In China, many teenagers and their families are attracted to the idea of studying abroad, despite the variety of obstacles ahead. New challenges have emerged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the admission rate has lowered, the visa approval rate has decreased, and international traveling, as well as in-person learning, has become impossible. The teenage student population and their families are subject to enormous stress while making decisions for their education amidst the uncertainty. Concurrently, the reported cases of depression and anxiety have been rising among Chinese teenagers. For this discussion panel, we have invited experts in educational consulting, mental health counseling, and clinical psychology to share their insights and professional advice. We hope to discuss the factors behind this at-risk group’s anxiety, explore ways to reducing their excessive worries, and advocate for societal and clinical attention to teenagers’ mental health issues.

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