Tessa Hirsch, a German journalism exchange student at the University of Memphis, fears for the safety of students like herself now that Donald Trump was elected president.
“I feel like if a person like him can be so outwardly racist and say so many things about foreigners, how welcome are people supposed to feel here and how safe?” asked Hirsch.
Her words reflect the unease felt by many international students navigating the political landscape of the United States under Trump’s presidency.
This sentiment is echoed by academics, such as Professor Tanjev Schultz from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, who warned that “the political climate could…keep students from coming to the USA.”
With Trump’s policies on immigration and international cooperation raising concerns across the globe, German and international students at the University of Memphis question whether Trump’s policies will reshape academic exchange, and force countries like Germany to reassess their roles in global academia.
The Student Perspective: Fear and Adaptation
For many international students, Trump’s rhetoric and policies have made the U.S. seem less welcoming. Hirsch’s concerns about safety and belonging are not isolated. “Sometimes when I talk to people my age, people who really seem kind and friendly, but when it comes to politics, they got in fights with each other, and I don’t know.”
During Trump’s first term, international student enrollment dropped every year until his term ended and citizens are currently seeing a rise in enrollment through the Biden administration, but will it stay that way through Trump’s second term?
Exchange students, like Hirsch, are eager to study abroad in the U.S., but are becoming increasingly hesitant, especially with Trump hinting at dismantling the Department of Education.
"If the Department of Education is going to get shut down - we also need the governments working together in order for us to get our scholarships and stuff because we cannot afford tuition here. So, if things like that get canceled, I don't know if there will be an opportunity to exchange like that, in the next couple of years,” said Hirsch.
Schultz believes that “most German students only consider applying for a U.S. college or university if they will get some stipend” due to the high cost of U.S. education. Without robust financial aid and a welcoming atmosphere, the allure of studying in the U.S. diminishes.
Additionally, American students disillusioned with domestic politics may find studying abroad more appealing. Fanta Aw, president and CEO of NAFSA said, "The work of international education has never been more important. It is the bridge that unites us, ensuring a future where we are part of the world - not apart from it."
Schultz noted that for some, “it could become more attractive to go abroad due to growing dissatisfaction with the situation at home.” However, Schultz also warned that an isolationist U.S. policy could reduce interest in international exchange programs altogether. This dynamic highlights the uncertainty that defines international education in the Trump era.
Academic Partnerships: A Test of Resilience
The relationship between German and U.S. academic institutions has long been robust, characterized by exchange programs and collaborative research. However, this partnership is under strain, especially with Trump hinting at the idea of dismantling the Department of Education. Stephen Robinson, director of Champlain College's Dublin campus says, "Language acquisition programs are already struggling in the U.S. and may struggle more under a Trump administration. While that may not impact English-speaking Ireland, it may have a significant impact on language-based programs in countries such as France, Spain, or Germany."
Academia as well as the economy in the U.S. depend to some considerable degree from this exchange, from the input of foreigners and from strong partnerships. Yet, policies limiting immigration and cutting funding for international education programs threaten to erode these bonds.
For example, during Trump’s first term when he implemented the Muslim ban on several Islamic-leaning countries, it led to several students being detained and forced to return to their countries. His administration also stripped international students from being in the US in 2020 temporarily.
In addition, Trump’s administration considered significant cuts to programs like the Fulbright Scholarship, which supports U.S. students studying abroad and international students coming to the U.S. Such cuts could have a chilling effect on academic mobility. “Budget cuts could indeed seriously hurt international education programs,” Schultz warned, noting that financial barriers are already a significant deterrent for German students.
However, Trump has mentioned he is willing to grant green cards for all graduates of US colleges and university while on the “All In Podcast” with Silcon Valley investors. “[If] you graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country and that includes junior colleges too," he said.
Yet, his campaign team emphasize that this will only happen after a long extensive vetting process and is only for "the most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America."
Only time will tell where he stands on the subject. Roughly 41 percent of international students remain in the US long term and need a work visa to do so.
Hirsch believes it is a great opportunity to work in the US but is disappointed to hear about the possibility of work visas being more difficult to obtain. “It's already really difficult and if it gets more difficult, I don’t know if that’ll really be an option because I don't know if I’ll be good enough at my university that I will be at the top couple percent that actually get a work visa. The United States would be a great place to work, especially for television and journalism media work,” she says.
Germany’s Role in Global Academia
As the U.S. faces challenges in maintaining its position as a leader in global academia, Germany is stepping up. Schultz pointed out that “Germany has become more attractive for students from India” and other regions. This shift aligns with Germany’s demographic and economic goals of attracting young talent. Unlike the U.S., Germany offers free or low-cost higher education, making it an appealing alternative for international students.
However, challenges remain. The limited number of English-taught programs in Germany may deter American students. “Unfortunately, there are still too few courses that can be studied entirely in English,” Schultz says. Expanding these programs could position Germany as a more competitive destination for international education, particularly if U.S. policies continue to discourage foreign students.
Broader Implications for Global Academia
Trump’s policies do not only affect individual students; they also reshape the global academic environment. Budget cuts and restrictions on international cooperation undermine collaborative research efforts. Schultz is adamant that strong partnerships in academia are vital and hopes they are “strong enough to survive political irritations and possible restrictions.” However, the uncertainty surrounding U.S. policies creates challenges for maintaining these relationships.
German institutions, meanwhile, remain committed to fostering international collaboration. After Trump’s reelection, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) released a statement calling for an expansion of academic cooperation between Germany and the U.S. This proactive stance highlights Germany’s recognition of the importance of global partnerships in academia, even in the face of political challenges.
The reelection of Donald Trump has created significant challenges for international academia, from heightened fears among students to strained partnerships between institutions. Yet, as Tessa Hirsch’s story, Tanjev Schultz’s insights, and multiple academics around the globe have demonstrate, these challenges also offer opportunities for resilience and adaptation. Germany’s growing appeal as an academic destination and its commitment to international collaboration underscore the enduring value of global education.
Even in turbulent times, the spirit of academic exchange can transcend borders, ensuring that education remains a bridge between nations rather than a barrier. “The mission, work, and values have not changed. Now, more than ever, we must redouble our efforts. Together, we must build a present and future where mutual understanding, respect, shared humanity, connection, and global citizenship thrive.” says Aw.
