The report discusses the uncertainty surrounding whether Chinese students will accept admission offers to U.S. colleges and universities for the fall 2021 semester. The report notes that online opinion polls present a range of possible scenarios, and third-party recruiters are warning that only through use of trusted local agents can U.S. campuses attract hesitant Chinese students back. However, the report also highlights several positive developments that bode well for resumed flows of international students to the U.S., including from China and Hong Kong. The College Board's internal survey finds continued high levels of interest among Chinese students, with the U.S. still the leading educational destination of choice. Additionally, U.S. host campuses are emphasizing that their academic doors remain open, and consular services have resumed the issuance of student visas as soon as public health concerns allowed. The report concludes that while there are concerns about whether the U.S. truly welcomes students from China, the academic relationships between U.S. students and American higher education institutions are likely to sustain.
