Many students from countries outside the United States want to attend American boarding schools. According to The Association of Boarding Schools, international students make up about 15% of the student population in American boarding schools. It is essential to know that international students applying to an American boarding school deal with several additional steps in the admissions process.
Because many applicants live far from the schools they would like to visit, American boarding schools have devised ways to let parents and potential students experience the schools, their communities, and their programs. For example, if you live in Asia or Europe, visiting American schools in person is not always financially or logistically possible. So, what alternatives exist for those situations? There are several. Off-campus, school visits come in a couple of flavors. Since boarding school admissions staff have years of experience recruiting and admitting students from countries outside the United States, you will be able to get answers to all your questions and concerns. Decades of experience back up those answers. With that in mind, let's see how the overseas recruiting and admissions process to American boarding schools works.
Admissions Staff Visits Overseas
Many boarding schools send their admissions staff overseas to major cities in countries where they have a substantial applicant pool. Ask for details of visits in your area. While you will have to rely on school videos and web presentations of school life and activities, at least you will have a live person to whom you can pose questions. If English is not your first language, this meeting with school officials will give you a deadline to meet. After all, you are planning to attend school in a country where English is the instructional language used in most classes. You will be expected to have your interview in English. Put another way, pass that all-important TOEFL as soon as you can.
This video describes the features of private schools.
Interviews With Local Alumni
Like many universities and colleges, boarding schools also arrange an interview with an alumnus or alumna who lives in your local area. This is a common practice when meeting candidates residing in the United States. Remember that most boarding schools are looking for qualified candidates outside the United States as part of their diversity initiatives. Most schools like to think that they are preparing their students for life and work in a global community. So, the fact that you are from Europe, South America, or Asia helps them accomplish that goal.
This part of the admissions process is critical for all concerned. The school needs to meet you and understand who you are and what you offer. You need to determine if the school fits your needs and objectives well.
This video describes how to handle an admissions interview with an alumnus. While it references college admissions, the same applies to boarding schools.
Virtual Admissions Receptions
Many boarding schools offer virtual admissions receptions. These receptions are similar in form and function to online admissions receptions colleges and universities do. These typically take place during the summer and spring. Ask the Admissions Staff at the boarding schools you are interested in for details of an event near you.
This video from St. Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire, offers a virtual tour of that historic boarding school.
Learning About The School
Many parents feel they know a school because they have spent time on its website. They 'liked' the school's Facebook and Instagram pages and followed the school on X. They also watched all the videos it posted on its YouTube channel. They and their child are convinced that the school is a good fit for them and their requirements. So why bother hopping on a plane, renting a car, booking accommodation, and taking all that time to go and visit the school? After attending a reception by several boarding schools and speaking with school representatives, you have decided on one of the schools as the right one. Now is the time to visit any school you consider sending your child if possible. The school will insist on it because they want to meet you in person whenever possible. Remember that your child will attend the school for three or four years.
Visit Schools
Visiting the school will affirm your decision and feelings that the school is a good fit. Another fact to consider is that there are plenty of flights from major Asian, South American, and European cities to major American cities. Your assistant will find convenient flights to East Coast cities such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, where scores of fine boarding schools are located. Then you can rent a car or engage a driver to take you to schools, most of which will be within an hour's drive from the airport. Additionally, American airports have superb FBO operations should you prefer to travel on your plane. Also, your assistant will have no trouble finding suitable accommodation for you in the major metropolitan areas I mentioned earlier.
I cannot stress enough the importance of visiting schools in person. Your educational consultant may have given the schools you are considering glowing reports. Your great uncle has fondly spoken about his years at one of the schools on your shortlist and has generously given to his alma mater. One of your colleagues in the Boston office has a daughter at another school on your shortlist. She loves her school's equestrian program.
However, that's their opinion. If possible, you and your child should visit each campus on your shortlist, scope each one out, and use your judgment to determine whether your child will be happy there for three or four years.
Travel Requirements
Traveling overseas is much more complicated than it was years ago. In any case, ensure you understand and comply with any tourist visa requirement the U.S. Border Patrol has in place for your country. Your child will have the experience of a lifetime attending an American boarding school. As a parent whose daughters attended two prestigious boarding schools, I can attest how it shaped them and laid a solid foundation for their adult lives and careers. The network of classmates they both developed was invaluable. I wish the same for your child.
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