French Business School Offers Safe Haven to Students Affected by US Visa Chaos

By Ezra June 5, 2025
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As international students face mounting visa hurdles in the United States, France has stepped forward with an alternative. Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), one of the country’s leading business schools, has announced it will fast-track applications for students whose US study plans have been disrupted.

The announcement comes after the US government, under former President Donald Trump, suspended visa interviews for international students, sparking dismay and uncertainty across the global education sector. The policy shift has especially affected Chinese students, as Washington threatens to revoke existing visas amidst geopolitical tensions.

In response, GEM is extending a lifeline to students already accepted into American business schools but left in limbo. “France is open, and GEM is ready to welcome you,” wrote Fouziya Bouzerda, managing director of GEM, in a LinkedIn post. “We support academic freedom and stand by all students and scholars facing uncertainty due to political decisions.”

GEM’s swift move aligns with the national #ChooseFrance initiative, spearheaded by President Emmanuel Macron to attract global talent. The campaign promotes France as a welcoming destination for students, researchers, and professionals amid tightening immigration in other countries.

Bouzerda emphasised that the school embodies French values of “Liberty, Equity, Fraternity” and is committed to ensuring international students continue their education without interruption. “Grenoble may be the swift, high-quality solution you’re looking for,” she stated.

The UK, which continues to attract a significant number of international students, may also feel ripple effects from the US policy shift. France’s proactive approach could position it as a top alternative in Europe for those reconsidering their options.

In a world where political agendas often disrupt mobility, France’s message is clear: education must remain accessible, and students should not be penalised by geopolitics.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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