International Students at Arts Academy


A global community of artists—waiting to welcome you

Our dedicated international student support team is here to help you and your family navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Welcome

欢迎, स्वागत है, Bienvenido, Bienvenue, أهلاً وسهلاً, স্বাগতম, Добро пожаловать, Bem-vindo, خوش آمدید, Selamat datang, Willkommen, ようこそ, Karibu, स्वागत आहे, స్వాగతం, Hoş geldiniz, 환영합니다, வரவேற்கிறேன், Chào mừng, Benvenuto, ยินดีต้อนรับ, આપનું સ્વાગત છે, Witamy, Ласкаво просимо, خوش آمدید, ಸ್ವಾಗತ, സ്വാഗതം, خوش آمدید, Bun venit, Welkom, Barka da zuwa, Kaabọ, ڀلي ڪري آيا, እንኳን ደህና መጡ, ကြိုဆိုပါတယ်, Nnọọ, Xush kelibsiz, Maligayang pagdating, स्वागत छ, Dobrodošli, Selamat datang, Baga nagaan dhuftan, Wamkelekile, ‏مراقب باش, Siyakwamukela, स्वागत छ, පිළිගනිමු, Takulandirani, Vítejte

认识 Yoyo

Conoce a Maddie

올리비아를 만나보세요

Meet Millie

From application to graduation, we're here for you

Ken LabateInterested International Students

International students interested in applying to Interlochen Arts Academy are encouraged to reach out to Executive Dean of Admission Ken Labate at ken.labate@interlochen.org or 231.276.7372 with any questions about applications, students visas, enrolling, and more.

Chad GapinskiEnrolled International Students

If you’re an international student currently enrolled at Interlochen Arts Academy and have questions or concerns about your academic journey or future plans, please contact Dean of Academic and College Counseling Chad Gapinski at gapinskicd@interlochen.org or 231.276.7493.

A student dressed in bright blue traditional Zambian garb presents from a poster board about her country.

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.

Read Story

English as a Language Curriculum 

Our English as a Language program is here to help you gain confidence in your English language abilities and give you the tools to excel in your coursework. All non-native English speakers will be asked to take a placement exam to determine what class best meets their needs.

Interlochen is a safe place to grow, and to take opportunities and risks as an artist. Most of the risks I’ve taken have led me to learn something." -Laura Virginia Pernas '16, Arts Academy (Music) (Dominican Republic)

International Student Life

As an international student, you are a welcome part of the Interlochen community. We are committed to making you feel at home. We want this experience to be enriching and exciting.

You'll have access to student resources where you can find support. Our team of advisors, counselors, and academic support services are here to help you adjust to your new environment.

Plus, we have dozens of student-run clubs and organizations and extra support for 9th and 10th graders that will help you find friends with similar interests and hobbies.

Our recreation staff also plans game tournaments, dances, holiday parties, outings and more throughout the year. You'll have plenty of chances to unwind, relax, and have fun!

Voices of Interlochen: International Students and the Community That Supports Them

In this video, international students—and the dedicated faculty and staff who support them—share their experiences at Interlochen Arts Academy, highlighting their artistic growth, academic journeys, and the strong sense of community they’ve found in this vibrant, global boarding school.

Global Spotlight: International News & Stories from Interlochen

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A student poses by the water on a sunny day.
From Vancouver to Interlochen: Millie Liu’s cross-cultural friendships help her thrive at Arts Academy

Liu chats about what made her adjustment process easier, how she’s explored her songwriting talents, and what she’s doing to help incoming international students.

Two smiling Academy students walk on through Interlochen's campus
Six reasons to attend boarding school or summer camp in the U.S.

Self-reliance, cultural immersion, and strengthened language skills are just a few of the benefits.

A student in a white hoodie stands against a fall landscape.
From Xiamen to Interlochen: Xiye Chen finds community, excellence, and purpose at Arts Academy

When Xiye Chen switched from cello to double bass at age 11, he discovered not just an instrument that anchors the orchestra's sound, but a global community that would eventually lead him from Xiamen, China, to the forests of northern Michigan.

A student dressed in bright blue traditional Zambian garb presents from a poster board about her country.
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.

A girl smiles as she bends to pick up some fall leaves.
Meet Yoyo Jiang

Get a peek into life as an international student at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Headshot of Assyl Rassulkyzy in front of a lake
‘The place where I needed to be’: How Kazakh artist Assyl Rassulkyzy found the school of her dreams at Interlochen

The second-year senior shares highlights of her Interlochen experience, from finding support as an international student to performing Kazakh rap songs in front of her peers.