Bellarmine University, and Louisville as a whole, stands as a vibrant hub for international students, attracting individuals from diverse corners of the globe. Hailing from countries like Canada, Ireland, Japan, and India, these students find compelling reasons to choose Louisville as their academic home.
One prominent factor at Bellarmine is the enticing opportunity to engage in college-level sports at Division I, a lure that captivates many international students. Sarah Stephens, the BU student care coordinator and a designated school 0fficial (DSO) directly involved with the admissions of international students, said, among the “…fifteen F1 visa students accepted last fall, an overwhelming 14 were student-athletes.”
The impact is palpable, with the majority of F1 visa students, particularly those in golf, soccer, and tennis, finding themselves on sports scholarships, Stephens said. Canadian Tudor Iordan is one of these students who said, “I’m here at Bellarmine on a soccer scholarship.”
The low faculty-to-student ratio at Bellarmine emerges as another pivotal factor contributing to the sense of involvement felt by international students. This intimate academic environment fosters a greater connection between faculty and students. Iordan said “I like the small campus and that there are no huge seminar classes, at least none that I have taken.”
Bellarmine has unique programs that draw ambitious individuals who seek to complete their degrees in a shorter time frame compared to traditional university settings. Stephens said, “I have three international students doing the accelerated nursing program this year and several more students who are drawn by the MBA program.”
Upon arriving in Louisville, international students find Bellarmine to be a fitting match in terms of community and inclusivity. The Office of Identity and Inclusion plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging for some of them. Additionally, the multicultural tapestry of Louisville itself contributes to the students' positive experiences, said India native Poojitha Mahasamudram. Mahasamudram said, “I found people very friendly, and found it very easy to make friends with other international students.”
However, it's not all smooth sailing for Bellarmine's international community. Amid the positives, there are voices expressing homesickness and the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, said Tudor and Poojitha. “The food here is a bit different than back home, with a lot more pulled pork and meat. It’s not bad food, though,” Tudor said.
Public transit infrastructure in Louisville adds another layer of difficulty, hindering students from fully exploring the city and embracing the complete college experience. Poojitha said while navigating Louisville, having a personal vehicle is practically necessary as almost nothing is within a reasonable walking distance. She said she “frequently had to take the local buses at times that were not posted by the TARC, and often felt unsafe doing so.”
Despite these challenges, the collective aspiration among international students at Bellarmine remains consistent—post-graduation, they aim to return to their home countries. Tudor said he hopes to play professional soccer in Canada and eventually Europe. Mahasamudram said, “I plan on going back to India if a good opportunity comes up and build my career there.”
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