Finding Home Away From Home: How Union Catholic’s International Program Builds Belonging, Confidence, and Global Leadership
By Ya Wen
When I came to the United States as an international student, New York City was my first stop, and NYU was my first school. People often assume that because NYC is such a cultural melting pot, blending in would be easy and natural.
For me, it wasn’t.
The pace was too fast, the energy too intense, and the rhythm too unfamiliar. I worked hard, but I often felt invisible. I knew I was learning, surviving, and adapting but I wasn’t thriving.
Years later, Union Catholic became the first place in America where I felt truly seen, recognized, and valued.
Thanks to the unwavering support, warmth, and kindness of the UC community, I slowly began to recognize myself again. UC became the place where I felt safe stepping out of my comfort zone, challenging myself, and embracing new opportunities because here, failure is not failure; it is growth.
That same transformation is what I now witness every day in the international students and families I have the privilege of serving at Union Catholic High School.
A Global Community on One Campus
Over the past decade, UC’s international program has welcomed students from all over the world. Our halls have echoed with languages, stories, and perspectives from Brazil, Ghana, Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Australia, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and more.
International students bring culture, creativity, and global awareness to UC and in return, UC provides a structured, holistic, deeply personal support system that empowers them to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
What Makes UC's International Program Exceptional?
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We Cherish Differences and Build Strength From Them
Every student is different. At UC, that is not an obstacle; it is our starting point.
Our curriculum offers six levels of learning, ranging from freshman foundation all the way to AP course. 13 on-site AP classes, plus numerous AP courses through Virtual High School are available.
Many international students begin 9th grade in regular-level courses while adjusting to a new culture and language. Year by year, we watch them rise, taking honors courses, challenging accelerated pathways, and enrolling in AP classes during junior and senior years
Their growth is powerful and it is intentional.
It comes from a system designed to meet students where they are and help them rise far beyond it.
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School Counselor + International Support Program
It is a unique partnership for success at UC.
At UC, every international student benefits from a support structure that is highly intentional and deeply personal. Each student works with the same school counselor, Mr. Mike Conte, for all four years. This consistency matters. Over time, Mr. Conte develops an in-depth understanding of each student’s academic history, strengths, challenges, personality, and long-term goals.
In addition, international students receive 1–3 periods per day in the International Support Program, taught by me. The focus evolves each year to meet students exactly where they are:
9th Grade: Building the Foundation
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Adjusting to life in the U.S.
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Understanding school systems and expectations
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Getting involved in UC events and activities
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Selecting courses based on interests
10th–12th Grade: Growth and Independence
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Increasing academic rigor
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Strengthening writing and research
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Navigating Honors, Accelerated, and AP courses
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Preparing for SAT, TOEFL/Duolingo, and college applications
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Developing leadership and community involvement
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This dual-support model ensures that no student falls through the cracks. They are guided, advocated for, and celebrated at every milestone.
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Building essential skills: time management, organization, communication
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We Give Students Opportunities, Real Ones
UC does not treat international students as guests. We treat them as leaders.
Life at UC: Always Moving, Always Growing
Our building is constantly alive, morning, afternoon, and evening. Students can busy with activities of various kinds, such as Career Day, SDSN days, cultural day, college fairs, bake sales, open houses, athletic practices and competitions, choir, concerts, and performances, and many more. International students are encouraged to participate, volunteer, and shine in every area of school life.
Student Created Clubs
Some of the most active and creative clubs on campus were founded by international students, like International Dance Club, Chinese Calligraphy Club and Japanese Culture & Anime Club. These clubs bring students together to explore dumpling-making, origami, calligraphy, K-pop dances, anime culture, and holiday traditions.
They are not just clubs.
They are living bridges between cultures.
International Student Leadership Program
Modeled after UC’s Student Ambassador Program, juniors and seniors can join the International Leadership Team, where they give school tours, assist at open houses, mentor new international students, serve as cultural liaisons, support visiting winter and summer program students, represent UC in international admissions events and more.
Our student leaders become role models, guiding newcomers through American school culture and proudly representing UC.
Leadership is not a title at UC.
It is a responsibility and a source of pride.
A School Where International Students Grow and Belong
I often tell families overseas:
At Union Catholic, students gain more than an American education. They gain a community that believes in them.
One powerful example of this belief happened in 2019, a year that changed the world, and a year that changed UC history.
That year, UC crowned its first-ever international student as Mr. UC, our long-standing senior pageant celebrating school spirit and leadership.
Cana Wang, from China, called it “one of the greatest moments of my life.”
In front of a packed auditorium, surrounded by cheering classmates, Cana raised his sword in victory and said:
“Union Catholic is such a great school, which has provided so many opportunities for me.
This school helps you find your value and find your meaning during your high school career.
Being here at Union Catholic is the most important thing that’s happened in my life.
This is a moment I will never forget.”
Today, our international students join sports teams, serve as club officers, perform on stage, compete in cultural and academic competitions, volunteer in service programs, build lifelong friendships, attend top U.S. universities and even open their own businesses.
But most importantly, they discover who they are and who they can become, just like how I discovered myself after coming to Union Catholic 11 years ago.
A Community that Stays Connected
International students don’t just study here. UC prepares them for college, for adulthood, and for life and it remains home long after graduation.
Our alumni return to visit. Our faculty visit them on their college campuses.
Just this summer, during the French class trip to Europe, our teacher met up with Vanessa Sang ’20, who is studying abroad and they FaceTimed me from the beach in France.
Moments like this capture exactly what makes UC different: once you join the UC family, you are always part of it, no matter where life takes you.
A Place that Feels Like Home
When I look at our international students, I often see my younger self: the girl who landed in New York City, full of hope but unsure where she belonged.
I wish she had found a place like Union Catholic earlier.
Because UC is where students feel supported, challenged, welcomed, and understood.
It is where differences are celebrated.
Where cultures are shared.
Where students grow into confident, capable, globally minded young adults.
And for so many students, including me,
UC is the place that finally feels like home.