International Student Program

International students are an important part of the University High School community. Students and host families benefit from different perspectives, exploring new customs, sharing culture and community, and developing relationships that last a lifetime. University High School has welcomed students from countries all over the globe, including Brazil, China, Guatemala, South Korea, and Norway.

We are currently enrolling international students for the 2024-25 school year as well as expanding our network of host families for these students.

Martin Rojas

My University
Experience

[This] is an experience I WOULD TOTALLY RECOMMEND for anyone who’s willing to try because you’re going to have tons of fun, make new friends, and learn new things.

Martín Rojas
2022 Exchange Student from Guatemala

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Since its founding, University High School has focused on building community. Over the years, our community has grown to include students from around the world, and we are proud to have created a program for our international students that enables them to thrive academically and socially and achieve their college goals.

As a student at University, you will have access to many specialized services, including:

A homestay program
An English course designed to support and enhance students’ academic language skills
A “conversation partners” program to help students get to know their American classmates
Cultural excursions to local and regional places of interest
Personalized college counseling conducted by staff with years of experience in international admissions

Our faculty and staff understand the challenges of moving to a new country, learning in a language other than your own, and studying in an unfamiliar environment, and we are ready to help you transition to your new life and school and eager for you to share your country and culture with us. We believe that University High School is an ideal place to pursue your dream of studying in the U.S., and we look forward to meeting you, answering your questions, and telling you more about our community and what it can offer.

Shannon Swann
Director of International Programs

Services Provided to All International Students

Translation services for international transcripts, midterm reports, and mentoring letters, as well as parent-mentor conferences
A course in academic English that supports and expands students’ English skills
English proofreading help
Individual faculty mentors to help with adjustment, social integration, and academics
Visa and I-20 processing, plus travel documentation support for international travel
On-site peer tutoring available during the school day and paid tutoring available after school
Individualized language placement after arrival and annual testing after arrival to track student progress in English
Regular communication with host and birth families regarding school calendar, deadlines, and policies
Specialized student orientation and ongoing support
One-to-one guidance when scheduling classes
Personalized college counseling services with staff experienced in international student admissions
“Conversation partner” program to encourage interaction between international students and their American peers
Cultural excursions to local and regional places of interest

Additional Services Provided to Students in the Homestay Program

Housing, transportation, and meals
Medical insurance
Placement of each student with a carefully selected host family
Supervision of the homestay experience by a local coordinator to inspect homes
Host families who have received training on all aspects of the homestay experience

Support from our Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff with substantial international experience and knowledge
Dedicated staff available for international students, including
- International student admission
- Director of International Programs

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION

University High School is a diverse community that welcomes qualified international students to our student body. Because University High School has a rigorous academic curriculum, international applicants must be proficient English speakers and must have test scores and grades that demonstrate an ability to thrive in an American college preparatory program.

International students at University High School receive an English language assessment and, if applicable, are enrolled in an Academic English course to support language development.

Additionally, University High School offers coordinated academic, learning, and social support to each student. Our staff includes an experienced Director of International Programs and a Host Family Coordinator who work with school administration, faculty, and mentors to ensure the success of each international student.

University High School is an I-20 issuing school supporting F-1 visa holders.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION PROCESS

While University High School has two application deadlines for our domestic student population, we offer rolling admission to international applicants for their convenience. This means that we review international students’ applications in the order that they are received.

International applicants looking to begin the application process should contact Taylor Newell, Director of Admission, at 317-733-4475, ext. 121 or via email at tnewell@universityhighschool.org.