The International Program offers Senior School students and faculty the opportunity to experience other cultures, either on campus or abroad. We do this by:

• Coordinating exchange programs
• Sponsoring campus activities of an international flavor
• Helping students to locate a study, travel or community service program abroad, or an international student hosting program

The following outlines some of our cross-cultural opportunities. The International Program is continually expanding to meet the needs and broaden the horizons of the Shady Side community.

Note: International students enrolled at SSA are encouraged to participate in activities such as exchanges; however if visas are required, the family is responsible for procuring the visas and the expenses associated with this process.

Exchange Programs

Partner school exchange programs are offered periodically in France, Spain, China and Germany (2-3 weeks abroad and 2-3 weeks hosting). These programs are based on family-to-family reciprocity. Each program involves some in-country travel and a two-to-three week period during which the foreign student attends the host's school, while also visiting local sites of cultural and historical importance. Acceptance into these programs is competitive. Students will be informed of the application process, program eligibility and approximate costs during the preceding spring.

School Year Abroad Program

Students have the opportunity to participate with School Year Abroad at a school in Rennes, France; Viterbo, Italy; Zaragoza, Spain; or Beijing, China.

Host Family Opportunities

Bring the world to your door! Consider being a volunteer host family.

• Volunteer Host Family Form