Angelina Jolie was fighting back tears on Wednesday.
The star told college students she was 'trying not to cry' as she dropped her eldest son Maddox, 18, off at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.
The 44-year-old Oscar-winning actress appeared emotional but proud as she wore her hair down while modelling a black lace camisole before agreeing to be photographed with several students.
Another fan, who spoke with Jolie, said Maddox is studying bio engineering and will be living in the dorms.
When asked how long she would be staying in Seoul, Angelina gripped her sunglasses and said: “I leave today, today is the day that I drop him off.”
The news was met with groans.
The Salt actress then touched her chest as she looked as if she was about to burst into tears.
“I know, I'm trying not to cry,” she said as she put both her hands up.
“Yes it's time, thank you very much, it seems like a great school,” Angelina told the crowd. “I'm sure you're all going to like it here,” she added.
Maddox was in a beige sweater, black slacks and black-and-white Vans as he looked up proudly to his mother.
Jolie then asked for one group photo and said they could all share it with each other. When the photo was taken, Maddox ducked out of frame.
There were other fans recording the incident as well.
Richard Choi – who is from Minnesota –shared a photo with Jolie and said: “Thank you miss Jolie for having a 40 seconds conversation with me!”
He also posted a very detailed video on YouTube.
Choi said that he had a conversation with Jolie where she revealed that Maddox is studying bio engineering and she also confirmed that he will be living in a dorm room and not off campus.
Choi added that Jolie was kind and Maddox was quiet.
Not seen were his siblings Pax, 15, Zahara, 14, Shiloh, 13, and 11-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne who may have been with dad Brad Pitt back in LA.
His school of choice was announced in April.
“I’m nothing but proud,” the Good Shepherd actress told People at the time. “I look forward to all he will do.”