This year, Bishop Carroll is proud to host students from Spain, Italy, Brazil, China, and South Korea. Aquinas Hall is truly an international house, with several cultures coming together. The students have all assimilated well into the culture and are enjoying their time living and learning on Husky Hill. They have immersed themselves into the school, joining a variety of teams and activities including cheerleading, soccer, drama club, ski club, and student council. Two international students were also elected to the Homecoming court by the juniors and seniors.
Several of the students have commented how much they enjoy the environment at the school, especially the teachers. Junseok (Reagan) Myung, a freshman from South Korea explained, “I think every teacher here is good. If I ask them a question, they always answer it in detail and they always teach very well. I also like having study hall because I can ask questions and they help me understand the class material.” Vittoria Trotta, a senior from Italy, remarked, “I like that Bishop Carroll is one big family. There is a special relationship between the teachers and students, and the teachers love what they do!”
The American students have welcomed the international students with open arms and enjoy their company and friendship. Senior Naveen Sirsikar is happy to have the international students here and has made friends with Pablo Diaz Fernandez and Thales Varicoda, who have joined the soccer team. Naveen added, “It is great to have the students here. I’m happy that Pablo and Thales have joined the soccer team and get to experience new things with the team such as our team dinners and get togethers. They also have a lot of skills and contribute much to the team. They play soccer a little differently in Europe and South America, and they are teaching us as well. I would like to see them, and the other international students get even more involved in the school.”
Although modern communication has eased the communication issues between the students and their home, living far away is not easy. Thales Varicoda, a sophomore from Brazil, explained, “Living in another country far from my family is very difficult, and studying in another language is even more difficult, but living with other international students from so many countries is really cool.” Sarah Trova, a senior who is also from Brazil, echoed a lot of what Thales said. She added, “Being an international student is a mix of emotions. Most of the time, I feel happy to be having this experience but sometimes I feel homesick and overwhelmed.” The staff and students at Bishop Carroll and Aquinas Hall work hard to ease the transition for the students, getting them involved in the school, taking them on regular outings, and encouraging them to make friends and spend time with American students. Carlota Arevalo Molina, a sophomore from Spain, explained, “In just a few weeks being here, I have already made many friends who make me feel like I am at home. I still keep in touch with my family and friends back in Spain through the phone and internet, but I am happy here.”
When asked if they would recommend Bishop Carroll to others, the unanimous, resounding answer was “YES!” A few of the comments included, “I would recommend my friends coming here because of all the support that I have received from the beginning and this place actually feels like home.” Another comment was, “If anyone wanted to come to the United States to study and live, this is the place they should come. I think this is a great school!” A comment that sums up the opinion of all 9 students was, “I am having a great time here and learning so much. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I love the friends I have made.”
The American students and staff of Bishop Carroll benefit greatly from the international students, including making new friends, being open to other customs and cultures, and learning how to work together with others. We look forward to future growth of the program and welcoming even more international students to our school!