International Students

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

• + The Application Process

  A completed application consists of several components. An application form gives students a chance to introduce themselves and explain their interest in Suffield. An interview provides an opportunity to showcase students’ interests, talents, and potential for growth. Three teacher recommendation forms (included in application form) give insight into a student’s character, while a current transcript provides a sense of a student’s current skills. Standardized test results are also weighed to gain a sense of an applicant’s strengths and development needs. A nonrefundable fee of $100 must accompany each international application. If students cannot visit campus they can make arrangements with the Admissions office to interview online.

• + International Student Coordinator

  Sara Yeager has worked with Suffield's International Student Program more than two decades. She helps serve as a liaison between international students, their families, and various departments and offices on campus. She helps coordinate international student travel and organization of student Visas and passports.  Suffield also has a SEVIS coordinator (Michelle Kertanis) to help with student Visas.

• + Student Leadership

  Suffield’s international students coordinate several annual events on campus. A group of seniors are selected as international student leaders to help organize these events and welcome new students to campus. These leaders also assist the faculty during international student meetings. Finally, they attend student council meetings to provide an international student perspective in student government.

• + English Proficiency

  Students currently studying in countries where English is not the native language are required to submit the SSAT, TOEFL, or AELAP. If you have specific questions about testing requirements or the scoring profile of Suffield students, please contact the admissions office. The admissions committee reviews the entire application and all supporting materials in the decision-making process.

• + Vacation and Transportation

  The International Student Program, along with the Dean of Students office, oversees and authorizes the vacation plans of international students. Students may, with parental permission, spend long weekends with fellow students or with relatives. Dormitories are also open for international students on long weekends. The campus is closed during the Thanksgiving, December, and March vacations, though students sometimes stay with families living in America.