Global Reach

06/27/2023

A multi-disciplinary initiative results in a dramatic increase in graduate student enrollment and expands SLU’s global identity.

At a time when enrollment of international graduate students continues to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, Saint Louis University is experiencing a surge.

Three years ago, approximately 400 international students were pursuing graduate degrees at SLU in the United States. Today, more than 1,400 international graduate students from more than 20 countries are at SLU. They comprise 11% of SLU’s total enrollment.

The upward trend is the result of the Global Graduate Initiative, a University-wide strategy launched in 2020 to attract international students to graduate programs in business, technology, engineering and health. Through the five-year initiative, the University is partnering with universities, academic advisors and career counselors in countries previously untapped by SLU or where SLU had a low profile.

“We are motivated to elevate SLU’s status as a truly global university and to broaden SLU’s impact on the world,” said Dr. Eric Armbrecht, associate provost and one of the architects of the Global Graduate Initiative. “SLU is achieving this by putting talented alumni all over the planet.”

The University is investing $10 million in scholarships and work experiences to support Global Graduate scholars and is creating 30 new faculty and staff positions to teach, mentor and support their career development. SLU’s Career Services Center is forging new partnerships to create opportunities for international students who can work under a federal visa program.

“Not only are we welcoming students from around the world to St. Louis — we’re opening global learning to all our students,” said Kathleen Davis, vice president of Enrollment Management. “Creating a diverse, inclusive community is important to our mission. And our Global Grad growth will have a significant impact on the metropolitan community.”

“We are co-investing with our students,” Armbrecht said. “It’s remarkable what these students are doing and how SLU is responding with support.” 

Soft Landing

The Global Graduate Initiative is supported by the Divisions of Enrollment Management and Student Development, as well as the Office of the Provost. The Office of International Services plays a key role in supporting international students (graduate and undergraduate) from more than 80 countries. The Global Grad initiative has amplified their efforts.

Rebecca Bahan, director of international services, said the staff is managing an increase in F-1 student visa requests, assisting students with transition advice and serving as a resource for the SLU community’s understanding of immigration compliance.

A key component of the University’s mission of educating the whole person is helping international students integrate into SLU’s campus community. The Office of International Services has hired more international student ambassadors to serve as peer mentors and advisors. The ambassadors help introduce Global Graduate scholars to SLU student organizations as well as assimilate to life in St. Louis. Additionally, annual events like Holi, the Hindu festival of colors and the arrival of spring and the blossoming of love, have attracted more students than ever before. Seven-hundred students participated in Holi this March because of the growing international student enrollment. Other programs like food-tasting and invitations to SLU athletic events create opportunities for cultural exchange.

“Activities allow the flow of ideas and cultures to go both ways,” Bahan said. “Our international students get a taste of home and get to present their culture to the campus community. In turn, the students get a chance to immerse themselves into American experiences which helps to broaden their understanding of the world; a key aspect of global learning is to experience culture other than your own.”

A Second Home

According to the Council of Graduate Schools, India has surged ahead of China to become the leading source of new international graduate students in the United States. The scholars SLU is attracting with the Global Graduate Initiative mirror this trend. Of the more than 1,400 Global Graduate scholars, 85% are from India. Here, meet a few who are earning their degrees and helping others feel at home at SLU.

Alekhya Arcot Dhanraj

Student Ambassador Coordinator, Office of International Services

• Hometown: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• Age: 26
• Pursuing: Master of Science in Information Systems
• Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
• Heard About SLU: I randomly saw pictures of the University on Instagram and found the architecture beautiful. I then researched the University, and I loved every bit of it. Most of the professors have their Ph.D., which made me believe I would be in strong hands. The city of St. Louis seemed like such a beautiful place to live, and I liked the University’s emphasis on keeping international students connected to home. I didn’t wait a second more before enrolling.
• Making the Connection: The Office of International Services is extremely supportive when it comes to celebrating our traditions. The Holi and Diwali events they hosted, for example, allowed every student to experience the festival the way we feel it back home — the food, the planning, the decorations, the music, the prayers. And it’s not just students from India. Students from all different countries are made to feel at home here.
• The Future: I came to SLU to improve myself in every way possible. SLU is giving me the exposure and experiences to grow independently and equip myself with knowledge, not just academically but as a person. I hope to get an internship after I graduate so I’m even better prepared to enter the market.

Dheeraj Chava

Student Ambassador Coordinator, Office of International Services

• Hometown: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• Age: 22
• Pursuing: Master of Science in Information Systems
• Anticipated Graduation Year: 2024
• Heard About SLU: I was working on my undergraduate research paper about (COVID-19) pandemic stabilizers when I saw an article by a SLU researcher. I had a lot of universities in mind for graduate school, but I hadn’t heard of SLU, so I decided to visit the University’s website. I was excited about joining a research university to improve my own work. I liked SLU’s curriculum as well. I would not be limited only to my information systems studies. I could take a course in cybersecurity or anything else that interested me, and that appealed to me very much. The architecture fascinated me, too. I love history, big buildings, big campuses. The culture seemed quite positive.
• Making the Connection: Initially, it was difficult for me. I am an only child and was so far from home. Things at SLU were so different. I had no idea what was going on. I had questions but didn’t know how to ask. Then I realized I came here for a purpose. I wanted international exposure, and I started reaching out. I never knew I could be this strong and independent. I learned things get better, if not today, then tomorrow. When the Office of International Services hosted events, like the Diwali and Holi festivals, I found I could talk to people from home. We could share our journeys. SLU literally started feeling like my second home. I now have friends from India, Africa, Iran, here in the United States — such a diverse group of friends.
• The Future: I am open to all opportunities. I might pursue another degree, possibly here at SLU, and then get work exposure with a multinational company. I hope to return to India and establish my own company or find a job that blends my technical and  management skills.

Neeten Chawla

Teaching Assistant, Business Analytics
Student Ambassador Coordinator, Office of International Services

• Hometown: Pune, Maharashtra, India
• Age: 23
• Pursuing: Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
• Graduation Year: 2023
• Heard About SLU: I studied accounting for three years and decided it wasn’t my cup of tea, so I met with a consultant about going in a different direction. I chose supply chain management, but no universities in India offer a master’s in this field; therefore, I needed to study abroad. I was very late in applying to grad schools, but SLU was still an option. It was the only grad school I applied to, and it worked out in my favor. The cost also was very reasonable, and I found a job on campus that helps me with my expenses. I didn’t have to rely on my parents as much. SLU has been generous in that regard.
• Making the Connection: SLU is very inclusive. Yes, it is difficult initially for students from India, or any other country for that matter, to adjust to new rules, new ways of doing things. Finding foods that you like can be hard. It just takes time. And the Office of International Services does a great job of hosting events to make you feel at home. SLU makes you feel welcome.
• The Future: I currently have a job at SSM Health as a supply chain technician. I am hoping to stay there after graduation, build my career experiences and then return home. I think studying at SLU has given me a big boost toward my goals.

For more information, visit the Global Grad Initiative.

If you are interested in providing work experience for Global Graduate scholars, contact SLU Career Services at career_services@slu.edu.

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