The post-war era was a time of rapid global movement, geopolitical restructuring, decolonial developments, and Cold War confrontations — all of which lead to shifts in the demographics of higher education. International students came in higher numbers to Mount Holyoke than ever prior, representing nationalities never before present on campus. These students crossed oceans and traversed political borders to become prominent members of the College, to form new international communities, and to reshape the world beyond. Their motives were complex and manifold.
“The reasons we chose Mount Holyoke are as diverse as our ethnic and economic backgrounds. But the loyalty and appreciation we feel toward the college are elements that bind us.” —Bessy Reyna (Cuba), class of 1970.
To chronicle the experiences of international students at Mount Holyoke during these decades is to tell a story that extends far beyond the campus. It is to gesture to a broader global narrative and the multifaceted experiences embodied by those situated at the intersection of national boundaries. This portion serves as a testament to the profound importance of international students at Mount Holyoke in the aftermath of the Second World War.