Max
Graduated school： Wardlaw-Hartridge School, NJ
Hometown: Shanghai
His Story
Max joined our Homestay program in spring 2017. He is introverted and takes time to mature. When he first came to the United States, we arranged for him to live with a Chinese family, who provided him with smooth transitions in terms of diet and communication. With their careful care and encouragement, he quickly adapted to life at the United States High School. Over the next two years, he moved in with American students and developed strong relationships with them, celebrating various holidays together as a family and inviting friends to his birthday celebrations. The local coordinator of Prospect Academy places great importance on the physical and mental well-being of students, organizing numerous international student activities such as trips to the zoo, picnics, barbecues, mooncake celebrations during Mid-Autumn Festival, and birthday parties. Max willingly shared his plans with the district superintendent; during his 11th-grade summer break, he took an internship where he wrote articles and blogs about virtual currencies while also tutoring elementary school students in math. The district director holds Max in high regard due to his strictness, and organizational skills. Max demonstrates diligence in everyday life by actively participating in class discussions which earns him praise from all teachers . Our academic advisors supported him throughout the college application process by reminding him of deadlines and providing valuable advice on planning applications and selecting schools. In 11th grade alone, Max completed seven AP courses while maintaining a GPA of 98.55%,and he was named a honors student at the annual Honors Conference. At the same time, he scored very well on the standardized tests, 1470 on the SAT and 104 on the TOEFL. His efforts were eventually recognized by being accepted into Hamilton College, ranked 16th in the liberal arts College, to study English and math.
Celia
Graduated school: Ranney School, NJ
Hometown: Nanjing
Her Story
Celia joined our Homestay program in September 2017 and enrolled in Grade 11 at the Ranney School, which offers state-of-the-art facilities and a robust academic, artistic, and athletic program to develop students in a diverse manner morally, mentally, and physically. Celia possesses a strong foundation in English and demonstrates an independent personality. Since coming to the United States, she has seamlessly integrated into school life. In class, she maintains a positive and serious attitude that has earned her praise from teachers. The school's robotics team has achieved remarkable results by winning several state and national championships. Shortly after joining the school, Celia became part of one of the robotics teams where she gained valuable experience despite not competing directly. Additionally, she actively participates in the Science Olympiad team on a monthly basis which has further boosted her confidence. In August before starting grade 12, Celia scored an impressive 1570 on the SAT exam – we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments! During Celia's time as a junior student (grade 11), our academic teacher began analyzing college applications with her right from the start. They helped her find volunteer opportunities while suggesting expanding her list of universities to apply for admission. Our teacher also provided guidance on revising both summer school essays as well as college application essays. Due to Celia's fondness for New York City and considering future internship prospects when selecting universities based on location preferences; combined with her outstanding grades and overall performance, she was successfully admitted to New York University – ranked 27th nationally. Celia's home has extensive experience in hosting international students. She warmly accompanied them to school activities, shopping trips, and meals, creating a welcoming family atmosphere. Our regional director frequently visited Celia and even organized a dental festival during Chinese New Year where the international students received American red envelopes with Lotto tickets inside for added fun. During graduation season, the district head attended the ceremony alongside Celia's parents, leaving behind beautiful memories and heartfelt wishes.
Olivia
Graduated School: Union Catholic School, NJ
Homestown: Shanghai
Olivia participated in the Hand-in-Hand Summer Camp of King's Christian School held by us as early as August 2015. During the summer camp, she gradually became acquainted with the local customs and classroom culture of the United States, which provided a solid foundation for her to quickly integrate into the school community. She then enrolled at Union Catholic High School, and during orientation, quickly grasped English, was already eager to assist other international freshmen around her. In her host family, the host parents were also very attentive and responsible. Initially to help finding her way to the school bus stop, Olivia's host parents would pick her up and drop her off every day until she felt comfortable enough to walk on her own. At school, Olivia has consistently achieved straight A's since the first month and actively participates in class activities, leaving a profound impression on teachers. Two months later, she co-founded the Model UN Club with another Chinese classmate named Tony and soon received an invitation from nearby Rutgers University to attend a Model UN event hosted by them. "It is extremely rare and impressive for a freshman to be so proactive and establish their own community," said Ms. Dixon, the school's guidance counselor. In the same year, early November, due to outstanding academic performance Olivia was invited along with her family to attend an honor student breakfast event.Olivia has shown great interest in fashion design since 11th grade and has been diligently preparing her portfolio ever since.After applying for college she received acceptance letters from several universities but ultimately chose Parsons School of Design in New York.
