International Students FAQ's
Trinity-Pawling has a strong and vibrant international student community that makes up some 16% of the student body and has representatives from 6 continents and some 20 countries. At T-P, “diversity” is not a political concept, it is a reality of everyday life.
Each year, just before school opens, Trinity-Pawling welcomes new international students and their parents to campus for international orientation. We fold new boys from countries around the world into our community by explaining who the “go-to” people on campus are, what international boys need to keep in mind as they become acclimated to life on campus, when they need to be various different places, where those places are, and why the schools runs the way it does. Throughout the year, international boys know they can approach faculty members with questions pertaining directly to their issues: visas, home-stays, summer schools, etc.
The presence of our international students on campus enriches life for all of us on the hilltop. When students learn that there are seven languages spoken on the varsity soccer team, but that the rules of the game are the same regardless of the nationality of the boy pushing the ball toward the goal, they learn a lesson that will last a lifetime. They learn that teamwork transcends the artificial boundaries that arise out of race, creed, class, or financial means.
If you’re an international student, interested in experiencing life and school in America, you’re welcome with us. If you’re an American boy looking for exposure to people and cultures from around the world, you’re welcome too.
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FAQ's
Does Trinity-Pawling have the authority to issue I-20 forms to boys applying for F-1 student visas? Yes, we do. Should you apply, be accepted and choose to enroll at Trinity-Pawling as an International Student, we will issue an I-20 for to you that you then take to the American consulate or embassy near you and use when you apply for an F-1 student visa.
Do you offer ESL Programs? Trinity-Pawling no longer has an ESL class because it has found its long established English Language Program, which involves intensive reading and writing instruction, remarkably effective for building the English skills of international students. For more information about the English Language Program, please click here. There is an additional fee for these programs.
Does Trinity-Pawling offer home-stay programs over the school vacations for International Students who do not wish to go home? No, we do not. Those who do not choose to travel to their home countries for the break must make arrangements as to where they will stay during school vacations. Many boys go home with friends and roommates, but this must be worked out parent-to-parent, as the school cannot be responsible for boys during breaks.
Is there an International Student Orientation? Yes, Trinity-Pawling has an International Student Orientation. School always opens on a Sunday. International boys and their parents are invited to arrive on campus on the afternoon of the Thursday preceding opening day. There is a formal reception for students and parents at the Headmaster's house. On Friday morning, both parents and students are introduced to key players in Trinity-Pawling's administration and questions are answered. After lunch on Friday, parents depart and the boys continue in orientation. Topics covered include visa issues, curriculum planning, banking, etc. The boys are taken on shopping trips to area malls to purchase supplies and room decorations.
Can International Students leave campus early prior to scheduled vacations in order to facilitate travel plans? No, they may not. The school's vacation schedule is published 6 months prior to the opening of school. International parents are expected to make their travel arrangements in keeping with the announced vacation schedules.
