My Boarding School Blog

Basic Facts for International Students Wanting to Attend a US Boarding School

Statistics shows that the US is still the number one choice by parents, from the entire world over, to send their children for further studies. To date, the US is host to almost 600,000 international students.

Studying in a boarding school in the US is a good way to prepare students for their school education. As with any preparation, knowing what is ahead of you can make things easier. These guidelines are intended to help you be prepared, in the event you choose to enroll your child in a US boarding school.

There are stories circling on boarding schools. While a fair amount of these stories are entertaining, and some depict the bittersweet reality of living away from home, most of these stories are just fiction. Therefore, it is obvious how it cannot be comparable to the real life drama.

Indeed, attending boarding school is never an easy decision to make. Even if decisions are already made, one has to proceed into the second and most challenging stage, where one has to learn to adjust him or herself physically and mentally. The student will have to learn to adapt to a whole new environment.

Studying in a boarding school in the US is a good way to prepare students if they intend to pursue a degree in an American school or university. However, the journey to studying abroad, especially in the US, has become much more of a predicament since the 9/11 terrorism attack, in 2001.

So, what are the processes involved for international students to attend a boarding school in the USA?

In case you haven’t acknowledged this important fact, getting accepted into top US schools is especially hard. This is because of the vast competition within the citizens from the country itself. The following criteria should first be fulfilled if you intend to enroll into any top US schools.

•    Good academic grades
•    Completed coursework
•    Sufficient financing
•    Strong command of English language

If you have the intention of pursuing your tertiary education in the US, it is advisable to apply for a student visa at least 18 months prior to your expected arrival date in the USA.

Steps to Take

It is important to do thorough research on potential schools that you wish to enroll with. Research, via the internet, and using a search engine such as Google, are two of the more popular ways to equip yourself with better knowledge of schools. You can also seek advice from your friends who are already experiencing life in the US, or relatives who are residing there as well. It is also wise to call up your preferred school(s) to get more information.

Once you identify the school that you wish to enroll with, have your application submitted to that one and several other schools as well– especially to schools that are offering the course that you would like to pursue.

You will then need to get at least a couple, or more, teachers that have taught you and know you well enough to help you write a letter of recommendation. And it is always good to get your family members, friends, and relatives to speak about your potential and your academic goals.

An application essay is always a good thing to accompany an application, even if the school does not require it. An essay is considerably significant because it will reflect you as a person and what is deemed to be important by you. Be sure to make your application essay as unique as possible. It is always a big help to get your English teacher to comment on your application essay.

Boarding School Requirements

Before proceeding to the visa application, students have to prove that they possess a high level of spoken and written English, and one can do so through one of these tests:
•    SLEP Test (Secondary Language English Proficiency Test), a multiple choice language test for students.
•    SSAT- Test (Secondary School Admission Test), s standard entry test for English language.

Once you have everything wrapped up, submit your application form together with the financial aid application forms. Have everything typed or written by hand and be sure that your application looks tidy and presentable.

Check up on your teachers and school to make sure that your transcripts and recommendations have already been mailed to your preferred school(s). It is strongly advised that you do all these way before the deadline to allow for any problems that may arise.

You should expect an extra request from the boarding school of your choice. Usually, the request is made to get more relevant information, or resubmission of any important documents that you may have left out earlier.

After all that, you will soon be hearing from some of the schools about their decision to accept you. Please be sure to accept an offer from only one school. This will help you to avoid any problems when you later request an I-20 form. You may ask the school if you are eligible for financial aid, as some school usually offer  aid to international students.

Student Visa – a must for enrollment

To obtain a visa form, you must first pay a visit to the US embassy or consulate, nearest to you, three months before your arrival date in the US. You need to fulfill a few requirements before you can obtain a US student visa.

Be sure to keep yourself healthy and in good shape. You should note that people who are diagnosed HIV positive will not be allowed to enter the US, thus failing to obtain any sort of US visa.

Make sure to arrange your travel so that you can arrive at least 15 days before your school’s orientation day, to avoid any fatigue on the day itself, as you do not want to miss out on anything.

Note: I-20 Form
This form is officially themed as ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status for Academic and Languages Students. This form will be issued by schools: (a) for one year or multiple years to cover the duration of student’s program (b) after student has completed the application process and is admitted. Student must apply in person for a visa at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy their home country after receiving the form. Calling or making an appointment is necessary to confirm required documents.

Since the September 11, 2001 attack, people from the world over know that the tragedy has left a big impact on the Americans; hence a new policy has since been implemented where international students are to follow tight procedures.

As of January 30, 2003, all authorized schools shall follow a new system to have the SEVIS Forms I-20 issued to all freshmen, as well as current students.

With this new rule, schools are required to report both a student’s physical and mailing address when these two addresses are in conflict.

Though the process may be confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming, the benefits of a US boarding school education can give a student opportunities for success they may never have otherwise had. Be determined, be detailed, be organized, and be diligent— your hard work will pay off in the end!

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Public School Alternatives: Back to the Classics, or Something Completely Different?

With the passage of the No Child Left Behind act in 2002, which awards money to schools based on how well the children perform on standardized tests, many public school administrators and teachers are feeling pressure to “teach to the tests.”  Combined with ever-tightening public school budgets, this can mean a distressing decrease in the resources available to students at public schools to pursue the knowledge and skills that they wish to learn.

Instead of dealing with substandard schools, or schools that simply don’t, or cannot, provide for the individual needs or wishes of particular students, many families are now turning to alternative school systems to meet their needs.

Private schools and boarding schools, the most common alternative to public schools, have a long tradition in the United States. This tradition goes back even to medieval England, where boys could be sent to a clergyman or noble to pursue scholarly endeavors.

While there have been some ugly periods of American boarding school history (such as the sad legacy of Indians sent against their will to schools that would teach them to assimilate to White America, or the Girl, Interrupted style “therapeutic” boarding schools that border on prisons for teenagers who may or may not genuinely need mental care), there exist many quality private day, and boarding, schools that suit a diversity of needs, as well as other options that exist outside of these institutions.

The most common boarding schools are the traditional college preparatory schools: schools with excellent academics, often including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which students can later use for college credit. These schools typically serve students in grades 9 – 12.  While some boarding schools serve grades seven and eight,  as well, there are also some junior boarding schools for younger children, and a smaller number of boarding schools that serve students of all ages.

Other boarding schools have a special emphasis on one curricular area, such as math and sciences, or a strong focus on development in the visual and performing arts. The latter type of school prepares students to go to art institutes or conservatories such as Juliard.

Religious boarding schools incorporate religious beliefs into students’ lives, both inside and outside, the classroom.  While there are a number of Catholic or Jewish boarding schools around the country, there are schools of many denominations–even Quaker schools.

Just like colleges, boarding schools often have a distinct personality, which gives students a very strong sense of pride in their schools.  They are great for students who are already very motivated and self-disciplined. In addition to the challenging classes typically found in boarding schools, the environment provides students with a bit more freedom and responsibility in their out-of-class hours. This fosters, in many students, an independence and maturity they may not have gained during these secondary-school years in a different environment.

Military schools, which combine the typical college prep courses with military preparation, have long been used as a way to teach discipline to students.  They also provide excellent academic standards for even the most well-behaved, motivated student.

For students with eating disorders or substance abuse problems, there are residential treatment centers that do provide good counseling and care throughout the day, along with classes.

Students and parents looking for something a little closer to home can find most of these types of programs at loca,l private day schools.  Additionally, some boarding schools offer the option of day school attendance. One can even enroll in a sort of day school-boarding school hybrid: boarding school Monday through Friday, with weekends spent at home with the family.

Another alternative to public school is home-schooling. While some critics wonder if home-schooled students are at a disadvantage because they don’t spend 8 hours a day socializing with others their own age, many home-schoolers meet peers through other avenues, such as local children’s theater groups or sports teams.  Students can make friends in other settings while taking charge of their own education at home.

Some parents also form home-schooling co-operatives so that their children can have a sense of community, and so that they don’t shoulder the responsibility for teaching their child every subject, every day.  Different states have different requirements for home-schooling, but some allow students who are mainly home-schooled to attend their local public school for just one or two periods per day, so students can take subjects such as advanced math courses or orchestra classes that would be harder to pursue at home.

Taking the idea of self-directed learning a bit farther, some families follow the philosophy of deschooling or unschooling: the idea that children are most engaged and learn best when they’re doing what they truly want to be doing.  For these children, the whole world becomes the classroom.

Following a similar educational model are free schools. These are private schools which, instead of providing the traditional courses or a religious education as most private schools do, allow the children decide how to spend their time each day.  Teachers are there as resources to assist with whatever the students want to pursue, only teaching traditional classes if the students request them.  (One such school, the Albany Free School has been in operation for 40 years.)

Although the United States undertook quite a noble mission in deciding to provide a free education to all of our country’s children through public schools, there is no doubt that public schools face increasing difficulties: large classes, overworked teachers, increasing pressures to narrow the curriculum, and strained budgets.  When public education falls short, students and their families turn elsewhere to find the education they’re looking for.

Whether it’s a return to the classics or something quite new, every family can surely find a model that fulfills the curricular focus and the environment that suits each student best.

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Attending a European Boarding School- Five Star Education for the American Student
A European boarding school is not something out of Harry Potter.  In fact, today’s American or Canadian student will be exposed to a 5 star lifestyle, filled with en suite bedrooms and high end gyms. That is, of course, if you attend some of the top rated boarding schools on the continent.  The schools have plenty to offer the average student, from excellent resources to small class sizes and intense studies, guaranteed to look impressive on a resume. What does it take the average North American student to enroll in one of these boarding schools?

Where You Board Matters

With the installation of the European Union, the process of visiting, studying and staying in European boarding schools is more uniform. Still, where you board is important. The cultural experience and educational opportunities are highest in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and other larger countries. However, boarding schools in other European countries is possible.

One of the most important considerations in selecting a Europe boarding school is accreditation. In the UK, for example, the BSA, or Boarding Schools’ Association (www.Boarding.org.uk) is an association of all accredited boarding schools in the country. Accreditation is the key to knowing the school’s curriculum is top of the line. Each country offers its own accreditation program. Students should attend universities and boarding schools that are accredited.

Visa Requirements

Entering any country in the European Union from the United States or Canada, for study purposes, will require a visa.  A visa is an official document proving you have just reason for being in the country, and detailing who you are for officials. Visas are obtained through the country’s consulate office. Consulate offices for most countries are available throughout the United States and Canada. Often, visiting the website of the official consulate for the country you plan to visit will provide you with contact information, applications and more information about specific requirements.

In order to apply for a visa for educational purposes, you will need to show documentation of acceptance at a school within that country.

Qualifications: Just Who Can Attend?

Entering a Europe boarding school will be a drastic change for most international students. The education system is quite different in Europe than in North America. More emphasis is placed on student abilities instead of on age.

Children can enter boarding school in Europe as young as seven years old, but age eight or nine is a commonly accepted age as well. At this age level, most boarding schools only require informal testing to determine if the student has decent English (or the appropriate foreign language.) In addition, basic mathematical requirements will need to be met, on a school-by-school basis.

The next level up is age 11 for girls and age 13 for boys, known as senior school (in the UK and most European countries.) Each school has an entrance exam, which will cover educational skills required to enroll. Most schools do require students to sit for an exam called the Common Entrance Examination. Those at the age of 11 will be tested on English (or the country’s language), Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Science subjects. Those at the age of 12 will be required to take tests for beginning French (in English speaking countries.)  At the age of 13, those enrolling in boarding school will be tested on all of these subjects, plus Religious Studies, Geography, and History.  Latin may also be required in some more advanced schools.

In the United Kingdom, there is no set standard for entrance scores. Each school is allowed to set their own guidelines and, hence, will enroll only those students that meet their academic requirements.

Enrollment into a European boarding school at the age of 16 will require a bit more of an advanced preparation. In addition to testing, reports from the school the student is currently enrolled in will be used to estimate acceptance qualifications.

Interviews and Application Process

Once you find a European boarding school that interests you, the next step in the process is contacting them for an informal phone interview. There, you can learn any specific requirements for enrollment of your student. This is a great time to ask about costs (many schools do offer financing throughout Europe.)

An in-person interview is often the second step of the application process. A formal application (paper) may be done ahead of time. This will give the school time to determine if the student meets the basic requirements. Testing will be done during the formal interview at the school, in most situations.  This interview should not be one sided.  Rather, use this interview to determine if the boarding school is right for your son or daughter.

Often times, acceptance at the European boarding school will be confirmed at this time; other times there is a significant wait. It is always advisable to contact schools well before you plan to enroll a child. In some situations you may need to be on a waiting list for a year or more. Prestigious, well-known schools are a great opportunity for children, but many of Europe’s boarding schools teach excellence at the same level.

Nevertheless, finding the most appropriate school for your child is an individual process. Factors for acceptance go beyond grades. Hobbies, interests, manners, and presentation also matter a great deal.  Most schools are seeking students who are well-rounded, respectable and hard working children.

European boarding schools are an opportunity for a strong education, cultural diversity and personal growth that may not be the same as some of today’s public or private US or Canadian schools.  Enrolling your child in European boarding schools will open many doors for success.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Boarding School Terminology

Boarding schools offer many advantages for students who desire an education that will fully equip them with the tools needed to enter college with skills above their peers.  However, it is important to understand the differences between boarding schools and traditional schools, particularly when you are comparing schools for the purpose of enrollment.

Likewise, understanding the terminology associated with boarding schools will help the parent and student make a well-qualified decision regarding the school that best meets their needs.  Just as traditional schools vary, there is a wide spectrum found amongst boarding schools.  Here are some terms that will help explain those differences and ensure that the school you choose is the best choice for your family’s needs.

Academia- Academia is used to describe an educational group or community that is actively committed to higher education.

Academic Counseling- Academic counseling is the process where teachers and faculty members guide students in mapping out the course of their education to ensure that they achieve their educational goals.

Achievement- Achievement is used to measure a student’s level or degree of success.  It may be in the form of testing or by assessing skills that have been learned.

Active Learning- Active learning is a type of educational procedure where students participate in the learning process through a variety of means and methods. It is in direct contrast to passive learning, where students learn by listening to a teacher or instructor. Active learning engages the student through discussions, problem solving, and other critical thinking activities.

Advanced Placement (AP)- The Advanced Placement program is used by colleges or universities to allow high school students to earn college credits.

Advisor- An advisor is a member of the school faculty that helps students plan their academic courses. Advisors play a vital role in ensuring that students reach their academic goals.

Boarding School- A Boarding School is a residential school where students receive lodging, meals, and education.

Coeducational- Coeducational refers to a group or environment that consists of members of both sexes.

College Preparatory- College preparatory classes are added to a student’s curriculum to help them enter into college or a university.  The classes are often required by the higher education facility for entrance purposes.

Curriculum- A curriculum is the program or courses taught in the school setting.  It is determined either by the school board or an outside governing agency.

Day School- A day school is a boarding school that offers classes for non-residential students as well as the boarding school students.

Department of Education- The Department of Education is the US governing branch that monitors and regulates educational programs in the United States.

Dormitory- A dormitory is the section of a boarding school where the students reside.

Elementary School- Elementary school is the first stage of education. It begins in kindergarten and ends somewhere between the fourth and eighth grade, depending upon the school’s policies.

Faculty- School faculty is comprised of the adults who are in leadership.  This typically includes teachers, principals, and may include professors or lecturers.

Grades- Grades are the evaluation of a student’s performance in an educational setting.  They may be written in numerical or letter format.

Grade Point Average- Grade point average, or GPA, is determined by computing credits and grade points together.

Graduate- To graduate means to successfully complete one course of study and to advance to the next course.

Passive Learning- Passive learning is in contrast to active learning.  It consists of receiving instructions through methods such as lectures or film watching.  With passive learning, the student is not actively engaged in the learning process but receives the information that is being directed towards him or her.

Private school- A private school is a school that is owned and operated by an entity other than the government or state.

Public school- Public school is education provided by the government and paid for by citizen tax dollars.

Room and Board- Room and board is covered in the tuition fees for students at boarding schools.  This consists of sleeping arrangements, living quarters, and meals.

School Discipline- School discipline is the code or punishment that is administered when the school’s rules have been violated.

Secondary School- Secondary school consists of the grades between elementary and college.  It is often referred to as Secondary Education.

Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)- The SSAT or Secondary School Admission Test is given to entrants of a boarding school.  It measures the student’s proficiency in reading comprehension as well as verbal and mathematical skills.

Socratic Method- The Socratic Method was developed by the philosopher, Socrates.  It is a teaching method used to develop rational thinking by challenging concepts and encourages the participants to rely heavily upon critical thinking skills.

Special Education- Special education refers to teaching methods that are geared towards those who do not think or learn in the traditional manner.  This may be due to emotional, physical, or academic needs.

Syllabus- A syllabus is a guide that accompanies a class or course.  It is given to students so that they have a thorough understanding of the topics that will be expounded upon during the course.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)- The Test of English as a Foreign Language is administered to those whose native language is one other than English.  Colleges and universities administer this test to assess the speaker’s grasp and understanding of the English language.

Transcript- A transcript is the student’s written record of his or her academic performance at a school previously attended.

Tuition- Tuition is the fee charged by the school for the student’s education.

Visual Learning- Visual learning may also be referred to as spatial learning.  It is a learning style where images such as maps, graphic organizers, and webs are used to help connect ideas with spatial images.

Whole Language- Whole language is a teaching approach used to incorporate many aspects of reading, grammar, and language arts into the student’s life, rather than teaching reading as a mechanical or rote function.

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