From Local Classrooms to Global Conversations: ISA at the International Student Conference

ISA takes representation beyond Middlesex at The Governor's Academy’s annual International Student Conference.  

Although one of the most recently established affinity groups on campus, ISA has swiftly evolved into a central community on campus, weaving international students from diverse cultural backgrounds into the fabric of the Middlesex community. At its core, ISA has worked towards commemorating international students throughout the school year by orchestrating vibrant cultural activities like the Parade of Cultures Flag March, International Family Weekend, and bi-weekly affinity group meetings. Despite ISA’s dynamic presence and active engagements within our campus, there still remains untapped opportunities for the broader Middlesex community to learn about ISA involvement and the distinctive stories of each member of the vibrant affinity group. With this need in mind, ISA has taken to the center stage of a broader but local community of international students in an attempt to share and celebrate common experiences. Orchestrating the ISC conference, arguably the highlight of the year for ISA, was an eye-opening experience for all.

Reaching such a conference and establishing an international community was no easy feat, demanding years of meticulous logistical establishment and unwavering support. ISA emerged in 2021 under the leadership of current ISA co-head Paetyn Naidoo (’25), an international student from Johannesburg, South Africa who created the group as a support outlet for Middlesex students navigating similar experiences and adversity as international students. At the time, ISA was founded in attempts to address housing and accommodation for international students over the break; however, ISA has since taken to holistically supporting our international community. Paetyn comments that “being in a community with an eclectic mix of cultures challenges us to see the world in ways we’ve never considered before,” noting that “much of my journey as an international student was not the trip from home, but the journey towards appreciating the new perspectives around me.” With this ideology, ISA co-heads Paetyn Naidoo (‘25) and Eric Nie (‘24) brought their values to action by co-hosting the annual International Student Conference at Governor's Academy. 

Established in 2022, the conference brings together multiple New England independent boarding schools with familiar names including Andover, Exeter, St. Marks, Milton, and St. Paul’s. Students with international backgrounds were not only invited to partake in conference activities but were also encouraged to host workshops on influential topics of their choice. Middlesex, having brought together over 20 members of the ISA, hosted two interactive and thought-provoking workshops run by Lauren Chan (’26), Sixing Wang (’26), David Yang (’26), Bryan Dong (’27), and Jessica Wu (’27). Reflecting on the workshop “Reshaping the Lens: International Students in Media,” co-host Jessica Wu ’27 shares, “the workshop was truly an enthralling opportunity. It offered us a space to engage with international students with similar but unique perspectives. Ultimately, it was a great means of spreading impactful messages to a broader community, aligning seamlessly with the underpinned values behind our workshop.” Similarly, David Yang (’26), both an attendee and workshop host at the conference, reflects on the experience: “the workshops encompassed such a diversity of different facets of the international student experience, many of which provided a sense of support and comfort through their spotlight.” Most importantly, the Middlesex ISA group unanimously agreed that the conference was an indelible opportunity to make new connections. Likewise, Stephanie Park (‘24) from Milton Academy highlights her experiences in engaging with Middlesex students. She shares that “as a student with limited avenues to engage with international students outside of Milton Academy, encountering peers who shared similar experiences at the ISC conference felt akin to a breath of fresh air. My interactions, especially with students from Middlesex, were particularly memorable, as they were very friendly and approachable!” The conference concluded with an insightful keynote speech by Groton Headmaster Temba Maqubela, who drew from his experiences during Apartheid South Africa, delivering a powerful message on resilience and conformity to the conference attendees. 

The significance of the conference went beyond being merely a social event; rather, it was an outlet for international students to share their experiences, find solace in others, and educate themselves on pressing issues affecting international students. Paetyn Naidoo and Eric Nie denoted that the “Governors Academy’s ISC regional conference allowed the Middlesex community to connect with an even wider global diaspora”, concluding that the student-run workshops not only allowed for the growth of attendees as people but also “emphasized how much of our learning happens outside of the classroom.” Such conferences act as an expansion of ISA’s values and embody the affinity group’s initiatives toward cultivating a truly global mindset at Middlesex. Looking ahead, Middlesex is poised to continue advocating for international students through ISA-run activities with the exciting prospect of hosting the next ISC conference on our very own campus! ISA has ambitious plans for the new semester and years ahead, promising a wealth of enriching experiences for the entire Middlesex community.

Bryan Dong