Sacred Heart High School's International Student Program attracts 32 students from Asia and Europe

KINGSTON, Mass. - Nov. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- The International Student Program at Sacred Heart School (www.sacredheartkingston.com), a private, Catholic, co-educational school for students in preschool through grade 12, has welcomed 32 students from eight countries.

Working through placement agencies, including EDUBOSTON, Sacred Heart High School is providing students from China, South Korea, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Vietnam and Thailand with educational and cultural opportunities.

“Most are here grades 9-12 to allow them enough time to absorb the culture,” said Dr. Michael Gill, Principal of Sacred Heart High School.

The placement agencies are responsible for locating host families for the international students; most are families of Sacred Heart students.

The international students are involved in all aspects of the school; in fact two students from China are on the football team.

In addition to immersing themselves in academic and home life – where English only is spoken – the international students enjoy various activities at local attractions, courtesy of the placement agencies.

“The program is great for the international students, but even greater for the American students who have the chance to interact with and learn from these youngsters,” said Dr. Gill, noting that Sacred Heart has in place the “We Are the World Club,” a cultural appreciation club facilitated by teachers.

“Certainly there are times when language and cultural barriers exist, but for the most part, the International Student Program makes for a diversified student body which is beneficial to all.”

About Sacred Heart School

Sacred Heart is a private, co-educational Catholic school system, which provides educational opportunities for students throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, from preschool through grade 12.  As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence, Sacred Heart School strives to inspire minds, define character and encourage responsible leadership through a curriculum that prepares students to pursue knowledge throughout their lives. The school provides students with a strong liberal arts curriculum, and integrates technology into the hands of students with its One to One iPad Program. Sacred Heart also offers extensive athletic, arts and extra-curricular activities for students.  Founded in 1947, the school underwent a governance change in July 2011, incorporating the Sacred Heart Schools in Kingston, MA as Sacred Heart School System, Inc. This new structure was implemented to assure the continuation of academic excellence of the Sacred Heart Schools for the future, as well as the Catholic mission and the religious community traditions. The school system serves students on a beautiful, expansive campus on Route 80 that includes three school buildings, a central administrative office, and athletic fields and facilities. Sacred Heart School welcomes students of all faiths and diverse backgrounds. The school prides itself in a commitment to developing the whole student, offering an independent school atmosphere and top-tier academics. Pamela Desmarais serves as the school’s President. The Sacred Heart campus is located at 251-399 Bishops Highway, Kingston, MA 02364. For additional information about the school, please visit www.sacredheartkingston.com or call 781-585-7511.

PHOTO:  International Student Program students Weijie Cui and Yaijing Zheng with Sister Emma Jean Middendorf.