Information for International Students and Parents at Menaul School

Introduction

The student body at Menaul School represents many foreign countries.  The International Program is designed to meet the needs of international students as they adjust to the academic and social environment of the boarding school.  Menaul School offers English as a Second Language (ESL) at the intermediate and advanced levels.  The goal of the ESL Program is to mainstream each student into the regular curriculum as soon as possible, and to prepare students for admission to selective colleges and universities.

 

Over the years, international students have come to Menaul School from as far away as Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. Menaul School has always been a blend of cultures: Anglo, Hispanic, Native and foreign and prides itself as a generous, friendly multicultural community. Bringing students of different backgrounds is nothing new to us, for we have welcomed international students to our community for over a century.

 

Living together as a community in the dorms, our goal is that international students room with American students so that each student's boarding experience and global perspective are broadened on a daily basis. All of our boarding students profit from this unique opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

 

 

International students are also supported by an active Boarding Students Organization which is part of Student Council.  The organization meets regularly and helps plan weekend activities and outings. 

 

Some international students may stay in home stays with family or friends.  This must be approved by the school.

Academics

International students enter Menaul School well prepared and on their way to becoming proficient in English. Bright, motivated students flourish in the challenging academics at Menaul School and benefit from working closely with the Director of the International Program and ESL.  In addition to required math, science, history, and English courses, international students may take ESL (English as a Second Language) courses to supplement their studies of both the English language and American culture. These courses, along with the support of the International Program, help bridge the distance between culture and provide individual attention to students who are far from home.

 

 

English as a Second Language

The goal of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program is to support those international students who, because of developing English skills, are not yet prepared to enroll in the standard curriculum for their grade level. In ESL, students learn the academic, cultural, and English language skills needed to fully transition into mainstream Menaul School classes and work independently and successfully within these classes

 

Boarding Program

The boarding program Menaul School allows students from throughout the nation and the world to study in an atmosphere of academic excellence while experiencing exciting opportunities in the Southwest and enjoying the vibrant cultural scene of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Students work together to create an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth. The rewards lie in the rich experiences and in the deep and abiding friendships that students develop.

Each dorm has a “dorm parent” who creates a warm and homelike environment.  These faculty are available day and night and become familiar with the details of students’ lives so they can address any issues as they arise. Students, in turn, know they can always receive sound advice from a dorm parent. In addition, each boarding student has a dedicated faculty advisor who meets with the student daily to monitor academic and social progress. Along with active guidance, faculty provide a valuable example: As professionals, parents, husbands, and wives, they model the School’s fundamental values of integrity, service, and concern for others.

Dorms feature all the amenities students need to live comfortably and thrive academically and socially. All rooms have wireless high-speed internet connections, and each dorm is equipped with washer-dryers and contains a number of common areas, including kitchens and common rooms.

 

 


Frequently Asked Questions for

New International Families at Menaul School

 

How will my child stay in touch with friends and family while at Menaul School?

  • Email is the easiest way to stay in touch.  Computers are available in the dorms and library.
  • Phones are available in the dorm and students can purchase phone cards.
  • Cell phones are also a convenient (but expensive) way to stay in touch.

 

Should I send a laptop with my child?

  • If you wish to bring a laptop, you may.  However, it is not necessary for study or communication purposes.  We have phones and internet cable computers in the dorms, library, and computer labs.
  • Wireless internet is available on campus.
  • You will need a laptop that is compatible with US Systems (ask your salesperson) and you will need a wireless internet card.  Most systems use Microsoft compatible programs such as Word, Exel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.

 

How can a student get a cell phone?

  • In order to get a traditional cell phone, an adult must accompany the child to the Verizon or Cingular store.  Cell phone companies require the signature of an adult with a social security number to sign the contract; will have to get a PREPAID phone.  You can buy one at Wal Mart (http://www.walmart.com/).  Students who participate in International Orientation will take a trip to Wal Mart so they can purchase necessary articles.

 

Do students need health insurance?

  • Yes, doctor’s services and healthcare are very expensive in the United States.
  • Unless you provide proof of insurance your child will be registered for the school’s choice of international insurance plans.  This plan is not included in your international comprehensive tuition payment.
  • Should you decide to provide your own insurance for your child, the insurance company must have a claims office in the United States.

 

How can my child have access to money to purchase books, uniforms, and other needed items?

  • Textbooks are provided at no charge for your student.  Notebooks and paper will need to be purchased.
  • We recommend that you provide your child with a credit or debit card for this purpose.
  • Your child may also set up an account at a local bank.  They will then be able to make purchases from the account with personal checks or a debit card.  The bank will give them personal checks immediately but, it takes approximately 10 days to get a debit card in the mail.

 

How will my child have access to money for personal spending?  How much should I send?

  • Send a minimum of $200 with your child.  The local bank requires a minimum of $25 to open a student account.
  • During orientation we will help students set up bank accounts at a local Bank of America.  You may wire funds into your child’s bank account.
  • Another option is to set up an allowance account where each family determines what is appropriate for student personal spending.  The school recommends a minimum of $15 per week allowance from an account set up at the school’s business office.

 

When does my child have to leave campus during the school year?

  • Each year the Student/Parent handbook will outline the specific dates that dormitories are closed.  You should check the Student/Parent handbook for these dates.
  • Typically the dorms close during the one major break and summer vacation.  The two major breaks are Christmas (December), and Easter (March Spring Break).  During Easter and the shorter Thanksgiving break we will try and find home stays for students. 

 

How do students get to the airport during vacations and holidays?

  • The Albuquerque is just 10 minutes from Menaul School.  A dorm parent or staff member will take care of transportation.  There will be a $10 fee charged to the student’s account.

 

Can my child get a driver’s license?

  • In the state of New Mexico, if you are under the age of 18, you must have your parent or legal guardian appear at the Department of Motor Vehicles in person and sign a form allowing you to get a drivers license.

 

Should I come to the campus with my child at the beginning of the year?

  • For new international families, parents are not required, but are welcome, to travel with their child to Menaul School at the beginning of the year.
  • On the first day of New International Student Orientation we will host a parent/student gathering.  Parents will have the opportunity to meet their child’s advisor, some teachers, and key administrators.  We welcome your presence at that event.
  • Parents who accompany their children to campus are requested to depart after lunch the first day of orientation.  This gives the student the greatest opportunity to make new friends and adjust to their new environment.

 

How do I stay in touch with my child’s teachers/advisor, dorm parent?

  • The best way to stay in touch with any school personnel is by email.
  • Your child’s advisor should be your main contact at the school.  Advisors have weekly contact with the students.
  • You may always contact the Dorm Parent/Coordinator of International Student Programs.

 

 

 

What will students who attend the International Orientation do?

  • We will fill three days from morning to evening with events that will help them get used to their new school, the English language, and American culture.
  • A day trip to Albuquerque for a day of fun that involves cultural and English language immersion.
  • Team building exercises and campus orientation games.
  • Language and math assessment for class placement.
  • Cookout.

 

Can parents participate in the Orientation?

  • On the first day of New International Student Orientation we will host a parent/student gathering.  Parents will have the opportunity to meet their child’s advisor, some teachers, and key administrators.  We welcome your presence at that event.
  • Parents who accompany their children to campus are requested to depart after lunch the first day of orientation.  This gives the student the greatest opportunity to make new friends and adjust to their new environment.

 

Should I remain at Menaul School in case my child needs me?

  • Parents who accompany their children to campus are requested to depart after lunch the first day of orientation.  This gives the student the greatest opportunity to make new friends and adjust to their new environment.

 

Why is my child asked to take a math placement exam?

  • The math placement exam is given to help us determine exactly which math course to place a student in.
  • It is our goal to place them in a course that is challenging yet attainable for them.

 

When will they get their class schedule?

  • All new and returning students will get their class schedules at registration.

 

Can students change their class schedule?  If so, when and how?

  • Yes, students can change their class schedule during the first week of class and at the beginning of each new mod.
  • The Upper School Registrar will post dates and times for schedule changes on her door.  Students should adhere to these dates and times for all change requests.