Four international students from St. Margaret’s School were guest speakers at the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) conference in Richmond on November 5.

Senior Young Eun Lee and junior Min Jin Kim, both of Korea joined sophomore Linh Tran of Vietnam and freshman Mariana Corral of Mexico at the all-day event. St. Margaret’s School Director of International Programs Leslie Bohon accompanied them.

This year’s VAIS conference theme was “The WIDE Angle: Teaching & Learning Through a Global Lens - Open a World of Learning.” In a joint presentation with Bohon, the four students led a discussion about how vast differences in educational systems and cultures affect the success of international students in the U.S. They then identified some of the programs St. Margaret’s School has in place that have helped them navigate the experience of living and learning in a different culture.

“Through the SMS International Program, I have learned so much about American culture,” said Kim, a three-year boarding student. “Many students have culture shock when they first come here, but trying new things and getting involved in the community help you to adjust quickly.”

Kim has followed her own advice, becoming a dorm prefect, student ambassador, and member of the tennis, varsity volleyball, varsity swimming, and crew teams during her time here. She embodies the International Program’s desired outcome – being fully integrated into the life of the school and being part of a community that closely mirrors the world in which she will one day live and work.

St. Margaret’s was one of the first American boarding schools to offer a comprehensive international program that combines English instruction with challenging academics and immersion in American culture. This year, 32 St. Margaret’s students are citizens of 12 other countries: Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Columbia, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, and Vietnam.