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Contact: Jenni Brockman Phone: 804-443-3357 Fax: 804-443-6781 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tappahannock (January 6, 2003) - Two St. Margaret's School staff recently shared their expertise in international education as presenters at The Association of Boarding Schools' annual conference in Washington, DC. 
Photos:
Kim McDowell (left) and Leslie Bohon (right)
Assistant Head for External Affairs Kimberly McDowell participated on an expert panel about the challenges of recruiting students from other countries. McDowell has traveled the globe for more than 10 years to identify, interview and enroll students for the SMS international program. The secrets of her success include learning each country's culture and customs, building a network of local alumnae and educational consultants, and helping parents develop realistic expectations of the American educational system. Director of International Programs Leslie Bohon presented a session titled "24-Hour Education: Programming to Meet the Needs of International Students." She told attendees about three SMS initiatives that help students from other countries adapt to American boarding school life: the Friendship Family program that pairs students with community hosts, ongoing faculty training and a student culture shock workshop. St. Margaret's has one of the oldest and best-established international programs among US boarding schools. This year, 21 students from 7 other countries are attending SMS. Since the program began in 1991, more than 100 students from more than 15 nations have attended the school. They benefit by mastering English and gaining an introduction to American culture; SMS students benefit by living and learning with girls from around the world. The Association of Boarding Schools is the only US-based, non-profit educational organization exclusively serving boarding schools and students. Among its functions, it helps its more than 300 member schools maintain healthy and sound residential programs. |
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