French Universities Step Up To Support International Students Affected By US Visa Uncertainty

As the latest suspension of U.S. visa interviews plunged thousands of international students, especially those already accepted by US universities for the coming year, into turmoil and uncertainty, French universities have come to provide a safety net.

Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), France's triple-accredited and internationally ranked business school, is among the first to openly offer support to students affected by the disaster. Fouziya Bouzerda, Director General of GEM, announced in a LinkedIn post that the school is ready to welcome displaced students with open arms.

“France is open, and Grenoble Ecole de Management is ready to welcome you,” Bouzerda wrote. “We believe in the power of diversity to enrich learning and fuel innovation. We support academic freedom and stand by all students and scholars facing uncertainty due to political decisions.”

As part of this initiative, GEM has launched a fast-track admission process for students who had secured places in U.S. business schools but are now left in limbo. It is also supported by the French government's #ChooseFrance campaign, which boasts the country as one of the best places to attract international talent and appeal to liberty, equality, and fraternity values.

Located in the French Alps, Grenoble offers a high-quality and affordable student life in a city of academic excellence and innovation center. “Grenoble may be the swift, high-quality solution you’re looking for,” Bouzerda added.

Growing wave of support

France is not alone in extending a helping hand. In recent weeks, universities in Japan, China, and Hong Kong have also announced measures to accommodate international students affected by the situation in the U.S. They range from flexible transfer policies to accelerated visa processes and merit-based scholarships.

The international education sector has also made its presence felt regarding the effects of the U.S. move, perceiving it as a setback for educational mobility across the world. In response to the same, the educational institutions across the world are stepping in and bridging the gap by offering continuity and familiarity.