Commentary: Should students from Singapore and Asia rethink plans to study in American universities?

AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

A family whose child dreams of studying in America years later might find solace in the fact that Mr Trump is in his final presidential term, despite his suggestions to the contrary. Immigration policy may return to the status quo that prevailed under previous presidents from both parties.

In the meantime, prospective international students may question whether they are willing to refrain from expressing their views on controversial issues, in exchange for peace of mind while studying in the US.  

But studying in America amid this tumult offers unprecedented opportunities. Students who can bridge cultural divides are needed now more than ever, and university campuses often live up to their reputation as islands of openness.

My Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students returning from semester-long exchange programmes almost invariably confirm that their experience of studying abroad was transformative. Often, their transformation corresponds to the degree of challenge.

International students are not the only beneficiaries of time spent overseas. As an American educated in US universities, getting to know a classmate from Russia helped shatter my preconceptions.

A role as an informal ambassador is not within every student’s comfort zone, nor is anyone obligated to fulfil it. Individuals and their families must decide if studying abroad is a fit for them during the Trump era.

The United States may regain its status as a destination for the world’s brightest when the pendulum of American politics swings closer to the centre. Until then, however disheartening it is for many Americans who would gladly welcome them to campus, it’s understandable that many students will forgo opportunities to study there.

Dr Mark Cenite is Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education) at Nanyang Technological University’s College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and teaches media law and artificial intelligence law at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.