A recent study published on Monday reveals a significant 17% decline in new international student enrollment at US universities this autumn compared to previous years. The research attributes this downturn primarily to stricter visa policies under the Trump administration, with delays and denials in visa applications cited as major contributing factors. While the overall number of international students in the US saw a modest 1% decrease, the sharp drop in first-time enrollments has raised concerns about the future of international education in the country. Foreign students, who constitute approximately 6% of total US enrollment, contributed $55 billion to the economy in 2024, according to the US Department of Commerce. The Institute of International Education conducted the survey, analyzing data from 828 higher education institutions. Clay Harmon, executive director of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, expressed concern about the implications for future years, stating, ‘There are warning signs for future years, and I’m really concerned about what this portends for fall ’26 and ’27.’ The 17% decline in first-time students is less severe than the 30%-40% drop predicted by NAFSA, a non-profit international educators group, earlier this summer. Despite the challenges, 84% of universities consider foreign student recruitment a priority, with many institutions offering flexibility to students facing obstacles, such as deferrals, which increased by 39% compared to the 2024 survey. Researchers identified several factors driving the decline, including visa issues, travel restrictions affecting about 2% of foreign students, and concerns about feeling unwelcome in the US. The Trump administration has implemented policies limiting the number of foreign students, including pausing visa appointments earlier this year and introducing stricter screening measures, such as social media checks, in June. These measures followed widespread pro-Palestine protests on college campuses and the revocation of over 6,000 student visas due to legal violations. President Trump has acknowledged the economic importance of foreign students, stating his intention to issue 600,000 Chinese student visas, despite national security concerns among some supporters. ‘The students pay more than double when they come in from most foreign countries,’ Trump remarked on Fox News, emphasizing the financial benefits to US universities.
分类： society
-
Poetic autumn scenery unveiled at 99 Dragon Pools in Yunnan
The 99 Dragon Pools, nestled within the Laojun Mountain National Park in Lijiang, Yunnan province, have unveiled their most breathtaking autumn spectacle. As the season transitions, the high-altitude basins are adorned with drifting clouds and mist, resembling a delicate white scarf draped over the landscape. The pools, often referred to as the heart of Laojun Mountain, shimmer like vivid blue-green gems embedded within the ancient forests. The surrounding foliage, now ablaze with autumnal hues, casts a mesmerizing reflection on the crystal-clear waters, creating a scene of unparalleled natural beauty. This annual transformation attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, eager to capture the serene and poetic ambiance of this unique location.
-
Ice-and-snow tourism scenic area opens in NE China
China Snow Town, a premier ice-and-snow tourism destination in Heilongjiang Province, officially opened its doors to visitors on November 17, 2025. Located in Mudanjiang City, the scenic area has curated over 30 cultural and tourism activities, blending traditional folk customs, modern performances, and cutting-edge light shows to create an immersive winter experience. The region, known for its extended snow season, witnessed its first snowfall on October 17 this year, six days earlier than in 2024. With snow depths reaching up to 2 meters during peak season, the area attracts global tourists, drawing a record 1.45 million visitors last winter. Heilongjiang’s ice-and-snow economy has become a significant contributor, achieving a market value of 266.17 billion yuan ($37.6 billion) in 2024, with tourism alone accounting for 182.33 billion yuan. China’s ambitious plan to develop its ice-and-snow economy aims for a total market value of 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth.
-
Louvre Museum closes offices and a gallery over structural fragility concerns
The Louvre Museum in Paris has announced the temporary closure of certain employee offices and a public gallery due to structural vulnerabilities. The decision follows a technical report highlighting the fragility of beams supporting the second level of the museum’s Sully wing. The report, submitted on Friday, cited ‘recent and unforeseen developments’ as the cause, though no further details were provided. As a precaution, 65 employees will be relocated for three days while experts assess the damage. Additionally, the Campana Gallery, which houses antique Greek ceramics and is located beneath the affected offices, will also be closed temporarily. This development comes as the Louvre continues to recover from last month’s high-profile heist of crown jewels valued at over $100 million. The museum’s Sully wing is a key focus of its ambitious renovation plans, which were unveiled earlier this year.
-
High-speed rail linking China’s old revolutionary base with Xi’an begins trial operation
A groundbreaking high-speed railway connecting Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, with Yan’an, a city of immense historical significance, has officially entered its trial operation phase. This marks a pivotal step toward the full operational launch of the 299.8-kilometer line, designed to travel at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour. The trial run began on Monday morning with the departure of test train 55302 from Xi’an, transitioning from joint debugging and testing to operational simulations. Once fully operational, the railway will reduce travel time between the two cities from 2.5 hours to approximately one hour. Yan’an, known as the revolutionary base of the Communist Party of China from 1937 to 1947, holds a special place in the nation’s history. This project not only enhances regional connectivity but also underscores the modernization of transportation infrastructure in northern Shaanxi. The high-speed rail is expected to boost economic development, tourism, and cultural exchange in the region, further integrating Yan’an into the broader national network.
-
What to know about abductions of schoolchildren in Nigeria
In a troubling development, Nigeria has reported yet another abduction of schoolchildren in its volatile northern region, specifically in Kebbi state. The perpetrators of this latest incident remain unidentified, but it underscores the persistent insecurity plaguing Africa’s most populous nation. This pattern of kidnappings, which has become a grim hallmark of Nigeria’s northern crisis, has affected both children and adults, transcending religious and ethnic divides. The notorious Boko Haram insurgency, responsible for the mass abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, has been a significant player in this crisis. However, other armed groups, including bandits motivated by financial gain, have also been active. Since the Chibok tragedy, over 1,500 students have been abducted, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of educational institutions in the region. Boko Haram, which seeks to impose an Islamic state and rejects Western education, has seen a resurgence this year, with many of its fighters now aligned with an Islamic State affiliate. These groups continue to recruit vulnerable youth in a region where Nigerian authorities and humanitarian organizations struggle to maintain safety. Meanwhile, bandits, often former herders turned armed militants, target schools for ransom, exploiting the under-policed and vast landscape. The U.S.-backed Africa Center for Strategic Studies has noted that these bandits are responsible for a significant number of deaths in the northwest, rivaling the impact of Boko Haram and its affiliates in the northeast. Despite military efforts, including airstrikes and special operations, Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts and raided civilian communities. In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Tinubu recently replaced Nigeria’s security chiefs, and the U.S. government approved a $346 million arms sale to bolster Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts. However, the situation remains dire, with growing concerns about the links between bandits and militant groups, further complicating the security landscape.
-
Pope could soon decide fate of Spain bishop accused of abuse, under investigation by church
In a significant development within the Spanish Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV is reportedly considering the resignation of Bishop Rafael Zornoza of Cádiz, who is currently under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a young seminarian in the 1990s. The announcement was made by Archbishop Luis Javier Argüello García, head of the Spanish Catholic Bishops Conference, during a press briefing in St. Peter’s Square on Monday. The case marks the first publicly known investigation of a Spanish bishop accused of abuse, as the church grapples with its history of misconduct and cover-ups. The diocese of Cádiz has denied the allegations but confirmed that a canonical investigation is underway by the church court in Madrid, known as the Rota. Bishop Zornoza, 76, who is battling an aggressive form of cancer, has temporarily suspended his duties to cooperate with the investigation. The accusations, which date back nearly three decades, involve claims that Zornoza abused a former seminarian from the ages of 14 to 21 while serving as a priest and director of the diocesan seminary in Getafe. The victim’s letter to the Vatican detailed disturbing accounts of abuse, including inappropriate physical contact and psychological manipulation. Archbishop Argüello emphasized the importance of both the victim’s right to come forward and the presumption of innocence for the accused. Zornoza had previously offered his resignation upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, but it was not immediately accepted. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of abuse within the Spanish Catholic Church, which has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. In 2023, Spain’s first official probe into church abuse suggested that the number of victims could be in the hundreds of thousands. The Spanish Catholic bishops have since launched a compensation plan for victims, following government pressure to address the crisis.
-
Honey Singh on the rise: Indian rapper is back with a global tour and renewed life
In celebration of the 54th Eid Al Etihad, the Sharjah government has announced a five-day paid holiday for its employees. The holiday, which underscores the UAE’s commitment to honoring national unity and cultural heritage, will allow workers to fully participate in the festivities. Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Education has declared a holiday for both public and private schools, ensuring that students and educators alike can join in the commemorations. This move reflects the nation’s emphasis on fostering a sense of community and shared identity during this significant occasion. The holiday period is expected to boost local tourism and family gatherings, further enhancing the festive spirit across the Emirates.
-
National Day holiday: UAE announces 4-day Eid Al Etihad break for public sector
In celebration of the 54th Eid Al Etihad, the Sharjah government has announced a five-day paid holiday for its employees, marking a significant gesture of appreciation and recognition of the national occasion. The holiday period is set to provide government workers with an extended break to partake in festivities and spend quality time with their families. Simultaneously, the UAE Ministry of Education has declared a nationwide holiday for both public and private schools, ensuring that students and educators alike can join in the commemorative activities. This dual announcement underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a sense of unity and national pride among its citizens. The 54th Eid Al Etihad, which commemorates the unification of the Emirates, holds profound historical and cultural significance, and the extended holiday period is expected to enhance public participation in the celebrations. The decision reflects the government’s dedication to promoting work-life balance and acknowledging the importance of national milestones in shaping the country’s identity.
-
Single father’s egg-fried rice stall becomes campus hit in Jilin
A modest egg-fried rice stall near Jilin Normal University in Siping, Jilin province, has recently become a sensation among students. The stall, run by middle-aged single father Li Bin, has garnered attention for its delicious and affordable offerings. Li, who prepares the dish with the same care he would for his own daughter, emphasizes the importance of providing quality food to the students. His dedication and culinary skills have turned the stall into a beloved campus hotspot. The heartwarming story of Li’s commitment to his craft and his customers has resonated widely, showcasing the impact of small businesses in fostering community connections.