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.
For many international students, the dream of studying in the United States begins long before college. Boarding schools and summer arts camps offer a taste of that world: a place where young people can create, learn, and grow in an environment that values both individuality and community. For students who want to hone their artistic gifts while immersing themselves in American culture, these programs can be truly transformative. Here are six reasons to attend a boarding school or summer camp in the United States.
1. Move from conversational English to true fluency
There’s no faster way to master a language than to live it. In classrooms, dorms, and studios, students at U.S. summer camps and boarding schools communicate with native speakers from morning to night. Conversations happen naturally—over lunch, during rehearsals, or while working on group projects. Idiom and inflection become second nature, and English stops feeling like homework and starts feeling like home. Early exposure to the language prepares students for a lifetime of fluency and opens doors to careers and other opportunities.
2. Experience cultural immersion that builds global understanding
Life at a U.S. boarding school or arts camp is about more than vocabulary—it’s about perspective. Students get the valuable experience of learning how people from other cultures think, collaborate, and live their lives. From experiencing Fourth of July celebrations at summer camp to participating in a boarding school’s international food fair, every exchange teaches empathy and open-mindedness. These skills extend far beyond any classroom, helping students adapt with confidence to different cultures.
3. Learn independence and responsibility
For many students, learning to live away from home for the first time can be a turning point. Managing time, balancing academics and creative projects, and contributing to a shared community all teach independence. Whether it’s a few weeks during the summer or an entire academic year, these experiences help students return home more mature—and ready for the self-reliance that college life demands.
4. Grow as an artist
Creativity is the ultimate universal language—one that connects self-expression to opportunity. At a summer camp or boarding school, students can explore their gifts under the guidance of experienced faculty who actively perform or exhibit their work around the world. Through this creative process, they develop discipline, imagination, and problem-solving skills that translate to any field. The work students produce in these settings can often serve as standout material for college or conservatory application portfolios.
5. Build lifelong friendships
Dorm life, shared studios, and collaborative performances build friendships that cross borders. Students meet peers who share their passion and curiosity, creating a network that can last long after camp or school ends. These connections often become the foundation of future artistic collaborations—or even college roommates. Many students return year after year to see their friends and continue building connections with them.
6. A stepping stone to college success
A U.S. boarding school or arts camp experience is an investment in the future. Students gain practical skills—like clear communication and cultural literacy—that prepare them for the expectations of American higher education. They also become familiar with the rhythm of campus life: how to speak up in discussions, collaborate across disciplines, and present their ideas with clarity and poise. Admissions officers value students who adapt to new environments and show commitment to their craft. A U.S. boarding school or arts camp experience signals exactly that.
For families, choosing a U.S. boarding school or arts camp provides a safe, structured environment where students gain confidence, independence, and conversational finesse that will help them in college and beyond. It’s a practical step toward a global future, grounded in creativity and cultural understanding.
Interlochen Center for the Arts offers Interlochen Arts Camp, a world-class multidisciplinary summer arts program, and Interlochen Arts Academy, the nation’s premier boarding arts high school. Both Camp and Academy welcome high percentages of international students each year. Learn more about international students at Interlochen.
