The Global Learning Office was delighted to host a welcome session for 20 new international exchange students joining our campus this semester from some of Saint Mary’s 100+ partner universities around the globe.

While some are here to take courses as part of a study abroad program and others to conduct research, all are eager to explore new experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Hailing from Japan, Germany, Mexico, France, Colombia, Norway, Lithuania, Sweden, and the Netherlands, “their presence creates a microcosm of many cultures, which makes the university community richer,” says Miyuki Arai, Director of Global Learning Services. “Visiting students make friends and even help SMU students open their eyes to the possibility of going on exchange themselves – peer-to-peer connections can be a powerful motivator,” she adds.

Several of the students at the welcome session described how they have already established great connections with classmates, and also with faculty, who they described as being passionate about their disciplines and dedicated to making the learning experience engaging. “I hope that the professors, too, enjoy having visiting students contribute different viewpoints in their classes,” says Arai. 

Exchange students are joined by SMU's Global Learning Ambassadors at the Welcome Session on September 5, 2024