Chinese students preparing to study in the United States are increasingly enrolling in specialized safety training camps designed to simulate potential dangers they may face abroad. These programs, offered at private summer camps in China, provide exercises ranging from simulated kidnappings and robberies to scenarios involving immigration enforcement raids. The rise of such courses reflects growing concerns among families about security and immigration policies in the U.S.

One participant, Lulu Lu from Beijing, experienced a mock kidnapping drill involving an intruder breaking into her room, tying her up, and forcing her to record a ransom message to her parents. After the exercise, instructors reviewed her reactions and provided safety advice, emphasizing staying calm and assessing the kidnappers' intentions. Lu, who plans to start college in Washington state in September, said the training made her feel more alert, though she hopes never to need the skills.

These camps also prepare students for other challenges, including hate crimes, scams, bullying, and sudden Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. A promotional post for a Beijing camp claimed its curriculum was based on risk assessments from more than 100 U.S. campuses. The inclusion of ICE raids follows recent U.S. policy changes under the Trump administration, which limited student and cultural exchange visas to a maximum of four years—a move criticized by China as discriminatory.

Despite limited evidence that crimes like kidnappings have increased in the U.S., the perception of risk remains high among some Chinese families. While a decline in Chinese student enrollment in the U.S. has been noted—falling to just under 266,000 in 2025 after several years of decrease—many families continue to prioritize American universities for their academic quality and opportunities for greater educational freedom. However, some students and parents report tempered expectations and are reassessing long-term plans, including considering alternatives such as Hong Kong or the United Kingdom.

Experts suggest that the shifting policy landscape and strained Sino-U.S. relations are influencing these trends. Yingyi Ma, a professor at Syracuse University, notes increased uncertainty among families regarding visa stability and post-graduation options, contributing to a willingness by some students to return to China. At the same time, despite concerns about immigration enforcement, visa restrictions, and occasional incidents of violence, many students remain focused on educational goals. For example, Steve Liu, a finance master’s student, expressed confidence in handling potential risks and highlighted the academic advantages that keep the U.S. an attractive destination, particularly in fields like his own.

Chinese education and media have historically emphasized the risks associated with American cities compared to China’s more regulated environment. Recent headlines about deportations and arrests of Chinese academics and students have intensified parental anxieties. In response, official Chinese programs for outbound students have included warnings about potential hostility and immigration enforcement in the U.S.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has become a more popular alternative for some, with Chinese student numbers there staying relatively stable as parental concerns about safety and immigration conditions in the U.S. persist.

In summary, Chinese students aiming to study in the United States are increasingly preparing for perceived risks through specialized training, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and changing immigration policies, even as academic aspirations continue to drive cross-border education.