(New Lenox) Janlyn Auld, Assistant Principal of Providence Catholic High School recently returned from a two-week trip to China that to learn more about the country and the provinces that some of the students in the school’s International Student Program hail from.
Providence Catholic currently hosts students from Brazil, Korea, Poland and China. To be considered for admissions, international students must meet strict PCHS admissions requirements, pass English proficiency and register as a full-time student.
Mrs. Auld was able to visit over 12 cities in China including but not limited to, Jinan, Beijing, Shanghai, and Yibin. She met with Chinese officials, attending education fairs, and interviewing students interested in studying in the United States.
“Providence Catholic wants to take full advantage of this cultural exchange,” said Auld. “This is a great opportunity for the international students who will be able to experience first-hand the American education system and student lifestyle”.
Jiyoon Im, is in her first year as an International Student at PCHS. She comes from Busan, South Korea. “It was hard to adjust at first, but after getting involved in different clubs and activities I have made a lot of new friends and being away from home has been easier,” said Im. Jiyoon Im is currently a member of the academic club, math team, book club, the school newspaper, and international club. “Providence’s academics are a lot more hands on than back home which makes learning a lot easier,” she said. “Back in Korea I would start school at 8AM and I would not get home until 9PM.” “It is nice to have the opportunity to hang out with my friends, participate in different sports and clubs after school that I normally wouldn’t have experienced.”
Students must hold either an F1 or J1 Visa and they may apply for admission to Providence Catholic from their home countries at grade 9 (freshman) or 10 (sophomore). The school’s international program students meet regularly with an English as a second language instructor where they receive additional instruction in English, get help with their homework, and receive assistance in understanding the class lessons. PHCS international students also participate in discussions and activities to help orient them to American culture and encourage them to become more active participants in the high school experience. Students also participate in local field trips to learn more about the Chicago area.
Tianqui Calton Zhang is in his second year as an International Student at PCHS. He comes from Wuhan, China. “I knew I wanted to study abroad since I was in grade school so this was the perfect opportunity for me” said Zhang. “The academic experience is a lot better at Providence than what I have experienced in China”, everything is very hands on.” He plans on studying in the United States for all four years of his high school career. Zhang hopes to attend University of California Berkeley after graduation to study music and fine arts.
Providence Catholic partners with Educatius International and New Oasis International to match families and students who select Providence through Educatius and New Oasis. Both programs provide a monthly stipend to each host family to help offset the cost of room and board. American families who open their homes and hearts to high school students from a different culture understand the benefits of hosting extend beyond their imagination.
To learn more about the PCHS International Student Program contact, International Student Coordinator, Mrs. Janlyn Auld at
jauld@providencecatholic.org.
Kathleen E. Kennedy