My name is Arvind Theodore, and I am a PhD student at Union Theological Seminary (UTS), New York City. I began my Doctoral Program at Union in 2020. I have completed my comprehensive exams and am currently working on my dissertation proposal, aiming to graduate in May 2027. I moved to Waco, Texas, last year to be with my wife, who is also pursuing her doctoral studies.

Challenge: As an international student, I face unique challenges, including one related to health insurance. Due to my international student status, I am ineligible to receive health insurance through a state plan, and I am therefore required to pay out of pocket for the remaining years of my program through Blue Cross Blue Shield. The cost of BCBS’s health insurance plan amounts to $4,148 (Fall: $1,580 + Spring $2,568) per year. Additionally, I am required to pay UTS an Extended Residency fee of $2,000 per semester. Since I have three more semesters left, I must pay $6,000 in tuition and $6,716 (Spring 2026 to Spring 2027) in health insurance to complete my studies. My PhD scholarship expired in 2025, leaving me fully responsible for these expenses. The financial burden has not only resulted in stress and anxiety but has also significantly hampered my academic progress over the last year. Completing my PhD is not merely a personal goal but a sacred task I am committed to accomplishing as an act of accountability to the communities that have shaped and continue to form me.

How You Can Help: If you feel led to support my theological journey, please consider making a donation—any contribution matters. Your support will not only ease the financial burden and help me complete my studies, but will also, importantly, attest to the spirit of community we share as humans. Thank you for taking the time to read my need, for your kindness, and for praying for me.

With gratitude,

Arvind Theodore