Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
As uncertainty grows in Trinidad and Tobago over new United States visa policies that involve monitoring student social media, the Chinese Embassy has renewed its call for T&T students to consider academic opportunities in China.
Responding to questions from Guardian Media about the new US stipulations, the Chinese Embassy said, “With regard to recent changes in the US visa policies affecting international students, the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly expressed China’s position. China holds the view that normal educational exchanges and academic cooperation should remain free from interference.”
It added, “We urge the US side to genuinely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of international students, including those from China.”
The embassy said it “always welcomes youth from across the world to study in China” and noted that government scholarships have been consistently provided for decades.
Each November, the Chinese Embassy in T&T releases the application details for the Chinese Government Scholarship programme, with eligibility criteria clearly outlined.
“Students are encouraged to visit the Study in China website ... for detailed information on scholarship opportunities, application processes, and introductions to Chinese universities,” the embassy stated.
It also noted that most programmes in Chinese universities are taught in English or other languages, with language support available for those needing it.
“Students who do not meet the language requirements can apply for a pre-sessional Chinese language course lasting 6–12 months,” the embassy said.
The Chinese Embassy encouraged T&T students to contact the Confucius Institute at the UWI, St Augustine, for local language learning support, noting academic cooperation between China and T&T is growing.
Shanghai Maritime University and the University of Jinan have both signed MOUs with the University of T&T in recent years, the embassy revealed.
Additionally, a T&T delegation recently attended a culinary workshop hosted by Taishan University, which also launched the China-Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Cultural Exchange Centre in 2024.
“We believe such collaborations will continue to expand and deepen, bringing tangible benefits to more students from Trinidad and Tobago,” the embassy said.
Meanwhile, academic advisors in T&T told Guardian Media that “many parents are in a panic” and have asked for alternative study destinations.
“While some are not in support of the new visa vetting measures, they have asked me to search for other opportunities that are available,” she explained.
She said while the US has not officially confirmed this as a reason for the internal review, advisors have begun cautioning students to be mindful of what they share online.
As a result, she explained that many advisors were actively steering students toward other countries with more transparent and stable visa processes.
The US Consulate in T&T said the current pause in student visa applications is temporary. However, it affects new applications for F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas. Existing appointments are still valid, according to the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs.
