HT interview: Over 2,000 Indian college students name SLU residence, says Robert Reddy, interim VP, Saint Louis College

Listed below are the excerpts from that interview: 

How does SLU distinguish itself from different American universities, particularly for worldwide college students?

Reddy: SLU is a Catholic Jesuit college, however you don’t should be Catholic and even spiritual to check right here. What units us aside is our dedication to cura personalis — take care of the entire individual. Training at SLU is not only about teachers, but additionally about private, non secular, and emotional improvement. We concentrate on nurturing globally accountable people.

Inform us about SLU’s rising reference to India?

Reddy: About 5 years in the past, we made a centered effort to internationalise our campus. India was certainly one of our first main outreach markets. Right this moment, worldwide college students make up about 20% of our scholar physique, and a majority of them are from India. We now have over 2,000 Indian college students throughout our two campuses — St. Louis and Madrid.

What assist methods are in place to assist Indian college students adapt and thrive?

Reddy: We don’t presume what worldwide college students want — we ask them. For instance, Indian college students informed us that celebrating cultural occasions was vital to them. Now, our Holi celebrations have turn out to be main campus-wide occasions, rising from 500 to over 1,100 members, together with non-Indian college students. There’s additionally sturdy Indian group assist within the surrounding space — a brand new Indian grocery store simply opened close to campus, and we have even added Indian delicacies to our eating choices.

What educational applications are Indian college students selecting most at SLU?

Reddy: On the graduate degree, which sees extra Indian enrolment, the preferred applications are in STEM fields — laptop science, information analytics, cybersecurity, AI, and engineering. Public well being and undertaking administration are additionally in demand. Undergraduate pursuits are extra numerous, together with well being sciences and humanities.

What sort of outcomes are college students seeing post-graduation?

Reddy: Over 90% of eligible worldwide college students safe OPT positions after commencement. Diploma completion charges are additionally excessive, properly above 90%. We’re pleased with our employer satisfaction charges, that are additionally over 90%. These are sturdy indicators that our graduates are ready and performing properly.

What’s the price of learning at SLU, and are scholarships out there?

Reddy: Most grasp’s applications value round $42,000 complete, which may be accomplished in three to 4 semesters. Many college students want the accelerated 13-month observe to cut back dwelling bills. We provide merit-based scholarships starting from 10% to over 40% off tuition. Whereas the highest bracket is aggressive, many college students obtain support within the 15–25% vary.

Any new monetary initiatives within the pipeline?

Reddy: Sure, beginning this fall, we’re piloting a piece program for about 165 worldwide grasp’s college students. This system permits them to work 8–10 hours per week on campus to assist with dwelling bills. It isn’t meant to exchange scholarships however to ease some day-to-day prices.

What’s campus life like at SLU?

Reddy: SLU is positioned in St. Louis, Missouri, a mid-sized American metropolis that gives every part from cultural {and professional} alternatives to wonderful medical amenities. It’s large enough to supply sources, however sufficiently small to not really feel overwhelming. College students can simply discover Indian groceries, eating places, and group teams, making it simpler to regulate and really feel at residence.