Empathy. This is what Rice principal Andy Nagy highlights as a reason for Rice’s recent trips abroad to promote the school internationally. 

Recently, Rice staff members Heatherly Allard, Director of International Admissions; Susan Essex-Luce, International Admissions Associate; and Mr. Nagy have been traveling to different parts of the world, spreading word about Rice’s international exchange program. Mr. Nagy emphasized that they are doing this “to be able to have our local students exposed to different cultures and languages,” and “firmly believe[s] that if you can develop a sense of international mindedness, it… connects to having a feeling of empathy and understanding for other people.” 

Nagy noted Rice’s Catholic identity, and its connection to the Catholic Church, which is one “the largest international organizations in the world, and part of what’s so important about that is…embracing everyone. And I think that’s what we like to do here.” It makes the transition easier for international students, even if not Catholic, and helps them to be welcomed into the community. 

Quan “Tiger” Le, an international exchange student from Vietnam, said that, “I was worried about not being able to make friends because of my limited English, but that first month I made some of my best friends.” 

Mr. Nagy also addressed the declining student-age population in the state of Vermont. Seven Days reporter Alison Novak recently noted in her story on shrinking student populations that, according to US Census data, “in the past 20 years, the state has lost more than a quarter of its public school students.” Mr. Nagy emphasized it is of even greater importance now that international students come to Rice, as it is the only private high school in Chittenden County with an international program. 

Recently, trips to foreign nations have included nations in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Nagy explained that Rice representatives go on these trips to promote the school to agents, who then promote the school to students interested in studying abroad from their home country. 

As for the future? “We’re hoping for about 10% of our student population [to be international],” said Nagy. “[As of] right now, we’re a school of 407 students, so we’re hoping to get to about 40 [international students] at some point in time.” 

For right now, Rice will keep promoting itself internationally, but still focus on the students they have currently, helping students to understand cultural differences and helping to develop better relationships and a sense of empathy.