INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIFE
International students in our community represent more than 20 countries. They bring their perspectives into the classroom and daily life, enriching the experience for everyone in the community. Traditions and cultures are shared and celebrated among the entire school community.
Families choose Cheshire Academy because of our reputation as one of the top internationally minded college-preparatory schools in the United States and our tradition of enrolling international students dates back to 1850.
Families choose Cheshire Academy because of our reputation as one of the top internationally minded college-preparatory schools in the United States and our tradition of enrolling international students dates back to 1850.
International Support
Cheshire Academy provides a comprehensive learning environment and support system for students and their families that includes the following programs:
- ELL classes (also known as ESL)
- Transportation
- A dedicated International Student Office
- SEVIS/F-1 Visa and I-20 Support
- A Peer Counselor Program for new students
- Monthly orientation meetings for new students
Thanksgiving and Spring Break on-campus program
International Student Union
The International Student Union (ISU) is a group of students who work with the International Student Coordinator to organize trips and activities that highlight our diverse Global community.
In addition to celebrations throughout the year like the Moon Festival and Lunar New Year, the ISU hosts the International Awareness Community Weekend in February. This three-day celebration includes lessons, music, dance, and cuisine representing the many cultures and traditions of our community. The highlight of the weekend is the International Food Festival with beverages and food from over twenty countries prepared by our students.
The International Student Union is also a space for students to engage in discussion about different events happening in the world to help educate our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa will I need?
Most students who wish to study at Cheshire Academy will have F-1 student visas. Residents of Canada or Bermuda do not need a visa, but must have an I-20. If you have another type of visa, please inform the Office of Admissions and the International Student Coordinator.
Who is considered an international student?
Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. are considered international students.
Where are international students from?
Cheshire Academy is proud to be an international community. International students represent 36 countries including Bermuda, South Korea, France, Germany, Spain, China, Czech Republic, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, India, Brazil, Ghana, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Bahamas, Georgia, Ukraine, Singapore, Nigeria, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Israel, Hong Kong, and Turkey.
When will I receive my I-20 for Cheshire Academy?
A Form I-20 is a “certificate of eligibility” necessary to obtain F-1 status. In order to receive the Form I-20, a student must be officially admitted to CA, as well as provide documentation that the student has sufficient financial resources to meet CA tuition, fees and expenses. After the I-20 is received, students will make appointments at local embassies for their F-1 visa interview.
What kind of academic support programs are in place for international students?
You will have a faculty advisor with whom you will meet weekly. Some courses are modified for language learners in both English and History. The Writing Center is available to support writing and reading comprehension, and intensive writing classes in academic writing to prepare for college are available. Your placement in Writing and Composition I and II, English I and II (modified or transitional), as well as Introduction to American Culture, World Cultures I and II, and American History (all of which are modified or transitional) will depend upon your fluency, your spoken expression and your academic writing skills. Your placement in these classes will be determined by the academic dean in conjunction with the department chairs. Further academic support can be arranged through the Roxbury Center, which provides one-on-one academic tutoring.
Am I required to have health insurance?
Yes. All international students will be automatically enrolled in our mandatory Cheshire Academy international medical insurance plan. This International Student Accident and Sickness medical insurance plan will cover international students for the 10 month academic year. This health insurance charge is itemized in the tuition bill and must be paid prior to students arriving at school.
What are the graduation requirements?
You are required to take 5 credits for letter grades each semester. Twenty academic credits are required for graduation. The Academic Office must approve credits that are not earned at Cheshire Academy.
How often do I submit health forms?
Health registration is an annual process. All students must have a physical exam and a tuberculosis screening yearly.
Does Cheshire Academy require language proficiency testing?
Yes. If English is not your first language, you must provide recent scores from either an IELTS exam, TOEFL or Cambridge exam with your application. Please contact the Office of Admission if you have any questions related to proficiency testing for your application.
