International Student News
May 2026
By Lauren Orr, International Dean of Student Affairs
Having a Desire to Contribute to a Clean Environment
Zixuan, Jiaye, and Kechen jumped at the opportunity to participate in a local hike and Earth Day clean up activity surrounding The Gilbert School and dormitory.
March 2026
By Lauren Orr, International Dean of Student Affairs
International Students Celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year
新年快乐！International students galloped towards new beginnings welcoming more members (Isabela from Brazil, and Yulong from China) into the international family. Together they enjoyed a meal that symbolized the good fortune they hope this year brings. Combining Korean BBQ with Chinese Hotpot created the perfect opportunity for an interchange of culture and encouragement. 2026 Year of the Fire Horse.
January 2026
By Lauren Orr, International Dean of Student Affairs
“Braving a New England Winter”
This month international students embraced Connecticut holiday traditions as they visited Torrington’s Christmas Village. Enduring frigid temperatures waiting in line outside for hours to ensure they’d be on Santa’s “Nice” list for Christmas and observe his elves and reindeer at work.
Excited to thoroughly enjoy another snow day, Nicolas, Vitor, and Santiago went skiing and snowboarding for the first time.
December 2025
Article by Lauren Orr, International Dean of Student Affairs
David, Vitor, Nicolas, Erbudu, and Frank geared up for a race through the multi-level l 1,600-foot high speed go-kart track with seven changes in elevation. In the end, Frank proudly took first place leaving his friends behind to fight for second and third.
International student David, serves as pilot of TGS Yellowjacket drone team for the second year in a row. He is joined by teammates Natalie and Tobin, the team's coder and co-pilot.
Vitor, Nicolas, and Santiago enjoyed the end of Fall with a tour of Quinnipiac's beautiful campus on Open House Day, where they enjoyed complimentary apple cider donuts with a choice of the apple cider beverage served hot or cold. Afterwards, they hopped across the road for an easy hike up to the top of Sleeping Giant.
November 2025
International Students Enjoy Nature in New England
By Lauren Orr, International Dean of Student Affairs
This month, our international students had the opportunity to fully engage with nature. After learning about John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, the group visited a local apple orchard. Nicolas, Santiago, Albert, and Vitor sampled several different apple varieties and even brought some home to share with friends.
The students also visited a butterfly garden, where they observed exotic insects and small animals from around the world. The experience allowed them to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature up close.
October 2025
International Students Explore Their Artistic Side at AMP
By Lauren Orr, International Dean of Student Affairs
This month International students enjoyed taking part in the monthly Teen Art workshop held at the American Mural Project.
Inset photo, pictured left to right: Miss Ayanna, Sabrina, Sophia
Pictured below left to right: Sophia, Sabrina, Frank, Erbudu, Nicolas
September 2025
Welcome Back, International Students!
By Lauren Orr, International Dean of Student Affairs
The Gilbert School is thrilled to welcome our new and returning international students from vast parts of China and Brazil, who have brought their athletic talent, ambitious spirit, and school pride back to our community. Our students have already become vital members of our school community. This year, these students have wasted no time getting involved. They have already become members of our school choir, marching band, and several sports teams, including soccer, volleyball, football, and cross country. We are excited to see all they accomplish this fall, and we look forward to a successful season for our entire Gilbert School family.
Above, from left to right: Santiago, Vitor, Nicolas, Sabrina, Michael
Top photo: front - David; Top from left to right - Nicolas, Santiago, Vitor, Erbudu, Albert, Sabrina, Michael