A safe and supportive environment: Find out how Interlochen helps international students thrive as they study the arts
Students and staff members share insights into Interlochen’s vibrant international community, including student groups and special celebrations.
Mwila Keso (IAA 22-23) shares about her home country of Zambia at Interlochen's annual Culture Fair. Photo credit: Eileen Ganter
In a rapidly changing world, it can feel like a daunting decision to study the arts internationally. But for many students who come to Interlochen Arts Academy, it’s a choice that feels like coming home. Experienced, compassionate faculty and staff members help students work through any adjustments that may arise when coming over to the United States. And a variety of student groups and events make it easier than ever to form lasting connections within a diverse student body.
Experienced, dedicated faculty members
Every international student’s journey at Interlochen starts with a connection to Kalyn Rabuse, International Student Services Manager. She’s been at Interlochen since 2017 and doesn’t let a day go by without helping international students adjust to life on Interlochen's campus. Passionate about bringing global perspectives to the wider campus community, she’s earned a reputation for her caring and knowledge.
“Kalyn is like my second mom,” says Assyl Rassulkyzy, a second-year senior from Kazakhstan. “I feel like I can knock on her door if I need to talk about anything. She's the kind of person who genuinely wants to know about the students that she works with.”
Rabuse has extensive experience in international relations, which allows her to bring both confidence and compassion to her work with students. Prior to Interlochen, she spent time at Vanderbilt University, advising education professionals from developing countries and emerging democracies. She has also worked with several organizations to design and implement short term exchange programs.
Since coming to Interlochen, Rabuse has maintained strong lines of communication with international families. Every few weeks, she curates an email newsletter to help them stay informed and included in campus happenings. She also runs a pre-arrival course for all international students, so they feel equipped to take on the excitement and challenges of life at a new school. Rabuse stays up to date on the latest language technology: international families are able to work with phone interpreters and Zoom’s new realtime translation feature.
“Interlochen's international students are an integral part of our campus community,” says Rabuse. “Their personal perspectives, artistic talents, and diverse backgrounds enrich all of our lives and help our community grow and learn. We want every single one of them to feel accepted at Interlochen and confident in how extraordinary they are.”
Rabuse partners with several other departments including Academic and College Counseling, Personal Counseling, and Residence Life—providing international students with comprehensive support. On the Admissions team, Jaime Weidner assists international students as they navigate the visa process.
Enthusiastic student support
It’s not just the staff and faculty helping international students find success at Interlochen. Incoming students will find that their peers are passionate supporters, too. Arts Academy has an International Student Union (founded by Zambian student Mwila Keso) and numerous student identity groups including Asian Student Union, Latin Student Union, Black Student Union, and the Women of Color club. These groups provide valuable leadership opportunities for international students. They also host events designed to bring the entire campus community together and celebrate students from all over the world.
Each residence hall also has an international student liaison—a current student who helps support their peers as they adjust to life at Interlochen. Each residence hall hosts its own cultural awareness programming, so students feel safe and supported in their new homes on campus.
Students also enjoy several special days set aside for celebrating their identities. Each year, international students put on three events: the Culture Fair (showcasing customs and traditions from around the globe), the International Food Fair (where international students serve up their favorite cuisine from home to share with the student body) and the Global Performances Community Meeting (where students share music and performance art from their home countries). These events have been running for years and are always well-attended.
Throughout the year, students have access to spaces for prayer and religious celebrations, so they can express their faiths in ways that feel true to them.
A vision for community integration
Any school can provide separate programs for international students, but it takes a very special community to ensure that everyone is fully integrated and flourishing. Interlochen’s international programs are driven by this unifying vision.
“Each student has their own unique place at Interlochen, and they are welcomed exactly as they are,” said Rabuse. “International students are our campus community, and we’re intentional about creating opportunities to share and celebrate their cultures and personal voices.”
As they experience the welcoming warmth of Interlochen’s community, students are equipped to pursue their artistic gifts to the fullest.
“I really like the inclusive, supportive, and kind community vibe here,” says Yoyo Jiang, a third-year senior from China. “Nobody is discouraging you. Everybody wants to hear more about what you enjoy doing and what you’re excited about.”
With dedicated faculty, annual events, and passionate student support, Interlochen is the best arts boarding school for international students.
16% of Arts Academy students are international students. Learn more about becoming an international student at Arts Academy.
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