Kolkata : Advent Education Global Advisors Private Limited recently organized a seminar titled ‘ What Opportunities Await Indian Students In America Under New Leadership?”, aimed at providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities Indian students face while pursuing higher education in the United States. The event explored the evolving political and educational landscape that impacts Indian students, offering a platform for meaningful discussions about their future prospects.
The seminar featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Samrat Ray Chaudhuri, Assistant Vice President of Webster University; Ujjwal K. Chowdhury, Vice President of Washington University; and Abhishake De Sarkar, author and career coach. The session was moderated by Saira Shah Halim, an educator, writer, and social activist, who guided the discussions on various aspects of U.S. education for Indian students, including academic and career opportunities.
Samrat Ray Chaudhuri, Assistant Vice President, Webster University said that, ‘While there are concerns about potential policy changes under the incoming Trump administration, especially regarding post-study work opportunities like OPT (Optional Practical Training), I remain cautiously optimistic that the U.S. will maintain its dominance in international education.
I’ve heard from students, parents, and recruitment agencies about increasing visa denials, which I believe is a market correction after years of steep growth. Unfortunately, some students have been misled by unscrupulous consultants, leading to complications. It’s essential that guidance counsellors and education agents educate students about staying legally compliant in the U.S., avoiding institutions that bend rules.’
On international students being promised Green Cards by Donald Trump, Mr Samrat added, ‘Regarding Green Cards, while it’s unrealistic to promise one for every international student, I hope that reforms will support the most meritorious students in qualifying for permanent residency.’
He also stated that, ‘During election seasons, a lot of rumours circulate, but most are baseless and cause unnecessary panic. Our focus was to clear these misconceptions and provide students and families with accurate guidance.
We also highlighted the significant strides India is making in educational development, such as student credit cards of up to ₹10 lakhs with minimal interest. These initiatives are making international education accessible to a wider demographic, empowering more students to pursue their dreams.’
Abhishake De Sarkar, author and career coach, addresses Concerns Over Leadership Changes in the USA and Impact on Indian Students’. When asked about the potential impact of leadership changes on the future of Indian students studying abroad, He remarked, ‘Every international university, regardless of its location, recognizes the unique value Indian students bring. They are like Wi-Fi hotspots, wherever they go, they create connections, contribute intelligence, and drive significant economic value. While certain leadership changes might influence economic conditions, the demand for Indian students remains steadfast due to their unparalleled potential and global appeal.’
De Sarkar’s insightful analogy highlights the resilience and indispensability of Indian students in shaping the global education landscape, reaffirming their critical role in the success of international universities.
Ujjwal K. Chowdhury, VP, Washington University stated that, ‘The program focused on how Donald Trump’s victory might influence admissions, scholarships for students, and H-1B visas for working professionals. Trump’s campaign had been critical of immigration policies, but as emphasized by Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk, and Trump himself, their focus was primarily on curbing illegal immigration. They repeatedly stated that their policies had nothing to do with legal immigration. However, Trump had famously declared that the U.S. would carry out one of the largest deportations of illegal immigrants if he came to power.
Despite this, the demand for H-1B visas and fully paid tuition by international students was expected to increase, as these contribute significantly to the economy. On the other hand, scholarships, particularly for research at government and private universities, were anticipated to decline. This was attributed to the ‘America First’ agenda, a key component of the ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) campaign, which prioritized Americans in terms of jobs, admissions, and scholarships.
Nevertheless, the dependency of U.S. universities on foreign students was expected to remain unchanged. Similarly, the reliance on foreign talent in industries like IT, emerging technologies, and critical healthcare sectors was projected to persist due to a lack of skilled domestic talent. While visa requirements might become more stringent, opportunities such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) remained a topic of discussion. OPT allows one year of work authorization for most subjects and three years for STEM fields. It was suggested that transitioning from a master’s degree to a job might become relatively easier, with the 20,000 additional H-1B visas allocated to specialized, high-demand areas possibly increasing.
The number of students moving from India to the U.S. was reported to be rising, particularly as Indian students increasingly opted for the U.S. over Canada following the India-Canada conflict. Although scholarships were decreasing, job opportunities in selected sectors seemed likely to grow.’
Saira Shah Halim, who moderated the event said, ‘This seminar provided a crucial platform to address the pressing concerns of Indian students aspiring to study in the U.S. during a time of significant change. It was enriching to see experts share practical advice and insights that could guide students toward making informed decisions about their future.’
In the final discussion, the panel addressed the challenges Indian students will face during the Trump era, particularly focusing on changes in U.S. visa policies. While students will not face significant difficulties in obtaining student visas, there has been a noticeable decrease in the amount of scholarship funding available to international students, including those from India. The panel emphasized that while visa applications remain manageable, students must be prepared for a reduction in financial support, which could impact their ability to cover tuition and living expenses. Additionally, the session discussed the broader implications of shifting political dynamics on the opportunities for Indian students to study, work, and eventually settle in the U.S. Panelists encouraged students to stay informed and adaptable, suggesting that strategic planning and exploring alternative funding options will be crucial for those pursuing higher education abroad in these changing times.
