1. How many international students attend Reserve?

Each year Reserve’s student body of 385 includes approximately 45 students from 23 foreign countries.

2. What is a Friendship Family?

All international students are matched with a local family who will serve as your hosts for the school year. Most Friendship Families also have a student who attends Reserve. They will welcome you, help you get settled, invite you to share meals and occasional weekends with them, show you the sites and answer any questions you may have. As they share American culture with you, we hope you will share some of your culture with them. Before you arrive at Reserve, we will provide you with contact information for your Friendship Family.

3. Where is the nearest airport?

There are two airports within a 40-minute drive of the school. Most students fly into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. (A smaller airport, Akron-Canton Airport, is also nearby.) At the beginning and end of school vacation periods, Reserve will arrange for student pick-up and delivery. You must notify the school’s Deans' Office of your specific flight information prior to your arrival or departure.

4. What is the weather like at Reserve?

The average temperature in October is 53 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). In January, the average temperature drops to 26 degrees F (-4C); by April, average temperatures have risen to 48 degrees F (9C). During the winter at Reserve, you will need a warm winter jacket, gloves, hat and boots.  For additional weather information, visit www.weather.com.

5. What do I do when I arrive?

All international students should plan to arrive in the U.S. and be ready to move into dormitories at the time specified in the summer mailing information. If your parents plan to accompany you, we can provide information about nearby accommodations; Reserve also has a guesthouse with limited space available (there is a donation of $35 for each night’s stay). Parents should know that once students arrive on campus, they will be quite busy with registration and other activities.

6. How will I learn everything I need to know?

New Student Orientation and a special International Student Orientation will help you get acquainted with the Reserve community. You will also be assigned a faculty advisor who can answer any questions you may have. In addition, you should feel free to ask your teachers, coaches, dorm masters and other students for help.

7. What are classes like?

Classes are small, and there is frequently a lot of discussion during class periods. Your teachers may have different teaching styles, but you will get to know them well and learn what they expect of you.

8. What if I have problems with my classes or my English?

Teachers are available to help you after class or in the evening. Reserve also offers student tutors and an Academic Enrichment Center where you can go for extra help in English and other subjects. Your advisor can help you work out a plan to make sure you are getting all the help you need.

9. What if I get sick?

Reserve students have access to medical care 24 hours a day. Nurses are on duty in our Health Center or on call whenever students need medical attention, and a physician is also available. If you regularly take prescription medication, you should contact the Health Center for guidelines.

10. What is the food like?

Reserve’s dining hall offers a wide variety of foods. Daily menus always include alternative choices, including pasta and salads. Because we have many students who are vegetarians or have dietary restrictions, our kitchen staff works hard to provide a selection of choices at each meal. In addition, the town of Hudson has several restaurants with a variety of ethnic foods, just a five-minute walk from campus. Students are also allowed to keep food in their rooms.

11. What do I do during weekends and vacations?

During weekends, you can participate in school activities including movies, dances, shopping, cultural performances and sporting events.

During school vacation periods, dormitories are closed and students are not permitted to stay on campus. Because of distance, however, many international students choose not to return home during school vacations. You can opt to stay with relatives or friends living in the U.S. or visit your Friendship Family (a Reserve host family) Often there are trips sponsored by faculty members that you can take part in. Please LOOK VERY CAREFULLY at the school calendar and consult with your family before making specific vacation plans.

12. Will I get help applying to college?

Yes. A college guidance counselor will help guide you through the testing and application process. In addition, over 75 colleges and universities send representatives to our campus each year. Recent international graduates attend such universities of Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Tufts, New York University, and more.