International Student Homestay Program
At Sandy Spring Friends School, our International Student Homestay Program (for grades 8-12) is a cornerstone of the schools’ welcoming, values-driven experience we offer students from around the world. Rooted in our Quaker commitment to community, respect, and global understanding, the program is designed to ensure that international students feel not only supported, but truly at home.
International students are an essential and celebrated part of our school community. They bring rich cultural perspectives, unique life experiences, and a global lens that deepens learning both inside and outside the classroom. Through daily interactions, collaborative projects, and shared living experiences, our students grow in empathy, curiosity, and intercultural awareness. We believe these are skills that are critical in today’s interconnected world.
Our homestay program thoughtfully matches each international student with a carefully vetted host family connected with the Sandy Spring Friends community. These families are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where students can thrive. Beyond simply offering housing, our host families serve as mentors, cultural guides, and an extension of the school’s supportive network. Students are welcomed and encouraged into family life with activities such as sharing meals, celebrating traditions, and building meaningful, lasting relationships. A host family may even attend a sporting event to cheer you on!
This small, intentional cohort fosters close connections among international students while also ensuring full integration into the broader school community. This allows us to provide a highly personalized experience with strong support systems
Over the past ten years, our international students have come from countries including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Each student adds to the richness of our shared experience, helping to create a learning environment that is both globally aware and deeply connected.
Through our International Student Homestay Program, students gain far more than an education. They find a home, a community, and a transformative experience that prepares them to lead with empathy and purpose in an ever-changing world.