International Students at SMS
Students have many questions about the town. Maybe these are some of yours:
When may I go to town?
Students may go to town after school if all their school commitments have been kept for the day. When going to town, you must go with another person. This rule is called the "buddy system" (in English another word for a friend is buddy!) Students may sign-out for two hours only and must return to campus no later than 6:00 on school nights. On weekends, there are different hours that a girl may stay out, but this is determined by her grade. Ask your dorm counselor for the sign-in hours which apply to you.
What is there to do on weekends?
We try to plan fun and exciting events both on and off campus for the weekends. Some of these include trips into Washington, DC, a dance with several other boarding schools, community service opportunities, movie and shopping trips to Richmond and Williamsburg, a day at an amusement park, apple picking in the beautiful Virginia mountains, and many more. If you feel like staying on campus for the weekend, there is plenty to do. There are always movies to watch, a game of ping pong or pool, a game of tennis with a friend, or a canoe ride on the river are just a few suggestions.
International students are allowed to go home with our American students on the weekends, if they have written invitation from the parents of the American student. Permission from your parents, usually by fax, must then be obtained by the school before permission is granted for you to leave campus with another student.
We plan specific events just for our international students. Some are
just for St. Margaret's students and some are with international students from
other schools. Often these events are required because we believe that they
will provide you with oportunities to learn and grow while you are here.
Final Thoughts....
St. Margaret's is fortunate to have an International Program on its small
campus. Each of you has so much that you can add to our school. I hope that
you will use your time here to become an active member in the St. Margaret's
community--sharing of yourself and your culture. Since many of you are here to
learn or improve your English, it is a requirement during your time here that
you speak English at all times. Although this may be difficult in the
beginning, you will quickly see how much your English improves in a short time.
I also encourage each of you to form friendships with girls from around the
world, not only associating with those students most like you. This is a time
for both personal and academic growth. I look forward to helping you be
successful.
Below are the most frequently asked questions with answers
about the International Program:
