One of Brownell Talbot’s brightest and most unique features is the opportunity to have international students attend. Although we are not a boarding school, we find ways to have students from all around the world get an education here on campus. From finding the right families to host these students, to helping them make that big step of entering a new country and a new school, our staff helps them along the way. Due to coming from countries that are as far away as China, Brazil, and India, it can be difficult at times to adjust. Though at BT we strive to let these students enjoy their time here and create some of their best memories while visiting the U.S. 

Out of all schools in the US, why BT? Or, how? International students hear about Brownell Talbot through word of mouth, often through their friends and families. It’s amazing to think how a small school can have such a big influence, not only in the United States but even across the globe. Once a student has expressed interest in the school, they can shadow to get a sense of the community and environment. Sometimes the child’s family will move themselves to Nebraska or the student will have relatives here in Omaha to stay with. Otherwise, the leaders of the international program—Mrs. Schinzel, Ms. Straka, and Mr. Harrell—work hard to find a host family. Oftentimes, previous host families may volunteer because they’ve been through the experience before. But this can be a stressful job, working hard to find the right family and home for them, setting the students up for success, and on top of that, COVID-19 has also caused some extra work for our leaders of the international program. No matter what the circumstances are, at the end of the day their main priority is to always make the student feel safe and welcomed. Once that is accomplished and the student is becoming acclimated to their new home, it’s time to go to school and make new friends!

When making it a priority to try and keep these new students comfortable Ms. Straka goes out of her way to do just that. Whether it be celebrating a special holiday, a birthday, or even just someone to talk to. She has always been there for them.

We spoke with a current international students who is just about to graduate from BT this year, Alice Chan, and asked about her experience. Alice arrived with her first host family when she was in eighth grade second semester. “When I first got here it was super uncomfortable for me because my English and communication wasn’t very good yet, but I remember everyone being so nice, introducing me to the school and helping me out with my classes,” Alice said.

Slowly she began to gain more confidence, discovered her group of friends, and found her hosts becoming her second family. Then once it came to celebrating Alice’s culture so far away from home Ms. Straka would step in. “During the Chinese New Year Ms. Straka would gather all of us to enjoy some Asain food and play games together, it’s how we celebrate,” Alice said. As she prepares for her next steps in life Alice plans on also going to college here in the United States. Looking back on her high school experience she’s reflected on the families and staff that have helped her along her journey.

If you or your family are ever interested in hosting an international student please contact Mrs. Schinzel. As there are many benefits to hosting, such as getting exposed to a new culture, trying new foods, and maybe even learning a new language! Besides hosting, there are other simple ways in supporting our international students, for instance, starting a conversation with them, asking if they ever need help with anything, or simply smiling and saying “Hi” when they pass by because making them feel welcome is the simplest but sometimes the greatest form of comfort for them.