The International Student Program supports international students and their families throughout their time at Westtown. Two faculty co-directors are a resource for students and families and provide regular communications.

International students new to Westtown are welcomed with a dedicated two-day orientation session before the general new-student orientation. These sessions familiarize students with the school and school culture, and are an opportunity for students to get to know one another. Many sessions are led by international students themselves, who share their experiences with new students.

Additional Support

The program provides logistics and planning support, including travel arrangements and arrangement of TOEFL testing.
Through the program, we offer English language assessment and course placement
recommendations for new international students.
The Learning Center supports language assessment and learning and provides the English Language Learning Team recommendations.
The Admission Office helps students with the I-20 visa process

Special Events

There are a variety of special events and cultural celebrations throughout the school year, including the Host Family Ice Cream Social, trips to Philadelphia and Washington, DC, Mid-Autumn Festival, the International Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, Host Family Bowling Night, and the end-of-year Host Family picnic.

Thanksgiving Break Travel Program

Westtown School offers an annual, school-sponsored Thanksgiving break trip designed specifically for international students. This optional program is offered at an additional cost and provides a meaningful alternative to international travel during a short academic break, allowing students to remain engaged without the disruption of long-distance travel or jet lag. Under the supervision and care of Westtown faculty, students explore thoughtfully selected destinations, participate in hands-on learning experiences, strengthen community bonds, and immerse themselves in new cultures before returning to campus ready to resume classes. For example, during Thanksgiving Break 2025, a group of students traveled to Costa Rica, where they explored the country’s rich natural landscapes and cultural traditions.

International Student Organization

The student-run International Student Organization (ISO) is a large and active club that plans events and activities for international students and the school community throughout the school year. It is also a space for camaraderie and friendship.

Host Family Program

With nearly 75% of our Upper School students boarding and 17% of those students being international students, the Westtown Host Family Program is an important element of our community. Host families at Westtown offer some home hospitality for boarders from afar and give the students an experience not just of American family life, but of the Westtown community as well.

In addition to the benefits to students who come from afar – including from around the world, hosting a student can be a life-changing experience for host families. The relationship allows families the opportunity to get to know another culture, foster authentic relationships and bonds, and even learn a new language. Just as each of our students is unique, so are the relationships that are the result of participating in the Westtown Host Family Program. Our host families share that they enjoy the experience very much, and many report that the relationships they built with their host students continue long past their graduation!