Last Thanksgiving, Oscar, a boarding student at Choate Rosemary Hall, invited four of his international friends to spend the holiday with his family in Indiana. The school break was too short for them to fly overseas, so his home became a gathering place for classmates from Korea, Spain, Japan, and Hong Kong to share the celebration together.
“Three of the boys had stayed with us before, and they loved being able to play soccer every day at the nearby college fields,” Oscar’s mother and Choate alum, Ann‑Marie, says. “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 this reveal some of the greatest advantages of studying abroad at a younger age. Organisations such as Amerigo note that high school is the optimal time to study abroad as the ages of 14 to 18 are great to adapt to new cultures, learn a new language, and gain an edge in university admissions.
Of course, journeys like these are not meant to be walked alone. That’s why Choate makes sure international students have constant, comprehensive support from their first days on campus until graduation. At the co-educational day and boarding school in Wallingford, Connecticut, there are intentional structures and programming that support all students. Care is built into every stage and everyday life — creating the kind of community where you can just feel the warmth, just like it did that Thanksgiving.
At Choate Rosemary Hall, passionate teachers guide students through their development as a whole individual. Source: Choate Rosemary Hall
Thoughtful transitions and scheduling
Nearly one in five Choate students are from outside the US. To them, their new home tucked in the scenic New England town becomes their base to expand their horizons. Throughout the year and even before they arrive international students are fully supported by the Global Engagement Office.
Led by Ashley Sinclair — Director of Global Engagement and Director of International Students — the team works closely with the Dean of Students to ensure no international student ever feels lost or helpless. Transitions to the new year are well-designed, scheduling is structured to support international travel.
Whether students are coming to Choate on a student visa or they’ve spent most of their time growing up outside the US, campus experts keep families updated on deadlines, requirements, and practical details. If there are obstacles, they’ll be there to smooth out the process. When travel finally begins, international students are even invited to arrive early so they can shake off jet lag and settle in at their own pace.
Sinclair emphasises the importance of this early time on campus saying it, “allows them to hear from faculty and peer leaders about what it takes to thrive and be successful at Choate. They make lots of connections, learn about safety nets and supports (extra help, tutoring, dorm mentor/prefect system, advising cohorts), and feel ready.”
During this time, new students join a targeted orientation led by the Global Engagement Office and more seasoned international student leaders.
International Student Pre-Orientation provides new arrivals with opportunities to adjust and adapt. They are guided by a returning student, personally meet faculty and area directors on campus, speak to prefects and other student leaders on their Choate journey, and participate in a range of social activities to connect with their peers.
During school breaks or long weekends, students can join enriching special programming and activities or just simply rest and recharge. During longer school breaks, some students stay with local family members or friends, visit home, or take advantage of an additional study abroad opportunity.
Choate celebrates all cultures through a wide range of campus programming each year. “We do so in partnership with student clubs to ensure that we’re funding and supporting programmes that actually interest students,” says Sinclair. Some events include International Education Week, Lunar New Year, Diwali, game nights, and more.
Students often get involved on campus through clubs and organisations, immersing themselves in new cultures and experiences. Source: Choate Rosemary Hall
Busy campus life, in all the right ways
At Choate, international students are masters of their own academic, athletic, and college preparation journeys. Every club and organisation is open to them. And if they don’t see one that fits, starting a new one is always possible.
Maybe they’re into sustainability, maybe they love performing arts, maybe they want to dive into community service. Whatever they’re curious about, there’s a group of students ready to welcome them in. And with club events, dances, movie nights, and weekend trips happening all the time, campus life stays busy in the best possible way.
“Choate has helped me find my best self by challenging me to balance homework, club meetings, and socialising, which has helped my time management skills,” says Athena, a 2024 graduate. “As the year went on, I became more comfortable speaking in class, and opening up to my friends, teachers, and faculty.”
For those preparing to apply for university, spring break sends students across a wide mix of large and small campuses on the college‑counselling trip. Back at Choate, university fairs in April and October bring admissions teams directly to campus. Students who want more tailored guidance can meet one‑on‑one with counsellors starting in the fifth form, while athletes benefit from preseason trips that boost skills and team camaraderie.
“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,” says Lex, a 2023 graduate.
When students have a safety net to explore interests, take risks, and grow into young adults, they emerge confident and competent. The transformative power of support in schools, especially for international students, is not new. And more so at Choate, where many graduates often move on to colleges and universities the likes of New York University to Brown, Princeton, and beyond.
But what sets these graduates apart is the memories they leave Choate with: of peers who became friends, and of seniors and teachers who became mentors.
If that’s the kind of future you seek for your child, learn more about Choate Rosemary Hall today.
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