New Global Billikens Visit World-Renowned Gateway Arch

As they embark on a bold new adventure in the United States, 500 new international students at Saint Louis University recently got the opportunity to take a special tour of the world-renowned Gateway Arch, an iconic symbol of America’s pioneering spirit.

A large group of new international students at SLU raise their hands while posing for a photo in front of the map of the Louisana Purchase on the floor of the Museum at the Gateway Arch.

New international students at SLU pose for a photo in front of the map of the Louisiana Purchase in the Museum at the Gateway Arch. Photo by Prisca Enedah.

A female student with long black hair in a ponytail and wearing a checked jacket leans forward to take a photo through one of the small windows at the summit of the Arch.

A student takes a photo through one of the small windows at the summit of the Arch. Photo by Prisca Enedah.

The Aug. 26 event at the national monument marked the beginning of a transformative chapter for these new SLU students, who are part of what is expected to be one of the largest international classes ever to join the University when fall census numbers are finalized.

“Reaching the summit of the Arch was an inspiring moment for our global Billikens, who are pioneers in their own right,” said Luchen Li, Ph.D., SLU’s associate vice president for global engagement and international enrollment.

This year is the first time SLU has organized an official trip to the Gateway Arch National Park for new international students. Li said the excursion allowed the diverse group to come together and bond over shared experiences, and the Arch tour will become a signature program in the years to come.

Siva Ganesh Karthik Guptha Motamarri is from Andhra Pradesh, India, and is pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. The trip to the Arch with other new global Billikens left him wanting to explore even more of what St. Louis has to offer.

“This is my first time in the United States, and I’m very excited to be here,” he said. “I’m the type of person who wants to see all the places that are cool, and I like hanging with new people.”

Edvanio Fernandes hails from Timor-Leste in southeast Asia and is pursuing a master’s of public health with a concentration in maternal and child health. The Arch tour reminded him of another key advantage of studying so far from home.

“We not only come to accrue knowledge in our field study; we have opportunities to learn other things, like the history of the city, the state and the country,” he said. “Visiting the Arch was a wonderful experience for me.”

The landmark tour was preceded by New International Student Orientation, organized by SLU’s Office of International Services and supported by International Student Ambassadors and dozens of student, faculty and staff volunteers. During orientation sessions, new students had the opportunity to meet with numerous departments that will support them during their pioneering journeys at SLU.

“Saint Louis University is emerging as a truly global university,” Li said. “Our faculty, staff, students, alumni and international partners are working together to create a global learning environment and experience for everyone at SLU.”

Many of this fall’s new international students are participating in SLU’s innovative Global Graduate initiative launched in 2020 to attract international students to graduate programs in business, technology, engineering and human health. Learn more at slu.edu/globalgrad.

A view of the Gateway Arch and the City of St. Louis skyline with a partially cloudy sky.

A view of the Gateway Arch and the City of St. Louis skyline. Photo by Sarah Conroy.