International students have been a long-standing tradition in American boarding schools. Although this trend will continue, most schools might have a specific quota of students from any one particular country. The reason behind this system is to ensure that the school’s international population represents many cultures rather than reflect too large a number of students from any one culture/country. Our boarding schools provide a stable and positive learning environment in which all students are supported, challenged and encouraged to do their best. The academic, artistic, musical and athletic programs are designed to meet the needs of the young adolescent. Our schools are also sensitive to the cultural differences that international students may encounter here. In assessing international students whose first language is not English, schools consider the student’s past academic performance (via the official transcript), his/her social behavior, his/her desire to be in an American school and participate fully in all the various programs, academic and non-academic, at the school and his/her command of English – speaking, reading, writing and understanding of the language. The student’s linguistic proficiency is usually determined by either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Secondary Level Of English Proficiency (SLEP) exam. These exams are typically given in many countries around the world as well as in the United States. There are two types of mainstream boarding schools in the United States. Junior schools generally have a boarding component from Grade 6 (or in some cases Grade 5) to Grade 9. This is a particularly good time for an international student to come and learn English! Prep schools usually begin their boarding program in Grade 9 and go through Grade 12. There are some schools that also offer a Postgraduate year after graduating from high school; this is an extra school year for a student before going to college. In order to be considered for admission to American boarding schools in the first round, applicants must submit the following materials by February 1: an official school transcript, an application, results of exams (TOEFL, SLEP and or SSAT) and teacher recommendations. A personal interview is also required; this can be done at the school, which is best, or by telephone if a great distance is involved. There also may be a few openings at schools after the first round. Some schools do not have any English as a Second Language (ESL) support, some have only one (advanced) level of ESL, some have two levels and some (not many) have three levels, including one for beginners. Having an international student who needs to improve his/her English at an appropriate school is obviously quite important. An experienced consultant can be a great help in identifying appropriate schools. Nowadays, obtaining and maintaining the proper VISA is very important and families need to handle the paperwork and be aware of all the deadlines and procedures. For further details on international student admissions, please call Mr. Bilello at 781-416-7300 or email him at rbilello@aol.com.