August 23, 2023

The International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) advocates for the interests and addresses the concerns of Drexel's international graduate students. As one of the most dynamic, diverse, and active graduate student organizations, the IGSA augments graduate student life at Drexel for international students and collaborates with groups across the University to offer pre-arrival informational and engaging webinars, welcome programs, events, and shopping trips, cultural and informational tours of Drexel and Philadelphia, group trips Philadelphia and metropolitan area attractions, academic and professional development workshops, multicultural social events and gatherings in celebration of US and international holidays and culture, cultural and community building events such as Festival of Nations, and recreational events, such as hiking, skiing, ice skating and more!

We are excited to welcome IGSA’s new president for the 2023-2024 academic year, Yash Gupta, and celebrate the achievements of last year's president, Yamini Rage! Yash and Yamini are both master's students in business analytics in the LeBow College of Business and are both originally from India. Yash hails from Aurangabad (now officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar), in the Maharashtra state of India.

Yash chose Drexel and Philadelphia to pursue his master's degree because of Drexel's highly ranked business school and excellent analytics program. The program attracted him because he wishes to pursue a career as an analyst and transition into consulting in the future. When he is not planning events for IGSA's upcoming year, Yash works as a graduate assistant in the Department of Management. He enjoys learning about various topics while assisting professors with their research and perfecting his analytics skills.

Yamini also chose Drexel to pursue her master's degree because "LeBow's unique blend of coursework prepares students to excel in the field of business analytics by equipping them with both the technical skills and business acumen required in today's data-driven business landscape." Because of this, she has had the opportunity to work as a research assistant for Dr. Barrie Litzky and collaborated on an article on tax law provisions for individual taxpayers with Dr. Anthony Curatola. Yamini is thankful her Drexel education allowed her to apply the concepts and theories she learned in my coursework to real-world situations.

When asked about why Drexel is different compared to other universities in the United States, Yamini said, "One of the standout features of studying at Drexel is its culture of inclusivity and diversity. The advisors and professors at Drexel are known for their warmth and dedication, providing exceptional support and guidance to students throughout their academic journey. This inclusive and supportive atmosphere contributes to a positive and enriching educational experience at Drexel." Besides Drexel’s culture of inclusivity and diversity, Yamini chose to study in Philadelphia because it contains a vibrant arts and culture scene. She explained that "there cannot be a dull day in Philadelphia" because of the numerous museums, theatres, music venues, and art galleries!

As current and past members of IGSA, Yash and Yamini recognize the need for an international graduate student association because they understand that pursuing an education in a new country can be very overwhelming and by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students is a great way to make them feel like Drexel is a home away from home. Yamini emphasized that "IGSA's events provide a platform for students to explore and celebrate diverse cultures, fostering a sense of inclusivity and broadening their understanding of the global community which is located here at Drexel." During her time as president, Yamini’s favorite event was the 2023 Festival of Nations which is run by the International Graduate Student Association and Graduate College. She highlighted that Festival of Nations is IGSA's most popular event and was a "vibrant celebration of diversity and the unique cultures of various countries." Over 200 Drexel students attended and the event "provided a platform for students to share their traditions, customs, and cuisines, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the global community within the university."

Learn more about Festival of Nations

Thank you, Yamini, for your work with IGSA during the 2022-2023 academic year, and we extend a warm welcome and congratulations to Yash who will be taking her place as IGSA's new president for the 2023-2024 academic year! We look forward to seeing what IGSA has in store for our new and returning international students!

Make sure you follow IGSA on Instagram (@igsadrexel) to stay up to date with upcoming events for the fall term!

Article by Rachel Mroz