Starting a Program and Strengthening an Existing One
Dive into the most important details and questions your school should consider when building an international program.
NAIS Toolkit: International Student Programs
International students contribute to the vibrant intellectual, social, and cultural fabric of independent schools and their numbers have grown exponentially over the last decade. Independent schools, day and boarding alike, increasingly rely upon international students to meet enrollment and diversity goals. Yet schools face new challenges in this market, due in part to expanding options for international education and changes in U.S. policy. In addition, the practices schools use to recruit and support international schools vary widely. This toolkit of resources is designed to help you better understand the international school market and learn best practices in building and maintaining a successful international student program.
Start Here
International Students: Opportunities with F-1 and J-1 Visas
This advisory lays out the compliance issues schools should consider for international students attending their schools on either F-1 or J-1 visas.
NAIS Popup Survey: International Student Programs and Global Education During COVID-19
Get the data you need to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and make strategic decisions for your school.
International Students and Homestay Programs
Learn about different homestay program approaches and the commensurate tradeoffs of risk, responsibility, and control.
Deep Dive
Timeline for Starting an International Student Program
This timeline follows the recommended minimum of 28 months of preparation before bringing students to campus.
Supporting International Students: Reflections from International Student Program Directors
This webinar recording features a conversation with international student program directors who share their insights and answer your questions on how to best support students in different locations and time zones.
Key Considerations for Day Schools
This article provides day schools practical tips for supporting international students. Topics include host family requirements and support, transportation, and vacations.
Key Considerations for Boarding Schools
This article provides boarding schools practical tips for supporting international students. Topics include vacation planning, dormitory life, and health services.
Working with International Student Recruitment Agents or Educational Consultants During COVID-19
These are takeaways related to international student recruitment based on email interviews with agents and educational consultants.
NAIS Advisory: Tips for F-1 International Students Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry
This advisory is based on an August 25, 2021, NAIS webinar that the Global Initiatives team hosted with representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Supporting International Students: Reflections from International Student Program Directors
This webinar recording features a conversation with international student program directors who share their insights and answer your questions on how to best support students in different locations and time zones.
How to Greet and Support International Students
There are a number of strategies that your school can consider to create an inclusive and warm community.
Homestay Programs for International Students
A positive homestay experience is crucial to the success of your school’s international student program.
Trends in Building and Maintaining a Host Family Program
This webinar address the rationale, logistics, and issues involved in host family programming.
Video: The Value of International Students
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FB7V6vemA3k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Best Practices
Education of International Students in Independent Schools
Guidelines for the recruitment, residential life, education, and support of international students in independent schools.
Educating for Global Citizenship and International Mindedness
Independent schools are in a unique position to prepare students to be global citizens in a dynamically interconnected world.
Global Education Community
This NAIS Connect Community provides a forum to share ideas on global education with your independent school colleagues.
Global Education and International Students
Browse NAIS's library of resources, information, and best practices on global education and international students.
Additional Resources
- ICEF Guide for K-12 Independent Schools: Working With International Student Recruitment Agents
- Overview of the Education Market in Vietnam
- Overview of the Education Market in Brazil
- ISC-NAIS Chinese Market Intelligence Brief
- U.S. Embassies and Consulate Offices for Countries Sending Students to Independent Schools
- NAIS Global Ambassadors: Attending to the Health and Wellness of International Students: What Schools Should Know
- Six Tips for International Fundraising
- NAIS Global Ambassadors Advisory Working Group
- NAIS Legal Advisory: Immigration Issues for Independent Schools
- NAIS Legal Advisory: General Data Protection Regulation and Independent Schools