Global Education Celebrates Graduation of International Students

After receiving an undergraduate degree in his native country of India, Mohan Reddy Palle arrived at The University of Scranton — sight unseen — with big dreams.

Palle first stepped on campus one week before classes started in the fall of 2024. Before setting foot in the classroom to pursue a master’s degree in accounting analytics, however, he needed to learn a few things: everything from guidance on documentation to tips about American culture and advice on winter clothing.

“We didn’t see snow back in India,” Palle said on a particularly freezing afternoon, reaching into his pocket for one of the most practical items he uses in Scranton. “Here’s my ChapStick.”

Palle is one of a handful of international students who will graduate this month, capping a journey of discovery and adaptation largely aided by the University’s Office of Global Education.

“A lot of times, they’re arriving the week before classes begin and trying to settle into their apartment, getting everything they need for their apartment, everything they need for their classes and they need to be able to start classes right away,” said Crystal Cool, manager of international student and scholar services. “It’s a lot. They’re hitting the ground running in a completely different culture and climate.”

The Office of Global Education held a farewell gathering earlier this month at its offices in O’Hara Hall. Palle attended with some friends also from India. The University serves 200-plus international students from about 20 countries.

In addition to helping international students settle into their new surroundings, the Office of Global Education organizes trips throughout the academic year and keeps in contact with students through the summer months to ensure they’re on track for a successful transition.

“We’ve gotten to see a lot of cultures, a lot of people, met a lot of friends from other countries,” said Pardhu Meka, a business analytics graduate student. “Meeting all the people and learning about their interests and cultures — it’s given me more knowledge to understand people, how they think, their vision. I got the best chance here to explore the U.S, the people and their cultures.”

The cultural exchange Meka and his classmates experienced goes beyond campus.

Sai Prabhu Siddabathini, a health administration graduate student, pointed out that he’s traveled to New York City, Philadelphia and Atlantic City and will travel this month to Miami.

For all the fun he’s had off campus, though, Siddabathini, who previously held a government job in India, said the highlight of his time in Scranton has been working in a pharmacy residency program at the University’s Edward R. Leahy Jr. Clinic for the Uninsured.

“I feel proud about that because we are serving those who are really in need and they’re getting the perfect care in the pharmacy center,” Siddabathini said.

Palle, Meka, Siddabathini and their classmates interviewed all hope to take advantage of Post - Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment authorization allowing students on an F-1 student visa to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study, with Scranton serving as a stepping stone to their budding careers.