Hong Kong students applying to U.S. universities are being warned to scrub their social media of any political posts, as visa processing gets tangled in bureaucratic uncertainty. Education consultants say they’re still in the dark about whether U.S. consulates will even schedule interviews—adding another layer of stress to an already complicated process.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about cleaning up your Twitter feed—it’s a sign of how geopolitical tensions are trickling down into everyday lives. For students caught in the middle, something as routine as a visa application now feels like navigating a minefield. And with conflicting signals from authorities, families are left guessing how to prepare. It’s a messy situation with real consequences for young people’s futures.

Aroma Wu, a recent graduate in China, thought a UK master's degree would give her an edge in the hyper-competitive tech job market back home. But after getting accepted, she started having second thoughts as Britain's stricter immigration policies and rising costs made the prospect feel riskier. Her story reflects a growing hesitation among Chinese students who see the UK—once a top study-abroad destination—as less welcoming and financially draining.

Editor’s Note: The UK's reputation as a go-to for international students is taking a hit, and it’s not just about politics—it’s about real people like Wu weighing big life decisions. If this trend holds, universities could lose a key source of revenue, and global talent flows might shift toward countries with friendlier policies. For students, it’s a reminder that geopolitics can upend personal plans overnight.