A World Away: International Students Find Their Place
New languages, new cultures, and new friendships shape the journey of Rancho’s international students.
Every school year brings fresh faces to Rancho Solano, but for a unique group of students, entering the classroom means stepping into an entirely new culture, language, and way of life. The international student community is a vital pillar of Rancho’s diversity and success, yet the journey of leaving one’s home country for a year or more comes with significant, often invisible, challenges.
As an international student myself, I understand firsthand the complex mix of excitement and hardship that comes with moving across the world. Beyond adjusting to a rigorous academic curriculum, international students must navigate homesickness, language barriers, and the daily emotional weight of being thousands of miles away from family and familiar traditions. Building a home away from home requires strong support from both educators and administration. School leadership plays a key role in integrating international students into the broader Rancho community.
“We try to set up a buddy system at school so that the either new student or boarding student has someone that they can go to that’s in their peer group.” - Mrs. Wyrowski, Dean of Students
Teachers also see the resilience and unique perspective international students bring to the classroom every day, while recognizing the extra hurdles they face. “I think every international student I have come through has a different method in which they learn, and I think they’re more productive,” shared Mrs. Drummond. While international perspectives enrich Rancho’s academic environment and foster global awareness, the transition is not always seamless. Miscommunications, cultural misunderstandings, and feelings of isolation can sometimes create friction or difficult experiences for international students trying to fit in.
“The biggest problem for me was the language because sometimes you just won’t understand something,” said Junior Olaf Jerzy Stanulewicz, Poland.
Despite these difficulties, international students also create meaningful connections with their classmates. Their experiences give Rancho students opportunities to learn about different cultures and see the world from a new perspective.
“Viola [Fabiani] was the proof that showed me that I can go beyond my circle of friends” - Amaya Sugidono, Junior
For international students, adapting to a new country is an ongoing process. Homesickness and missing family can be difficult, but new friendships and experiences can make the transition easier.
“I’m looking forward to getting a good international experience here at Rancho,” said Junior Amir Ausharipov, Kazakhstan.
Through both its challenges and opportunities, the international experience shows that coming to Rancho is about more than attending a new school. It is about finding a place in a new community while bringing a part of home with you.
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