By Aaron Hirsch, Assistant Head of School for Student Life

Living and working at The Cambridge School of Weston as the Dean of Student Life allows me to combine my passion for working with adolescents with the appreciation I have for supporting students from different cultures to live and learn together. As a high school student, I was introduced to an international study abroad program and benefited from the experience of spending part of a year living and studying in Spain. That experience opened a whole new world to me and fueled my desire to travel, explore, and better understand parts of the world that I had not previously considered. I later spent three years working in a large international school in Singapore, where I was reminded daily how culturally rewarding it can be to study or work abroad and the benefits for young people living and learning together in a foreign land. I continue to see these benefits day after day and year after year at CSW.  

At CSW, we look forward to welcoming you as an individual, as well as any aspects of your culture that you would like to share with our community. We are just as excited to learn from you as we are to share our progressive American boarding school experience with you. Many of our experienced faculty members have lived and studied abroad and their experiences allow them to guide and support our international students. The relationships you build with these adults--your future teachers, dorm parents, and advisors--will play a pivotal role in your experience. We understand not only the benefits of studying abroad, but also how challenging it can be to find your place and feel at home in a new school and culture. We recognize that while you will want to experience and learn about American culture, it will also be important for you to maintain cultural markers such as language, traditional celebrations, and food. We will work with you to do that, and our close proximity to the cities of Waltham and Boston helps to facilitate that effort, as you’ll have access to the many offerings of our multicultural surroundings. You are about to embark on a journey that will provide new adventures, academic achievements, meaningful relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. I hope you will consider sharing this exciting time in your life with us--I know CSW will quickly become your second home! 

Tips for making the most of your study abroad experience: 

• Think about what you might like to bring with you from home. This could be an object that keeps you grounded or a favorite snack that reminds you of where you come from, but it also could be a hobby or an interest that you could share by starting a club or offering a workshop or class at CSW. We have had students celebrate Lunar New Year with us, share Russian poetry, teach D-block classes on Korean films, and offer workshops in Chinese ink painting and Salsa dancing.
  
  
• Take advantage of having the opportunity to meet new people from various cultures--including your dorm parents, advisor, and teachers. Exchange music playlists with your roommate, spend Thanksgiving break with a new American friend, and get to know your classmates outside of class. Sign up for weekend activities and you’ll soon be cheering on the Boston Celtics, playing lazer tag, and exploring Harvard Square with new friends. Spend time with them exploring your new community and the local Boston area offerings--and also make connections with other international students who understand ‘where you are coming from’ as it will help during those times you are missing home.
  
  
• There are many opportunities for students at CSW and we want you to be an active participant in our community. Many international students choose to serve in one of the many leadership roles on campus. Would you like to serve as a voting member of our Board of Trustees, or as your class representative on the Advisory Board, Judicial Board, Sustainability Committee, or Diversity Committee? Perhaps you want to be Dorm Leader, or serve as your dorm representative on our Boarding Life Committee. If you want to be involved, but are not sure if you are quite ready to lead--join one of our clubs or affinity groups. There is a club or group for everyone, and if you can’t find one you are interested, start your own! As an example, one of our new international students started a successful United Rights of Children club, which supports UNICEF’s work for children worldwide.
  
  
• CSW is a kind, close-knit community and there are many resources here to help with anything you might need, from setting up a local bank account to homework help to mastering the local subway system. Reach out to your roommate before you arrive so you can get to know them a bit and talk about how you want to set up your room. If there’s something your dorm leaders or dorm parents can do to make you feel more at home, just let them know! If you’re craving familiar food, chances are it’s available nearby--just ask. If you find something in a class particularly challenging, check in with your teacher or advisor. Everyone is here to help you along your CSW experience!
  
  
• Take photos, journal or blog about your adventures, and collect mementos--your study abroad experience will go by more quickly than you think, so take the time to document, reflect, and share with friends and family.