Although Indira Saha had already graduated with a master’s degree in political science and international relations from a respected university in India, she resolved to earn a second master’s. For this important decision, she chose the University of Colorado Denver.

“After spending time on my initial career path, I found that I wanted to do something more personally meaningful,” explained Saha. She enrolled in and graduated from CU Denver in December 2025.

“The Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Public History gave me a chance to combine my academic knowledge and professional skillset and use these to study and learn about marginalized communities,” said Saha.

“I have a strong interest in engaging with the voices and perspectives of communities whose narratives have often been excluded from dominant historical accounts.” The CU Denver program was ideal: it offered a combination of studies with research activities outside of the classroom that focused on community-centered work.

Saha’s interest in groups having limited societal opportunities began at a young age. Both of her maternal and paternal grandparents were displaced during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. She listened intently to their stories while growing up.

“My grandparents dealt with the trauma of Partition by continuing their traditional rituals and celebrations, using these practices to preserve cultural identity.”

During her education at CU Denver, Saha had the opportunity to work with displaced Aurarians and learn more about the historic Ninth Street houses in downtown Denver. She commented that she could “see history happening here on campus.”

From her perspective, public history is presented differently in the United States with academics acting “more like facilitators with communities.” Her specialty had been in South Asian history; through immersion in her CU Denver studies and outreach activities, she learned more about the history of the U.S. and Colorado. This knowledge was amplified when she was selected for an internship at the History Colorado Center, a flagship institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Upon graduation, the History Colorado Center had a job waiting for her. She stepped into the role in January of 2026, and looks forward to a year of learning enrichment and professional experience.

“My job responsibilities are to collaborate with communities to tell the stories of Colorado by co-creating community collections across the state as part of the America 250 – Colorado 150 oral history collection initiative.”

Saha envisions a year of “learning how museums manage and care for digital collections” and to expanding her abilities to help marginalized communities share their stories through research and working with oral histories.

“I feel privileged,” said Saha. “If I can give back a bit to the community, it will be so meaningful to me on both a personal and professional level.”

In reviewing her time at CU Denver, Saha felt she had experienced the full value of a global education. “It’s important to have exposure to different kinds of people, communities, and settings around the world. That’s how my parents raised me; we traveled a lot.”

When she came to Denver and to campus, she enjoyed meeting people– and the cuisines – from many countries.

“I’m a ‘foodie’ and have been trying the different restaurants in Denver,” she said. “The more places you explore, the more you talk to people and listen to their experiences, especially about food and culture, you will find so many similarities.” In particular, she learned about the shared spices and recipes that are common in Latin America and India.

To pursue her professional interest while in the U.S., Saha had contacted International Student and Scholar Services at the Office of International Affairs (OIA) during her senior student year and applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
“Everyone in OIA was so supportive,” she said. “Whenever I needed help with my visa, staff in OIA were always available both in-person and online.” She also received faculty mentorship from both the English and the History departments, and funding assistance through various research and teaching internships.

Along with continued professional development in her job, Saha plans to continue enjoying all that Denver and Colorado have to offer. She loves going to local farmer’s markets, hiking in the nearby mountains, and relaxing at day’s end in a mountain hot springs resort.

“Colorado has it all – mountains, lakes, rivers, beautiful scenery – and they’re not far from Denver.”

Her advice to other international students who are considering an education at CU Denver | Anschutz is to have a clear vision about what they want to do and to proceed.

“Don’t be afraid to ask your professors questions; they are supportive and will provide resources,” said Saha. “It can be intimidating to move to a new country, meet people, and make new friends. That in itself is a learning process that will help you navigate through your future career and life.”

Saha feels that communication is key. “Say ‘yes’ to academic experiences – and study! You don’t yet know what support you’ll find!” 

Learn more:

International Admissions

International Student and Scholar Services

Office of International Affairs

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

See a video from Indira’s senior year at CU Denver

Photo courtesy of History Colorado Center