“Internationalism” and “Mount Holyoke” have often been presented as ubiquitous terms. The first century of Mount Holyoke was marked by a philosophy of “go forth,” which often manifested as alumnae going around the world to become missionaries and teachers. This led to an international alumnae network like a woven web. That network would begin to include international students in 1842, and ever since, the College has maintained a robust and accomplished history of international alumnae.
But what was life like for these international students on campus? Beginning with a small batch of Canadian students in the mid-1800s, to a cosmopolitan cohort in the early 20th century, the lives of international students at the College were varied and often the subject of outsider curiosity. Many of these first international students were praised by the broader Mount Holyoke community for their on campus involvement and academic service to the various language departments. Cultural clashes and rising world tensions often placed international students into a dual role within their communities; being asked to serve as mouthpieces for their nations, and still keep up with the pressures of being a full time student. These women were invested community members during and beyond their time at Mount Holyoke, and their multifaceted lives at the College illustrate all the facets of being an international student. From performing in plays, sending Christmas cards, and even driving tractors, international students emerged as distinctive threads in Mount Holyoke’s story.