As an international educator with 25 years of experience in the field, I am grateful for the interest The University News showed in the needs of the international students at Saint Louis University in your last issue. And while I agree that these students require different types of help and support from their U.S. colleagues, it is inaccurate to say that SLU was unprepared for the increase in international students. In fact, more was done this year to make our international students feel welcome than in any year in the recent past.
In anticipation of enrolling more than 300 new international students, the University made many preparations for these students prior to their arrival on campus. From airport pick-ups, to comprehensive orientation, to shopping excursions, the Office of International Services did everything possible to make our new international students feel very welcome at SLU. We received invaluable help from various student organizations, including CCCC, CSSA and ISF. Many offices and organizations on campus also worked tirelessly with us, most notably the International Faculty and Staff Association and Housing & Residence Life. Next week, Father Lawrence Biondi, S.J., will host a reception for all of our new international students.
Our international students tell us they feel welcome and enjoy their academic and social experiences at SLU. The fact that the University has seen such dramatic growth in the number of international students clearly indicates that our efforts to welcome these students are succeeding.
While international students-including U.S. students engaged in one of our many Study Abroad programs-always will face special challenges upon entering a new country, I believe SLU does a very good job helping them meet these challenges. However, we know there is always more that can be done. For that reason, the Provost’s Task Force on International Support has met throughout the summer and has prepared a comprehensive plan to strengthen the services we offer our new and returning international students. The plan will soon be presented to the Provost and ultimately the President for approval, as we prepare now to meet the future needs of our international students.
We commend everyone at SLU for their efforts to welcome our international students into our University family, and we will continue to do everything possible to ensure that these students have the best possible experience at SLU.
Sincerely,
Bert Barry, Ph.D.
Director of International Services
