FROM THE SENIOR DIRECTOR
At Babson College, we believe that entrepreneurial leadership must be grounded in global competence The Glavin Office of International Education continues to champion this vision by expanding access to transformative international experiences and fostering inclusive global learning across our campus
The 2024–2025 academic year was marked by record-breaking participation, innovative programming, and deepened global engagement. We supported 1,358 international students from 94 countries Education Abroad reached new heights, with 610 undergraduate students and 113 graduate students studying abroad.
During the Spring semester, changes to U.S. immigration regulations introduced a period of uncertainty for international students In response, Babson College and the Glavin Office maintained consistent communication and reinforced the College’s ongoing commitment to being a welcoming and supportive environment for its international community
Babson was honored as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution, and through the IIE American Passport Project, 22 first-generation, Pell-eligible students received their first U S passports opening doors to future international opportunities
The TARCO Global Learning Fund, made possible by the generosity of Babson alumni, continued to remove barriers to study abroad It supported students across Education Abroad, Short-Term Programs, and GGF initiatives, ensuring that financial need does not limit global opportunity.
Finally, faculty and staff played a pivotal role in our success, leading programs, mentoring students, and participating in internationalization efforts. Their dedication ensures that global learning is embedded throughout the Babson experience.
This report is a celebration of our collective achievements and a reflection of Babson’s unwavering commitment to preparing entrepreneurial leaders for a global future –especially in the time of change and uncertainty Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners for making this year one of impact, innovation, and inspiration With gratitude,
Lorien Romito Senior Director Glavin Office of International Education
Vision & Mission
Mission Statement Vision Statement
We want to be the catalyst for the development of entrepreneurial leaders with a global mindset. We envision Babson graduates as responsible and respectful citizens of the world whose mindfulness of the complexities of identity and culture enable them to successfully create value everywhere.
We empower students to think and act intentionally in intercultural contexts, to explore their identities, and to develop the skills necessary to navigate the environment in which they live, learn, and work.
(Photo: Nic Czarnecki/Babson College)
Glavin Office Staff
Dean, Babson Academy Dean, Global Education
Amir Reza, Ph.D.
John Crisafulli Director, Education Abroad
Kaela Conroy Assistant Director, Education Abroad
Gloriana Chambers Advisor, Education Abroad
Bingqing Zhou Advisor, Education Abroad
Lorien Romito Senior Director, International Education
Li Tan Administrative Assistant, Glavin Office
Elizabeth Saumsiegle Director, ISSS
Nicole Nicosia Associate Director, ISSS
Ikuko Konda Senior Advisor, ISSS
Jill Bedarian Advisor, ISSS
Associate Director, Glavin Office & Director, Short-Term Programs
Elise Beaudin
Amanda Jew Program Manager, Short-Term Programs
Elena Taborda Program Manager, Short-Term Programs
International Student and Scholar Services
The International Student & Scholars Services (ISSS) team advises over 1700 incoming students, current undergraduate and graduate students, recent alumni on Optional Practical Training (OPT & STEM OPT) and visiting scholars. Babson's diversity is celebrated through campus events, global learning in the classroom, and the flags flying in Centennial Park During Fall 2024, 94 countries were represented in Babson's international student population
Fall 2024 At-a-Glance
Regional Diversity - Fall 2024
International Student and Scholar Services
Post-Completion OPT & STEM OPT Five Year Summary
This data represents a snapshot in time of students on OPT or STEM OPT during the fall semester.
of May 2025 graduating international students (214) applied for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
2024-25 ISSS Program Highlights
INTERNATIONAL TEA
These sessions are designed to educate students about work visa options after Babson and connect them with immigration attorneys. Three sessions were held on the Wellesley campus, one was virtual and one was held at the Miami campus.
ISSS hosted a several events designed to bring together all students at Babson while enjoying international tea and snacks from various corners of the world Some of the events included additional activities or collaborations with other departments, student groups on campus and guest speakers.
GLOBAL SCHOLARS
Babson welcomed 10 new undergraduate students as Babson Global Scholars, members of a need-based scholarship program launched in 2014. The class of 2028 represents nine countries, five continents, and multiple cultural backgrounds. 2024 marked the 10 anniversary of the program bringing together scholars from past years at the ‘Back to Babson’ reunion. th
Pictured: New Global Scholars in Boston
Pictured: Global Scholar Alumni
Inbound Exchange Students AY 24-25
The Glavin Office supported a total of 55 Incoming Exchange Students during the Academic Year 24-25 Amongst this group, 10 represented Graduate Students, and 45 were Undergraduates. The 24-25 Exchange Student cohort was diverse, representing 16 nationalities and 17 home universities
Survey Says... 55
Total Exchange Students
16 Countries Represented
17 Partner Universities
Agreed they will encourage family/friends to participate in exchange opportunities in the United States and their exchange experience enriched their ability to establish friendships
Agreed that because of their exchange experience they are more willing to take risks and think creatively.
Agreed that their exchange experiences informed and enriched their perspective on cultural differences.
This year, the Glavin Office hosted various events intending to foster friendships amongst the exchange student group and engage them with various offices in the college. Some of the most popular events during the 24-25 Academic Year were: Welcome to Babson Orientation & Lunches, Workshops at the Weissman Foundry, & both Fall and Spring Exchange Farewell Parties.
What were the most positive aspects of your exchange experience at Babson?
“Education was really stimulating and enriching for me”
--Anonymous (Fall 2024)
“The classes are great and the entrepreneurial mindset was very inspiring ”
--Anonymous (Spring 2025)
Pictured: Exchange Students Farewell Luncheon
53% of Class of 2025 studied abroad for credit
24% of the Class of 2025 participated in semester/summer/AY abroad
#1 in Special Focus Institutions for total study abroad students 2022-2023. - Open Doors (IIE)
$127,500
75 students earned external scholarships
1 Gilman Scholarship recipient ($3,000), 1 IIE Freeman Asia Scholarship ($5,000), 1 DIS Partner Scholarship ($4,000)
The Education Abroad team supports all students who enroll in academic year, semester, and summer abroad programs with a portfolio of over 100 programs in over 30 countries worldwide Education abroad has become increasingly accessible for students at Babson regardless of their concentration, financial need, or demographic background. The team uses a holistic advising model in collaboration with campus partners to support a diverse population of students throughout their education abroad plans, including curriculum integration and credit transfer, financial support, and identity exploration
Participation in education abroad at Babson has increased steadily over the past decade with 2024-25 academic year seeing our highest enrollment to date and a significant recovery from the record lows during the height of the pandemic.
Education Abroad
Undergraduate Summer, Semester & Academic
Student Reflections
I've always dreamed of living in different countries and traveling the world, and studying abroad allowed me to balance both goals I temporarily moved to Barcelona and immediately fell in love with the city the weather, the culture, the food, and even the language is all beautiful. I also joined a vibrant exchange student community, and attending ESADE, a highly diverse school, te into the local culture.
Throug friends from all over the world; we shared our experie s, spent time together, and built strong personal and profess erience has gone far beyond my expectations — it has truly ch oadened my perspective, and reshaped my future plans toward in an international environment.
I chose to study abroad because I had never experienced European culture and wanted to experience a different way of life and see new parts of the world Living in Florence has taught me the value of a slower paced way of life and appreciation for cuisine and art. I wanted to immerse myself in a culture different than the fast-paced daily life I am used to from growing up in and going to college in the Northeast Living amongst Italians who value quality of life and relationships with others over the fast-paced working culture in the U S has changed the way I think about business
I understand how culture and sustainability are so important in corporations here Studying abroad in Florence has shaped me into a more independent and confident version of myself as I have made new friends from other colleges and successfully navigated public transportation in new countries with language barriers. I will return to the U.S. with a new outlook on the world and myself.
– Astrid Yuan, '26 ESADE Business School (Spring 2025)
– Avery Butt, '26 CEA CAPA Study in Florence (Fall 2024)
Education Abroad
The Education Abroad team supports MBA students in studying for a semester abroad at our prestigious exchange partners around the world Graduate semester abroad has seen a significant increase in the past three years with students eagerly seeking out opportunities to expand their networks and gain valuable international experience in business.
ESADE Business School (Spain)
HEC School of Management (France)
IE University (Spain)
SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy)
Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (China)
University of St. Gallen (Switzerland)
Student Reflections
The semester abroad transformed me personally and professionally, fostering a global mindset, critical thinking, and adaptability. It was a reminder of the value in stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new perspectives. At IE, I learned that leadership requires empathy, adaptability, and learning from others This experience reaffirmed my commitment to building businesses that bridge cultures and geographies. Madrid wasn’t just a place to study; it was a life-changing experience of growth, exploration, and new perspectives
Thanks to Babson College for this opportunity one semester was truly the experience of a lifetime.
– Kaushik Kothari, MBA '25 IE University (Fall 2024)
My exchange at SDA Bocconi in Milan was truly one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Academically, I gained valuable insights into European business and entrepreneurship, which broadened my global perspective Personally, navigating life in a country where I didn’t speak the language challenged me in the best ways, I even began learning Italian! I formed lasting friendships with people from all over the world and immersed myself in new cultures while traveling across Europe This journey pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow into a more confident, openminded, and adaptable individual.
– Sushanth Reddy, MBA '25 SDA Bocconi School of Management (Fall 2024)
Education Abroad
11% increase
The Short-Term Programs team offers a variety of faculty-led Elective Abroad and International Consulting Experiences with 104 graduate and 256 undergraduate students The team works closely with Babson’s faculty members to connect course work with a chance to travel and learn outside the classroom.
Short-Term Programs at Babson College have seen an increase in applicant interest compared to previous years With a total of 19 courses inclusive of both undergraduate and graduate students, the total number of participants has increased by 11% compared to the previous academic year. This is the highest number of students traveled during an academic year.
Sweden
EnrollmentOver10Years
360 Participants UG: 256 Grad: 104
19
17 Courses Countries/ Places
2024-2025 Courses:
LAW 3504: Good Company, Good Game: Law, Ethics & Leadership in Sports Business
OIM3501 Global Health Innovation Lab
LIT4601 Reading the City, Writing the Self: James Joyce's Dublin
EPS4520 Innovation Odyssey: The Silicon Valley Insider Tour
FIN 3504 Global Context of Business: South Africa
MFE3508/7500 International Consulting Experience
MSM6110-01 Global Entrepreneurship Experience – Chile
MSM6110-02 Global Entrepreneurship Experience – South Africa
MSM6110-03 Global Entrepreneurship Experience – Germany
MSM6110-04 Global Entrepreneurship Experience – Sweden
EPS3542 Innovation Ecosystems of Spain
ECN3601 Political Economy of Sustainable Development: Case of Germany
HIS4610 Virtuous Capitalism in Malaysia and Thailand
HUM4614 - Postmodernism: Future Culture
EPS3509 Entrepreneurship New Ventures in Global Fashion
EPS3524 Made in Japan: Culture and Opportunities
EPS3544 Entrepreneurship in Context: South Korea
STR3555 Paris Start-Up Strategy
OIM7508 Technology, Design, and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Systems
Education Abroad
Student Reflections
“My trip to South Korea was an eye-opening experience that blended cultural immersion with entrepreneurial insight From exploring innovative coworking spaces to discovering hidden social challenges, I left feeling inspired, more observant, and equipped with fresh ideas for future ventures. It was the perfect mix of learning, growth, and unforgettable memories with my classmates!”
-Bhaarti Passi, ‘26 Entrepreneurship in Context: South Korea, South Korea (Summer 2025)
“The International Consulting Experience class is an opportunity no student should miss Collaborating with companies abroad broadens your perspective, exposing you to key aspects such as regulations, taxation, culture, and diverse working styles. This hands-on experience accelerates learning in ways that traditional coursework cannot, which makes it an invaluable part of any global business education “
-Katheryne Lara Posas, MBA ‘25 International Consulting Experience – Portugal (Winter 2025)
“The trip to Atlanta changed my perspective on my long-term career paths I originally was pursuing finance, but hearing from all the speakers gave me the confidence to pursue something that I'm genuinely passionate about ”
-Emily Truszkowski, '26 Good Company, Good Game: Law, Ethics & Leadership in Sports Business, United States (Fall 2024)
“I thoroughly enjoyed the entire program. Through GEE, I gained a deeper understanding of Sweden, including its culture and economic system I also formed closer connections with my classmates, which is one of the most valuable experiences I took away from the program ”
-Celina Luo, MSEL '26 Global Entrepreneurship Experience – Sweden, Sweden (Winter 2025)
Faculty & Staff Engagement
Faculty Mentors for Global Scholars
The faculty mentor of the Global Scholars Program provides guidance to a cohort of students who hail from around the world The mentor consistently meets one-on-one with each student in their cohort meetings and hosts a variety of events for the students with the intention to learn about one another’s experiences, develop lifelong relationships and to expand their personal and professional interests Each mentor stays with their cohort for the duration of the duration of their cohort’s studies, which is typically four years During that time the faculty develops a strong connection to each student.
Mentor for Class of 2028:
Julie Levinson, Professor of Film, Arts and Humanities
Mentor for Class of 2027:
Ahmed Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Finance, Finance
Short Term Programs Support
Every year, Babson faculty from various departments are excited to offer a wide range of courses to our undergraduate and graduate students. This year, 20 faculty members ran short-term programs throughout the academic year Their passion for their subject matters becomes a huge factor for increased interest in our Short-term Programs
Short-term Programs also provide an opportunity for other community members to travel along on these courses. This opportunity gives administrators a way to see students in a different context and offers an added layer of support This year, 16 administrators traveled alongside the courses with faculty and students
Sponsored in part by the Glavin Office, and coordinated through a cross-campus committee, the Internationalization Initiative aims to foster intercultural understanding among the diverse members of faculty and staff, enhance cultural awareness, and strengthen Babson's commitment to global engagement and inclusivity.
The Internationalization Initiative held a series of impactful events this year: a social lunch during International Education Week; a ‘global representation’ activity at the Benefits Fair; and a Care Circle
global learning and intercultural development.
ACEA- Advisory Committee on Education Abroad
GGF- Glavin Global Fellows
LAD- Leadership Across Difference
Annual Events
Global Leadership Award Recipients
Graduate: Arshdeep Singh Ghuman
Originally from Punjab, India, Arshdeep Singh Ghuman brought a strong foundation in engineering, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Before Babson, he earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Panjab University, worked at Accenture, and launched his own consulting firm
At Babson, Arshdeep quickly became a community leader serving as Vice President of Club Management on the Graduate Student Council and coordinating the Global Entrepreneurship Forum. He also mentored high school students worldwide through the Babson Youth Impact Lab and earned badges in Leadership Lab and Leadership Across Difference
In his words, global leadership means “recognizing that every person brings a unique perspective… and ensuring those differences are valued rather than overlooked.”
Each year this award is given to an undergraduate and graduate student who has fostered a climate of understanding and respect between student groups on campus as a true example of a Global Student Leader
Undergraduate: Peace Ishimwe
Peace Ishimwe is a remarkable young person, strong, resilient, self-reliant and ambitious. Peace exemplifies the qualities of a global student leader and has worked tirelessly to mentor other global scholars and first gen students in their college and career journeys She is passionate about lifting others up, creating opportunities where there were none, and using her story to inspire others which she has done time and time again here at Babson and in her home country of Rwanda.
The inspiring journey that Peace has been on in her life teaches us all that challenges are oftentimes sources of great strength, proving that perseverance and hard work can turn obstacles into steppingstones for incredible success
Pictured: Arshdeep Singh Ghuman MBA’25 & Amir Reza
Pictured: Peace Ishimwe '25
Annual Events
International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) represents a collaborative effort between the U S Departments of State and Education to honor the positive impact of global educational exchanges. The 2024 celebration at Babson brought together students, staff, faculty, and alumni to embrace the spirit of international camaraderie
Global Map Pin activity and “What Do you Say?” photoshoot highlight global mobility and passions for international education across Babson campus. A balance of academic, professional and social events was held during this week to showcase the important role international education has on the development of the individual
Annual Events
Graduate International Dinner
Each year, the Glavin Office of International Education helps to organize the Graduate International Dinner, an annual tradition dating back over 20 years, alongside Graduate Student Life & Leadership and student leaders Student teams represented distinct cuisines from 12 countries, such as Armenia, Indonesia, Greece, and Nepal Attendees experienced diverse culinary offerings across from world connected with friends and Babson community members. Students also performed dances, songs and poems.
IIE Passport Project
Babson College was awarded the Institute of International Education (IIE) American Passport Project The grant is intended to remove a common barrier that prevents students from even considering participating in study abroad. The program prioritizes first-year, first-generation, Pell-eligible students
This impactful initiative, facilitated by the Glavin Office of International Education, supported 22 eligible Babson students in obtaining their first U S passports Seven of the 22 students have already used or are committed to use their passport with Babson education abroad programs in Spring/Summer 2025 or Fall/Academic Year 2025/2026
Pictured: Graduate International Dinner 2025
TARCO Global Learning Fund
The TARCO Global Learning Fund, made possible by the generosity of Todd Ruderman, MBA'99, enables experiences that can transform individuals, communities, and ultimately society
Cultivating & Inspiring Global Learning
690 Students impacted since January 2023
84 Undergraduates 30 Graduates
Global Learning Access
Making global learning accessible to all learners, regardless of their socioeconomic status, by removing financial barriers
Cultivating & Inspiring Global Learning
The commitment to both building the infrastructure and mindset necessary for meaningful international education, and sparking the passion and purpose that drive individuals to engage with the world thoughtfully and responsibly
TARCO Global Learning Fund
The Global Learning Fund enables Babson students to embark on transformative global learning experiences that impact individuals, communities, and society as a whole The fund has the following objectives: enhancing global learning for Babson learners; providing access for students with demonstrated financial need or other barriers to access; supporting faculty to create innovative international opportunities for students; and expanding and scaling current global experiential learning opportunities
Testimonials
“Thanks to the support of the Babson Global Learning Fund Grant, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Japan for an immersive, 10 day entrepreneurial elective course. This experience was more than just an academic venture, it was a deeply personal and transformative journey that broadened my perspective, reshaped my understanding of culture and innovation, and inspired me to encourage others to explore international education Each day, I captured photographs and long lasting memories that reflected Japan’s unique cultural values and entrepreneurial spirit.
I returned from Japan not only with cherished memories, but a renewed commitment to live and lead with curiosity, compassion, and courage Thank you to the global learning fund for making this journey possible”
-Samuel Salama ‘27, Short-Term Program Japan, Summer 2025
In Tanzania, I saw how genuine exchange, rather than one-sided instruction, defined meaningful engagement I used to think that entering a new space required proving one’s knowledge to be useful, now I think that true impact comes from embracing the perspectives of those within that space. Presence, humility, and dialogue transformed what could have been a transactional experience into a transformative one
making this experience possible Denmark opened my eyes to what’s already possible when purpose, policy, and people align. I return with a notebook full of ideas, a heart full of memories, and a renewed sense of responsibility to help build better systems one decision at a time ”
--Eva Kuo MBA’26, Short-Term Program Denmark, Summer 2025
-Janelle Bigio '25, Service Trip to Tanzania
Student Programs
GGF
Glavin Global Fellows
2024-25 GGF Projects
Mora Mora on the RN7 in Madagascar
-Max Gregoire (Grant 2024)
Population Collapse: Lessons in Japan
- J.T. Rai (Grant 2024)
Expanding Opportunities for Children in Grenada
- Madi Spence (Grant 2024)
Exploring the Culinary Connections Between Nigerian and Puerto Rican Food
- Manal Maigari (Grant 2025)
Glavin Global Fellows (GGF) is a community of undergraduate students who are passionate about global issues, language study, and international experiences on campus and beyond GGF provides on-campus programs, access to community events, research funding, and distinct global learning opportunities for students who seek to expand their global mindset while at Babson.
As a result of the generosity of the TARCO Global Learning Fund and Babson friends, we are excited to provide grants to Glavin Global Fellows for exploration of international or multicultural endeavors Grant funds are to help Fellows pursue experiences that will enhance their critical thinking on global & multicultural issues.
From Isolation to Intervention: Hikikomori, The Hidden Epidemic, and Preventive Strategies
- Yifei You (Grant 2025)
Sustainability in Scotland
- Muskan Ansari (Grant 2025)
2025 GGF Badge Recipients
Ruthanne Staskowski
Yenita Coulibaly
Tanvi Kasliwal
Victor Gichuri
Janelle Bigio
Ian Hammer
Julia Munoz
Aran Glynn
Xinru Lu
Glavin Global Fellows Badge
The Glavin Global Fellows badge is an opportunity for fellows to highlight the intersection between globally focused courses they took in the Babson curriculum, language proficiency and their global/multicultural experiences This four year pathway ensures that
Student Programs
LAD
Leadership Across Difference
The Leadership Across Difference badge is designed to enhance Graduate students' leadership skills when engaging across difference. Students will also demonstrate empathy, perspective taking, and innovative collaboration in diverse and intercultural settings The skills that students gain through this training are critical to successful entrepreneurial leadership in our culturally diverse global society
It's not just about getting things done. I've learned via the Leadership Across Difference program that embracing different viewpoints and exercising empathy, bravery, and purpose are the keys to making a real difference.
-Sonia Khamitkar MSBA ‘25
A Program for Graduate students
What participants say?
I walked into the Leadership Across Difference program thinking I understood diversity and inclusion. My IDI results told a different story.
I wasn’t failing but I wasn’t fully showing up eithe Leadership isn’t just about leading it’s about being uncomfortable, being wrong, and learning any forward, I don’t just want to “support DEI ” I want to spots, embrace discomfort, and build spaces where acknowledged but leveraged. Because leadership ac skill it’s a mindset. One I’m still learning, and one I hope to never stop learning
-Kaushik Kothari MBA ‘25
2025 LAD Badge Recipients
Zahra Ayub, Anurag Bansal, Vijender Chinthakuntala, Ily Coulibaly, Arshdeep Ghuman, Vioni Giovanni, Safae Jdid, Sonia Khamitkar, Kaushik Kothari, Yusuf Shaheen, Akansha Sinha, Chela Reyes, Chouly Thy
Student Programs
The Babson College 24-25 Fulbright U S Student Program application year was unique in that it was comprised of four Babson alumni. The first applicant was interested in utilizing his background in tech ed consulting and proposed a research project focused on underserved populations in rural Canada The second applicant sought an English Teaching Assistantship in Italy, leveraging her fluency in Italian and her volunteer teaching experience gained during her study abroad.
The final two applicants applied for Fulbright graduate study grants: one aimed to study AsiaPacific Studies in Taiwan, and the other sought to pursue Strategic Management in a Changing World in Finland. Babson was pleased to have one applicant reach semi-finalist status and commends all applicants for their dedication, self-reflection, research, and multiple revisions of their essays.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the flagship international educational exchange sponsored by the U S government It is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by providing study/research or English teaching assistant grants The program operates in over 160 countries worldwide
Find Babson
Fulbright Fellows
Thank you to our donors and campus, community and international partners who have contributed to the success of the Glavin Office of International Education Your continued support allows for more students to engage in global learning on campus and beyond
Any questions, please contact the Glavin Office: glavinoffice@babson edu +1 781 239 4565
