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The ASSIST Difference
Established in 1969, ASSIST is the gold standard in international student exchange. We are mission-aligned matchmakers, connecting leading American independent schools with international scholars who change the conversation in their classrooms.
Our Scholars
ASSIST Scholars are some of the most exceptional students from around the world, many from countries underrepresented in independent school populations. As cultural ambassadors, they are passionate and effective; as students and community members, they shine.
Our Recruitment Process
Our member schools have long trusted ASSIST to recruit exceptional international students, saving valuable time and travel resources. We also manage the entire application, vetting, and orientation process, ensuring Scholars arrive prepared on day one.
ASSIST’s innovative, in-person interview means we get to know candidates on a deep level before selecting and ultimately pairing them with a school. We only accept very strong students who show leadership potential, interpersonal skills, and an interest in pushing outside of their comfort zone. They are uniquely ready to study abroad and contribute to their American schools.
ASSIST Handles:
- Recruitment in regions ranging from Europe to Africa
- Applications
- In-person interviews
- Duolingo language testing to ensure English proficiency
- Robust orientations for well-prepared new students
Benefits of Membership:
- Scholars that change the conversation in your classrooms
- Increased global diversity on your campus
- Scholars who make exceptional impact across campus
Our '24-'25 Scholars Come From:
Austria
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
France
Germany
Georgia
Hungary
Lithuania
Mexico
Moldova
New Zealand
Palestine
Poland
Serbia
Slovakia
Somaliland
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Optional Member School Program: ASSIST Finalist Referral Program
Each year, we receive more applications from qualified students than we have scholarships to award. For our schools still looking to fill their last few open places in Spring, ASSIST can refer students not offered scholarships, but who we feel could do well at our member schools, for direct placement as tuition-paying candidates.
Each student’s tuition and possible aid package will be evaluated based on the school’s own individual financial aid forms and assessment. ASSIST informs these families in advance that if admitted, they can expect to pay $50,000 USD or more based on the school’s available financial aid and the family’s financial need.