International Students

Suffield Academy has a long tradition of welcoming international students. It is more important than ever in today’s increasingly globalized world we learn from each other. Working closely with several outside organizations and scholarship funds, Suffield enrolls almost 20% of its population—71 students from 28 countries last year—from outside the United States. Though a classic New England boarding school in many senses, Suffield prides itself on the warm and friendly nature of the community. Suffield students and faculty members are a family.

Words from Current Students from South Korea

Applying to Suffield as an International Student

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.
 
English Proficiency
Students currently studying in countries where English is not the native language are required to submit the SSAT or TOEFL.  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.

Life on Campus

International Student Coordinator 
Anna McCarthy 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.

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.

International Student Representatives

List of 2 members.

Suffield Academy   185 North Main Street   Suffield, Connecticut 06078   Phone 860.386.4400  |  Fax 860.386.4411