through Understanding Hearts A Conversation with Foxcroft’s International Ambassadors

By Christine McCrehin , Advancement Communications/Engagement Coordinator

Launched in 2014, the International Ambassadors program was created to help ease some of the challenges that new students from other countries face. Ambassadors welcome and mentor incoming international students, first by reaching out to them over the summer and then in various ways throughout the school year, helping them to adjust and make connections.

“In addition to being 'first friends' to their international student,” shared Kate Tomaskovic, Director of International Student Services and advisor to the International Ambassadors, “the Ambassadors help them get settled in their dorms, invite them to meals, go on shopping trips with them, add them to our international group chat, plan events, and help me run monthly workshops.”

Any student, domestic or international, can apply to become an Ambassador and there are currently 11 Ambassadors in the program — Co-Heads Leyla Akhundova ’23 (Azerbaijan), and Mary Joyce ’23 (Virginia), Co-Assistant Heads Bella Fu ’24 (Virginia), Kiki Hughey ’25, (Virginia), Manabi Kono ’25 (Japan), and Ambassadors Avery Hazard ’23 (California), Emily Wiseman ’23 (Virginia), Khujusta N. ’24, (Afghanistan), Kylie Ortega ’24 (Virginia), Frankie Wasinger ’25 (Virginia), and Hailey Yang ’25 (China).

I recently sat down with Leyla (LA), Avery (AH), and Hailey (HY) to talk about the program. Following is our conversation edited for space.

Why did each of you decide to apply to be an International Ambassador?

AH: When I came to Foxcroft, I was exposed to a lot more diversity, like different nationalities. So for the first time, I was exposed to different cultures, and I was like, whoa, and it made me want to learn more. That's also how I became interested in international relations and global affairs. International Ambassadors is a great way to learn about international relations.

HY: I want to get to know more international students and to help them because that was what happened to me when I first came to Foxcroft. People helped me with my classes, dealing with the schedule, the cultures, the traditions like Fox/Hound, and other things that Foxcroft does differently than in my country.

LA: Being an international student, I know what it was like to go to a different country for education, and sometimes that can be a lot. I know that for me, when I came here my sophomore year, being far from my family and starting a new school with new people was a lot to take in. So I wanted to become an International Ambassador to help those who would go through the same thing, being in a new environment and meeting new people. I also want to make international friends, and I think that's the best way to do it because we have a lot of bonding time together. Not just Ambassadors but international students in general, and being able to plan events that might bring a sense of home to international students really makes me happy.

What events do you have planned for this year?

LA: We're planning some small events for international students and some big events that the whole school can take part in. For the little events, we want to plan workshops to help international students get familiar with our school rules, talk about culture shock, homesickness, or communication difficulties, and who they can reach out to for help — like a starter guide. For the big events, we want to host an international fashion show where students can show their heritage and roots through clothing. We also hosted the International Gala, where students came together to show their talents/skills/dances to express their cultural values. We're also talking about hosting an International Night Market where any student can sell handmade items or food from their culture.

What is your favorite part of being an Ambassador?

HY: International Ambassadors are actually the first ones to meet new international students and make friends. During the first week, we bond and help each other, and we keep doing that — chatting, asking if they need anything, and how they are doing. That's what I like. I want to know if I can help them. I want to make friends with them and introduce my friends to them so they can belong to the community. That makes me happy.

AH: I would agree. You create a lot of bonds and friendships. I was partnered with three girls my sophomore year, and none of them could come to campus; they were all online. Unfortunately, they did not return to Foxcroft, but I'm still friends with them to this day. We still contact and connect with each other, which shows that whether it's online or in person, you still get this bond and friendship.

LA: I think my favorite part is what Hailey said because you're basically the international student's first friend on campus. Most of them, like many of us, are really shy at first and sometimes might be hesitant to talk to people and that's completely normal. Seeing those international students who were really shy at first end up having so many friends and being in so many circles, like in the Dining Hall talking to people and eating with them — that really encourages me to keep going and helping international students.

This year’s School theme is “Be Well, Be Green, Belong at Foxcroft.” Do you think the International Ambassador program represents any part of the theme?

HY: I feel like ‘Belong’ is the thing that fits the most. I remember my first year in America in 7th grade. I wasn't having a good experience because no one was helping me with English and communicating with people, so I was kind of alone. But [at Foxcroft] the International Ambassadors help the international students to belong in this community and with the stuff they need help with and need to understand. It's really important to try to help them belong in this community.

LA: I agree. I think it's really important that every single person feels they belong at Foxcroft. When you're far from home and in a new environment, feeling a sense of belonging is the best thing anyone can ever feel. We have our own Foxcroft group where it's all of us international students together, and that's really the mission of International Ambassadors — to help everyone be engaged, be involved, and belong.

As they spoke of their passion for the International Ambassador program and affection for the friends they have made, it was not hard to see in these girls — and the International Ambassadors program — the quintessence of Foxcroft’s promises of a community of understanding hearts and a lifetime of friendships and global connections. Indeed it is heartening to know that not only are these promises that Foxcroft fulfills with our students but ones that our students fulfill with each other. •