Director of International Students: Mrs. Lynn M. Gilbert
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Carolyn Giroux
Seton Catholic has a long-running tradition as a resident school for International Students. Over the years, our resident students have come from a wide variety of foreign countries and from different states in the union. The presence of these students gives an added dimension to the educational and cultural fabric of Seton Catholic.
The International Students are fully integrated in the academic and social life of the school. These students are encouraged to participate not only academically, but also in social and athletic activities available to all students. Often our International Students serve as leaders on teams and in clubs and organizations.
Additionally, Seton Catholic employs a full-time Director of International Students. The Director is a liaison between students, natural families abroad, international agents, host families, and faculty. Mrs. Lynn M. Gilbert is the current Director of International Students. She is available to help students with questions or difficulties that they may be experiencing. The International Office at Seton is a comfortable home environment for International Students, complete with walls covered in photographs of past and current international students as well as a variety of other worldwide paraphernalia.
Application and Immigration Process
The International Director processes applications between the months of March and June for the following academic school year (September to June). Upon acceptance, each student will be sent an official acceptance letter from Seton, as well as an acceptance certificate and original I-20 from the United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS). Students must then take the paperwork to the nearest U.S. Embassy in order to obtain a valid visa prior to international travel.
Multi-Cultural Environment
Seton Catholic provides an environment where all students feel welcomed and at home. We enjoy the tradition of accepting International Students from various parts of the United States and around the world. International Students who join the Seton Catholic educational community are welcomed and encouraged to succeed. A special effort is made by the faculty and students to enable students from others cultures and geographic areas to succeed academically as well as socially at Seton Catholic.
Academics
As governed by the New York State Board of Regents, our curriculum follows the New York State Learning Standards. 22 academic credits are required in order to graduate with a New York State Regents Diploma. International students are given credit towards courses taken in their home country based on academic transcripts from an accredited institution. Seton offers a wide variety of courses to choose from, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which gives the students an opportunity to earn transferable college credits while still in high school.
International Student Association (ISA)
Seton Catholic offers our International Students the opportunity to experience democracy the American way, through our International Student Association. Students elect officers and vote on destinations for excursions, and ideas for activities, etc. Additionally, two seats are automatically reserved for elected International students to sit as representatives on the Student Council.
Host Family Program
International Students are placed in host homes in and around the Plattsburgh area. Local families welcome the International Students into their homes. All families who serve as hosts to International Students must be approved by school officials. Host parents must complete an extensive application process including a home interview and criminal background check. The school monitors the host families throughout the year and is always willing to intervene in the event of a difficulty. Families of International Students are encouraged to keep in contact with the host families regarding their children via email throughout the academic year.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Seton Catholic offers a well developed English as a Second Language (ESL) program. It is required that students must have studied English for at least three years prior to applying to attend Seton. A qualified teacher is assigned to students who are learning English as a second language in order to rapidly increase the student’s English ability. In addition, all faculty and staff work diligently to assist students in their understanding of the English language. In some cases the school may request that the student have additional English tutoring during after school hours or during study periods. It is important that students realize however, that a limited English ability might delay academic progress.
Immunization Records
The State of New York requires a record of immunizations before a student is allowed to begin school in the United States. It is impossible for a student to start classes until a complete up-to-date immunization history is received and approved by the school nurse. All students must submit immunization records before final registration can be completed. The immunization form must be completed and signed by a registered physician.