International students who come to America have so much they must adapt to, and quickly! Not only are they tackling everyday life in a different language, but they are attending school in a different educational system. It can also be a very lonely time for these students as they may struggle to make friends. These problems can be compounded in large public schools where international students can get lost among the crowd. Attending small, private schools, like The Tenney School, is a smart option for international students as they will receive more attentive care and have an easier time integrating into American society and the school community.
1. More Attention
In small schools, students don’t just receive more individual instruction time. Because of the smaller school population, it is much easier for international students to find their place. It’s less likely for these students to fall under the radar and not receive the assistance they need. Even other families may be more likely to reach out and invite the student to out-of-school activities because they are aware of the student’s presence and feel compassion or interest.
In a small school environment, these students can be cared for by the entire community and find it easier to transition into the culture.
2. Familiar Faces
Because class sizes are smaller, it’s quite common for students to have multiple classes with the same classmates. It can be so comforting for an international student to see a familiar face. Furthermore, the student becomes more familiar, encouraging the native students to befriend them. Seeing the same person or people can help the student feel less overwhelmed and less lonely as they are more likely to develop connections with students that they see throughout each day.
Having a larger social support system makes the whole experience more pleasant for international students. Additionally, having close friends will help their language development and cultural differences.
3. More Involvement for International Students
Small private schools can still offer a wealth of school clubs and activities. In fact, international students may find it easier to get involved in sports teams, special interest groups, and afterschool programs. Because there are fewer students to compete with for spots on a team, there are more opportunities to become a member or participant.
Being a part of a school team or club helps international students by increasing their social circle, getting them involved in the school community, teaching them about various American cultural pastimes, and making them feel a sense of belonging. And with all these benefits, these students may find themselves feeling less isolated and more adapted to American culture.
Learn More About Why Small Private Schools Are the Best for International Students
Smaller, private schools like The Tenney School offer many benefits to students of any age, race, or culture. For example, they offer more one-on-one attention, a more rigorous curriculum, and a tight-knit community. But for international students, The Tenney School can offer so much more than that. Indeed, it’s a place to make friends, experience American culture, and increase English proficiency. Contact us to see how The Tenney School can help create a loving, nurturing, and exciting second home for international students who are far away from their first one.