Gambian student shifts from US to Japan
A Gambian student, after nine years and thousands in fees, abandoned his US study dream due to repeated visa rejections.
Adama Jarju, a Gambian high school student, spent nine years and thousands of dollars on nonrefundable fees facing US visa rejections. He has now enrolled as a third-year computer science student at Temple University's Tokyo campus.
His dream of studying in the US began in high school, shared by many friends from less privileged families. Jarju was supported by a private US scholarship that funded his schooling in Gambia and his visa application fees after he gained admission to Temple University's Philadelphia campus.
The visa rejection process
Despite submitting recommendation letters from Gambia's US ambassador, visa officials rejected his application five times. Each rejection came with a cost of nearly $500. Officials were unconvinced of his intention to return to Gambia after graduation.
Jarju said the system demands evidence that many teenagers from similar backgrounds cannot provide. "If you're not fortunate enough to be born in a family that has a business, then it's difficult," he told The PIE News. "The only strong ties you can show is your family."
Choosing Japan as an alternative
In 2024, Jarju decided to give up on the US and enroll at Temple University's Tokyo campus instead. He said it was not his first choice but now believes "everything happens for a reason." He expressed surprise at not knowing about Japan's educational options sooner.
He contrasts his peaceful and secure experience in Japan with the current situation for friends studying in the US. "Even though there are a lot of opportunities [in the US], peace is so important," Jarju said.
Broader implications for US education
Jarju's experience predates tightened restrictions under former President Trump, but it highlights what increased visa barriers can mean. Experts predict a 10% drop in total international enrolments at American colleges this fall.
Stakeholders emphasize the damaging impact, expecting declining international students to cost the US $3.4 billion in economic losses and 39,000 jobs this year. Jarju commented on the wider consequences, stating, "Even Americans are struggling because of the consequences their system is producing."
He was disappointed but not surprised when Trump expanded a travel ban to nearly 40 nations, including partial restrictions on Gambia that bar the issuance of study visas.
Life and future plans in Japan
The Tokyo campus hosts students from the US, the UK, Asia, Africa, and South America. Jarju finds it easy to bond with Asian students through cultural similarities and differences. One initial culture shock was encountering LGBTQ+ individuals, which is rare in Gambia. He says he can now put aside biases and befriend them.
While not ruling out work experience in Japan after graduation, Jarju says he would never "abandon" his country. He hopes to use his computer science degree to expand affordable internet access in rural Gambian communities.
His advice to Gambian high school students is to "keep believing, keep hoping, and do not let one single person define your life." He warns against making his mistake: "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." Given US immigration processing delays and changes to work visa programs, his advice to try multiple destinations is being heeded by students worldwide.
Jarju hasn't entirely given up on the US. He might like to visit as a tourist, but for now, he is happy where he is. "I'm happy here for the fact that it is secure, it is peaceful, and the people are lovely," he said.
