Fluent, Confident, and Academically Strong: Guiding International Students to Success
Reading and Writing in a New Academic Culture
Your child is an international student preparing for, or currently attending, a top U.S. boarding school. You’ve made a major investment in their education, knowing that an elite independent school can provide:
✅ World-class academics
✅ Elite college placement
✅ Immersive English-language learning
✅ Lifelong global networks
But even students with strong English proficiency often struggle in American classrooms—not because they lack intelligence, but because academic English, reading comprehension, and structured writing require specific, learned skills.
Fluency Isn’t Enough: The Hidden Academic Gaps
Many families assume:
✔ “My child speaks English, so they will do fine in an English-speaking school.”
✔ “They’ve passed the TOEFL, so they’re prepared for academic reading and writing.”
✔ “They’ll naturally adjust to the boarding school environment.”
The reality?
📌 Fluency and academic literacy are not the same. Many students can speak English well but struggle to write strong essays, analyze complex texts, or contribute confidently to classroom discussions.
📌 The U.S. classroom culture is different. Boarding schools emphasize critical thinking, participation, and independent learning—skills that many international students are not taught in their home countries.
📌 Strong literacy skills impact every subject. Reading and writing aren’t just for English class—students need them to succeed in history, science, and even math.
The good news? These challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re skill gaps. And skill gaps can be closed.
How I Help
I provide sustained mentorship to ensure international students master academic English, build confidence in their reading and writing abilities, and excel in their boarding school courses.
🔹 Academic English & Writing Mastery – Strengthening grammar, reading comprehension, and structured writing so students can confidently handle rigorous coursework.
🔹 Boarding School Academic Coaching – Helping students adjust to Western classroom expectations, discussion-based learning, and independent study habits.
🔹 Fluency in Analytical Thinking & Expression – Teaching students to engage deeply with texts, participate in high-level discussions, and express their ideas clearly and persuasively.
🔹 College Application Guidance – When the time comes, I shift from mentor to college admissions strategist, helping students craft essays that showcase their intellectual growth and unique perspectives.
Unlike short-term test prep, my approach provides long-term, personalized guidance throughout a student’s entire boarding school experience, ensuring they build the skills necessary for lasting academic success.
A Growth-Oriented Approach
📌 Fluency is Only the First Step. Speaking English doesn’t guarantee success in an American classroom—academic literacy must be intentionally developed.
📌 Confidence Comes from Preparation. Many international students hesitate to participate in class discussions or struggle with essay writing—not because they lack ideas, but because they haven’t received structured support in how to communicate effectively in an English-speaking academic setting.
📌 Reading, Writing, and Thinking Are Connected. Mastering English literacy strengthens a student’s performance across all subjects—from humanities to STEM.
📌 From Boarding School to College Success. My goal isn’t just to help students adapt—I ensure they flourish in boarding school, setting them up for success in elite college applications and beyond.
