Student review [#11032] for Government
at St. Lawrence University - SLU

The best thing I can say about this university is that it has a strong alumni network which everyone is able to take advantage of and learn so much from. I’ve been able to use the network well for personal development and international networking, but I believe that this network is most useful for American students. Another great thing is the amount of financial aid you are able to receive from the university. There are plenty of grants and scholarships which you can apply for which allow you to study abroad, take part in unpaid internships, and to carry out research of your own. You are also able to work closely with faculty, often forming close bonds with them which will then become beneficial when applying for grants and jobs. Besides this, there is not much praise I have for this university.

As an international student, I found many problems with the school. I once had points deducted from my grade for spelling with British English instead of American English, without being told that the use of American English was a rubric criterion. When I approached the professor about this (after hearing stories about linguistic discrimination from other professors), I was told that I have to spell the American way because I was now in America. Honestly shocking for a University that claims to celebrate diversity and be welcoming of others.

I’ve also witnessed situations of discrimination when international students and students of colour have tried to run for Chair positions in student organisations, only to be told that they are “overqualified” but somehow are suitable for a Secretary position. This is not the best place for international students and students of colour who want to thrive through student organisations.

The school also seems to have a problem with managing money as, throughout my three years at the university, I’ve only witnessed budget cuts in every department. It has gotten to the point where there are hardly any classes to take as there’s been a dramatic reduction in faculty, leaving Seniors scrambling to find classes that they can actually take, especially since they are blocked from taking most introductory classes.

Finally, the location of the school is not great for anyone who wants to be able to get around easily. It is situated in the middle of nowhere in Upstate NY and to get around, your best bet is to have a car or be friends with someone who is willing to drive you somewhere. Transportation gets even worse during the winter when the place is constantly covered in ice and snow and cars break down due to below freezing temperatures.

I’m sure this school is great if you are American, white, and from the New England area. But as someone who is not American at all, I would suggest going elsewhere unless you really need a good financial aid deal.