Dear student,
My name is Carol Carmody, and I am the Executive Director of SAF. I am based in the United States, and I work closely with my colleagues in China to support students who pursue study abroad opportunities through SAF.
I’m writing you today to discuss the recent warnings issued by the Chinese Government regarding travel and study in the United States. I want to assure you that SAF is closely monitoring this situation, and will continue to do so. We understand that the warnings may have prompted questions or concerns regarding your study abroad experience. Please understand that we at SAF are dedicated to supporting you throughout this process and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact your SAF student counselor with any questions or concerns.
SAF has more than ten years of experience supporting Chinese students through the visa application process to study in the United States. Our offices in China have a highly trained and dedicated team of student counselors that regularly advise students on how to successfully navigate the visa application process. While we already offer regular visa training (different word perhaps – information) sessions for students, we will be offering additional sessions in the coming weeks to help students who may have additional questions about securing a visa to study abroad in the U.S. Given concerns about additional visa scrutiny of students studying in the U.S., SAF has been closely monitoring our student visa applications in recent months. We are pleased to report that our students have experienced exceptionally high approval rates.
At SAF, we maintain close working relationships with both our Chinese university partners and our university partners in the U.S. to facilitate the student visa application process, as well as support students while they are abroad. One of the benefits of studying abroad through our organization is our strong presence in the U.S. to support students who may experience challenges while they are abroad. Our staff in the U.S. and in China are available 24 hours a day to support students who may need help while they are abroad. You will receive detailed instructions on how to reach SAF in case of emergency prior to the start of your program.
International students are deeply valued members of the student body at U.S. colleges and universities. I am confident that when you arrive in the U.S., you will be eagerly welcomed as an important part of the campus community.
As part of an organization that helps almost 10,000 students study abroad each year, we remain deeply committed to international student mobility. It is our privilege to support you throughout this exceptional opportunity.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss these issues, please do not hesitate to contact SAF. You may contact your student counselor via WeChat or email SAF at info@SAFChina.org.
Best regards,
Carol
