How Choate Rosemary Hall builds a home away from home for international students

Beyond Borders: How Choate Rosemary Hall Cultivates a True Sense of Belonging for Global Students

When the Thanksgiving holiday arrived last year, Oscar, a boarding student at Choate Rosemary Hall, extended an invitation that transcended geographical boundaries. He welcomed four of his international friends to join his family in Indiana for the festivities. With the break too short for overseas travel, his home transformed into a vibrant hub where classmates from Korea, Spain, Japan, and Hong Kong united to share the spirit of the holiday.

“Three of the boys had stayed with us before, and they loved being able to play soccer every day at the nearby college fields,” recalls Ann-Marie, Oscar’s mother and a Choate alum herself. “When I was a student, spending time with friends’ families created bonds that stuck. Watching Oscar and [our daughter] Bea build those same connections has been incredible.”

Experiences like these underscore the profound advantages of immersing oneself in a new educational environment at a formative age. Research suggests that the high school years, typically between 14 and 18, represent an optimal window for adapting to diverse cultures, mastering new languages, and gaining a significant edge in university admissions.

However, such transformative journeys are rarely undertaken in isolation. Recognizing this, Choate Rosemary Hall has meticulously woven a comprehensive support system designed to guide international students from their initial days on campus through to graduation. This co-educational day and boarding school, nestled in the picturesque town of Wallingford, Connecticut, has embedded intentional structures and programming that nurture all students.

The school's commitment to care is evident at every stage of a student's experience, fostering a palpable sense of community and warmth, much like the atmosphere that enveloped Oscar's home that Thanksgiving. At Choate Rosemary Hall, passionate educators are dedicated to fostering the holistic development of each student.

Seamless Transitions: Laying the Foundation for Success

With nearly one in five students hailing from outside the United States, Choate Rosemary Hall understands the significance of transforming its scenic New England campus into a true home away from home. This welcoming environment serves as a crucial base for these students as they embark on expanding their horizons.

From before their arrival and throughout the academic year, international students receive unwavering support from the Global Engagement Office. This dedicated team, spearheaded by Ashley Sinclair, Director of Global Engagement and Director of International Students, collaborates closely with the Dean of Students to ensure that no international student ever feels adrift or unsupported.

The school has thoughtfully designed transitions to the academic year, with scheduling meticulously structured to accommodate international travel needs. Whether students are arriving on a student visa or have spent most of their lives living abroad, campus experts diligently keep families informed about crucial deadlines, requirements, and practical logistics.

Should any obstacles arise, the team is readily available to facilitate a smoother process. To further ease their adjustment, international students are often invited to arrive on campus early. This dedicated time allows them to acclimate, shake off jet lag, and settle into their new surroundings at their own pace.

Sinclair emphasizes the critical importance of this initial period on campus. "It allows them to hear directly from faculty and peer leaders about what it takes to thrive and be successful at Choate," she explains. "They make numerous connections, learn about the available safety nets and support systems—including extra academic help, tutoring, the dorm mentor/prefect system, and advising cohorts—and feel genuinely ready to begin their Choate journey."

A Tailored Welcome: The International Student Pre-Orientation

During this crucial early time, new students participate in a targeted orientation program led by the Global Engagement Office and experienced international student leaders. The International Student Pre-Orientation is specifically designed to provide new arrivals with ample opportunities to adjust and adapt to their new environment.

Guided by returning students, these new arrivals have the chance to personally meet faculty members and area directors on campus. They also engage with prefects and other student leaders who share their own Choate journeys, and participate in a variety of social activities aimed at fostering peer connections.

Beyond the structured orientation, Choate Rosemary Hall offers enriching special programming and activities during school breaks and long weekends. These opportunities allow students to explore new interests, engage in cultural experiences, or simply enjoy downtime to rest and recharge.

For some students, longer school breaks present the chance to stay with local host families or friends, visit their home countries, or even pursue additional study abroad opportunities. This flexibility ensures that students can tailor their break experiences to their individual needs and preferences.

Celebrating Diversity: A Tapestry of Global Cultures

Choate Rosemary Hall actively celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures represented within its student body through a wide array of campus programming throughout the year. This commitment to cultural appreciation is a cornerstone of the school's inclusive environment.

“We do this in partnership with student clubs to ensure that we’re funding and supporting programs that genuinely interest our students,” states Sinclair. This collaborative approach ensures that events are relevant, engaging, and student-driven, reflecting the diverse passions and backgrounds of the Choate community.

The calendar is punctuated by events such as International Education Week, Lunar New Year celebrations, Diwali festivities, and numerous game nights, among many others. These occasions provide vibrant platforms for students to share their traditions, learn from one another, and deepen their understanding of global cultures.

Students are actively encouraged to immerse themselves in campus life by joining clubs and organizations. These extracurricular activities offer invaluable opportunities for students to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and forge lasting friendships with peers from all walks of life. The involvement in these groups is a key pathway for students to experience new cultures and gain diverse perspectives.

Finding Your Niche: Extracurriculars and Community Engagement

The vibrant campus life at Choate is characterized by a dynamic array of clubs and organizations, all of which are fully accessible to international students. The school fosters an environment where students are encouraged to pursue their passions and explore new interests.

Should a student not find an existing club that aligns with their specific interests, the school actively supports the creation of new ones. This entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged, whether a student is passionate about sustainability, the performing arts, or community service. Whatever sparks their curiosity, there is a welcoming group of students ready to embrace them.

With a constant stream of club events, dances, movie nights, and weekend trips, campus life remains engaging and dynamic in the most positive sense. These activities provide essential opportunities for social interaction, skill development, and the creation of shared memories.

Athena, a graduate from the Class of 2024, reflects on her experience: “Choate has helped me find my best self by challenging me to balance homework, club meetings, and socializing, which has significantly improved my time management skills.” She further notes, “As the year went on, I became more comfortable speaking in class and opening up to my friends, teachers, and faculty.”

Charting the Future: Academic and College Preparation Support

For students preparing for the rigorous college application process, Choate Rosemary Hall provides comprehensive guidance and support. Spring break, for instance, is often dedicated to college-counselling trips that take students to a diverse range of large and small campuses across the country.

Back on campus, university fairs held in April and October bring admissions teams directly to Choate, offering students direct access to representatives from their prospective institutions. This proximity allows for invaluable face-to-face interactions and information gathering.

Students seeking more personalized academic advice can schedule one-on-one meetings with counselors starting in their fifth form year. This individualized approach ensures that each student receives tailored guidance to navigate the complexities of college admissions.

Furthermore, student-athletes benefit from specialized preseason trips designed to enhance their skills and foster team camaraderie. These trips not only focus on athletic development but also reinforce the bonds of teamwork and mutual support.

Lex, a graduate from the Class of 2023, highlights the impact of the school's support network: “My advisers and deans have always been open to having conversations when I’m feeling stressed or overloaded, and they have been instrumental in helping me work through issues.”

When students are provided with a secure environment to explore their interests, take calculated risks, and mature into young adults, they emerge from their educational experiences with a profound sense of confidence and competence. The transformative power of a supportive educational setting, particularly for international students navigating a new culture and academic system, is undeniable.

Graduates from Choate Rosemary Hall frequently continue their academic journeys at prestigious universities such as New York University, Brown, and Princeton, among many others. What often sets these graduates apart are the enduring memories they carry from their time at Choate: the friendships forged with peers that evolve into lifelong connections, and the mentorship received from seniors and teachers who become guiding figures in their lives.