International Student Partnership (ISP)

List of 9 items.

• What is the International Student Partnership program?

  The International Student Partnership (ISP) is a school cultural immersion program designed for boarders who are new to The Stony Brook School (SBS). As the name suggests, this program was created to meet the needs of new international students, but as the program has grown, we recognize this program may benefit domestic students as well. 
  
  Students in the ISP program will receive individual coaching and feedback about their academic work, especially reading comprehension and essay writing. Students will also receive an intensive introduction to the school culture at Stony Brook, giving them confidence in adjusting to life in a new community.
  
  During the program, participants will get to know a host family, usually the family of one of Stony Brook’s teaching faculty. As well, the student prefect board of The Stony Brook School will help lead a trip to New York City for the ISP participants, giving our new international students a chance to form friendships with our school’s student leaders.
  

   

  Should you have any questions, please contact the ISP Director.

• Who should attend the ISP Program?

  New boarding students are strongly encouraged to register for the ISP program. First priority will be given to new international students who wish to participate. After June 1, 2022, we will open up enrollment into the program for domestic students if space permits. The program will be limited to the first 15 students who enroll. Families will have the opportunity to register for the ISP program by completing a form on their Enrollment Checklist in the parent portal. Payment for the program will be billed through the Business Office after the registration is signed and submitted and after confirming that space is available. Only registered students who have paid the ISP fee in full will be permitted to attend.

• When should I arrive for the ISP program?

  For students who have been accepted to the ISP program, the first session starts on Sunday, August 21, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hollis Student Center. Families are encouraged to accompany their students to this first session, which will run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This first session will introduce students and families to The Stony Brook School community and will check to make sure all required forms for enrollment at our school have been completed. 

   

  If you will be arriving late, please contact the ISP Director. 

• Where do ISP students stay from August 21 through August 28?

  Beginning with Sunday evening on August 21, ISP students will be hosted in faculty homes on campus for the duration of the program. Each participating faculty member usually hosts two or three ISP students. The ISP program also includes a trip into NYC. For this trip, ISP students will be chaperoned at a midtown Manhattan hotel for two nights.

• What do ISP students do?

  • During the nine days of the ISP program, ISP students will receive lively and engaging instruction by members of The Stony Brook School faculty, primarily members of the English department.  These classes are designed to boost student confidence in studying at Stony Brook. Classes will include individual conferences in which each student receives careful feedback regarding writing and other academic skills. Students will be given a helpful introduction to the academic expectations at The Stony Brook School. 

  • ISP participants will be offered an extensive introduction to the college admissions process and will be given academic advisement.

  • During this time, ISP students become familiar with our school campus and meet many of the faculty and staff of The Stony Brook School. Late afternoons and evenings will usually be spent in small groups at the homes of the faculty hosts, where students will rest after a busy day, share a meal prepared by their host families, and prepare for the next day.   

• What is the NYC trip?

  The heart of the ISP program is a three day trip.  First we will spend three days in Manhattan, visiting NYC attractions, staying in for two nights in a midtown hotel, and touring distinctive Manhattan neighborhoods.
  
  This trip will be led by faculty chaperones and by a team of SBS students, chosen from among our school prefects and other student leaders.  For the trip, each international student will be partnered with an SBS student leader. This partnership forms the core of the social experience for the program.  After the trip, we will return to The Stony Brook School campus and the hosting faculty homes for the remaining days of the program. 

• What should ISP students bring with them to the ISP program?

  ISP students can arrive on August 21 with all of their luggage and supplies for the school year.  Most of this luggage will be put into storage. Students should also come with a separate suitcase and one backpack (or school bag) containing clothes and supplies for the nine days of the ISP program.  Students will also need a small traveling bag or suitcase to take on the three-day trip to NYC.  Students can dress casually for the ISP program and are encouraged to bring T-shirts, shorts, and athletic shoes, and also a swimming suit for possible trips to the beach.  ISP students will probably need one outfit appropriate for a more formal setting (what Americans call “business casual” will be fine).  Most students find having a computer or tablet with them helpful for the program.

• What expenses are covered by the ISP program?

  For the duration of the program, all primary expenses are covered by the ISP program.  Faculty hosts will provide breakfast and supper for their ISP students. ISP students will share catered lunches during their ISP class days.  All primary expenses for the NYC trip are also covered by the program, including transportation for the trip, hotel accommodations, admission tickets to various venues, and group meals.  Students will need to bring cash (or bank cards) in order to pay for lunches and snacks on the trip. Students may also wish to have cash or bank cards available for optional shopping opportunities.

• How much does the ISP program cost?

  • The cost for the ISP program is $3,500 per student. Should you decide to opt in to this program by completing the ISP permission form located in your enrollment checklist, the $3,500 ISP fee will be billed by the Business Office after the signed enrollment contract and deposit have been received.  Registration in ISP will be finalized upon completion of the ISP permission form and receipt of the ISP fee.  

  • Enrollment will be available for the first 15 students, with priority given to international boarding students through June 1st.  After June 1st, enrollment will be open to all boarding students until the program is filled. Should you fill out the ISP registration form and there are no more spots available, you will be notified and will not be billed.