Cypress, California may not be on many internationally acclaimed bucket lists, but for Oxford Academy’s newest international students, it presents a world of new opportunities. Students Esther Li, Leo Zhang, and Tony Hoang recount their experiences joining Oxford — a close knit community of students who have known each other for years — as an exciting new presence, not just adding variety but also bringing fascinating stories, traditions, and unique perspectives, fostering unity and empathy.
The Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) international student relations program hosts two types of international students; guest students, hosted by a resident student and who stay for up to 10 days, and enrolled students, who live locally, receive grades, and require an F-1 student visa. AUHSD is one of two public school districts in Orange County that have the ability to accept F-1 students.
AUHSD’s International Student Relations and Services Coordinator John Green explained that the majority of F-1 students come to America in a ‘gap year’, often meaning that their grades do not count back home.”The student is driven primarily for cultural experience and learning more about the United States, while also improving their English.”
Esther Li is a F-1 Senior who joins Oxford from Shenzhen, China. Hoping to attend university in the U.S., Li’s teachers’ at home encouraged her to apply to Oxford for an international exchange year. Coming from a big, metropolitan city, Li was surprised at the car-reliant transportation of American suburbs and the structure of Oxford schedules. Though the food here may not be her favorite, she appreciates the warm welcome at Oxford, and hopes to explore more of California and its beaches in her free time here.
“I’m really glad that I’m here,” Li said. “It’s been a really interesting experience, and I’m always open to making new friends and meeting new people.”
Similarly here in preparation to pursue university in the U.S., Leo Zhang joins Oxford as a Junior from Beijing China. Zhang arrives in hopes of experiencing the ‘native environment of American high school life’ and adapting to the ‘anglophone culture’. He appreciates the comprehensive education and lifestyle that Oxford has provided him during and beyond school hours, particularly enjoying and being surprised by the energy and creativity offered in spirit weeks. Despite initial challenges with language, Zhang says that he appreciates the assistance of classmates and teachers who are always ready to lend a helping hand.
“I’m having a great time enjoying the view in CA and also making friends and learning US history these days. Teachers and students here are nice, and the environment here is harmonious and energetic,” Zhang said.
Meanwhile, Senior Tony Hoang’s story differs from many of our other international students, who arrive directly enrolled in the AUHSD district. Originally from Vietnam, he came to the U.S. last year and attended Orange County Christian School before coming to Oxford. Coming to the U.S. to live with his grandparents and aunts, Hoang was excited to explore a new adventure. He found Oxford after researching public schools and hearing that AUHSD accepted international students.
“I expected it to be really competitive, and everyone is really talented and really good students, but they are also really kind and friendly!” Hoang said. Compared to his previous school and academic life back home, Hoang appreciates Oxford’s diverse personality along with the energy and dynamic of his classmates.
Despite any initial language or social barriers, these three international students have already immersed themselves in American and Oxford society, becoming invaluable parts of the student body. Beyond their personal experiences, they have also made a massive impact on Oxford’s student and community lenses.
“The value to the resident student is that it builds empathy,” Green said. “Our children, our students [are] concerned beyond themselves, beyond their own community, outside of the country. So to build a relationship with somebody means that empathy piece, maybe it helps build peace,”
Through their courage to step into a new community and our willingness to welcome them, both students gain an invaluable connection. As Green said, “The other student came five thousand miles. I would encourage the resident student to take a few steps to meet them.”
