As an international school, St. Mary’s is proud to have over 40 nations represented by students. Most of these students go on to study overseas, with a majority of them going to the states. However, this norm might not be so normal soon.
Just recently, the American administration shut down visa processing for 75 Countries indefinitely. The ban includes numerous countries that are represented by the student body, leaving a cloudy sense of uncertainty for students from these countries.
This is seen in the college pathways these students make, as according to college guidance counselor Mr. Polley, there’s been a “noticeable shift among SMIS students, with a growing number choosing to apply to universities beyond the United States.” He commented how all three counselors report that “students are casting a wider net internationally, reflecting both the increasing complexity of U.S. immigration pathways and the expanding global reputation of institutions in Canada, the U.K., Europe, and Asia.”
Although the U.S remains popular, many students have chosen to stay in Japan, with prestigious institutions like Keio, Waseda, and Sophia University being a top choice for many. This begs the questions, will the trend continue in future cohorts or will the U.S domination return?
