelcome or unsupported in their aim to continue working in the U.S. after graduation. They worried that things might become excessively challenging and require more effort than initially anticipated. Despite previously being optimistic about pursuing opportunities in the United States post-graduation, this student is now contemplating returning home, provided they are not deported before graduation.

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2025-06-19 21:55