Bellarmine Preparatory School encompasses a diverse student body, welcoming students from all different backgrounds and countries including Japan, China, Guatemala, South Korea, France, and many more.

With the International Student Program continually growing each year thanks to coordinator Kristin Torgerson who earned a Bilingual BA Education, ESL from Saint Martin’s University and B.S. Japanese Studies from Central Washington University, Bellarmine welcomes 17 International students this semester.

The international students have already begun making their mark, starting clubs, succeeding in athletics and activities, and taking advantage of their time and opportunities at school.

While they do miss family, friends, and activities at home, the international students highlight their favorite experiences so far.

Yumiko, a sophomore from Japan, and Isabel, a sophomore from Guatemala, share their love for learning about American culture and diversity. Yumiko is interested in working around the world. With her ability to speak Chinese, Japanese, and English, she is able to understand how people around the world think about important things.

In hopes of making new friendships and meeting more people, Madoka, Takeru, and Amane, aim to make the most out of their experience participating in many great clubs at Bellarmine. Madoka, Takeru, and Amane, freshmen from Japan, all signed up for the Korean culture club, a fellow International student, Seyong’s club. Takeru and Amane also joined the badminton club, Chinese club, and Nintendo club.

Sasa, a sophomore from Japan, states, “Everything is fun here. I enjoyed the sophomore girls retreat, getting to spend time with classmates, and make friends. I enjoy football games also, because there are no football games in Japan. Dressing in themes and celebrating one team is fun.”

Seyong, a freshman from South Korea, writes, “Club Fair has been my favorite experience, I was absent at L’arche, and my friends had to run my club’s sign-ups instead. I came back and found that so many kids joined my Korean Culture Club.”

Aaron, a senior from China, shares, “I loved homecoming, it was fun. The lights and the music, and dancing. I also went to a Tiesto concert in Seattle.”

The international students are taking advantage of all of the opportunities provided here. From making memories to friends, they hope others know to not be afraid to say “hi” and meet somebody new.