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!
read comments (0)09 17th, 2008 European Boarding Schools
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.