Studying at the American Hebrew Academy, USA

Interview with a student at the American Hebrew Academy

The American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro (North Carolina) is the only international Jewish boarding school.

The Academy gathered talented students from 28 States and 31 countries, creating a unique academic environment.

I met the school Director Glenn Drew at the conference on international education in Berlin. In half an hour of conversation, he completely convinced me that this school gives children an excellent education and forms conscious members of society.

After learning that Glen will soon be in Kyiv, I came up with the idea to share knowledge about his school in my blog. But since I did not attend this school by myself, I asked Glen to arrange for me an interview with Russian-speaking high school students at the American Hebrew Academy.

Irina Ronin student of grade 11, a student at the Academy for the third year. Before that, Irina studied at the famous Moscow school named after Dr. Lipman.

Interview with Irina

L: Tell me why did you choose this school?

I: I always wanted to study in America and when I found out more about this school, I realized that this is an incredible chance for me to get a good education abroad and make my dream come true. The American Hebrew Academy gives me everything I could dream of, and most importantly: friends for all my life from different parts of the world, good education and a chance to be involved in Jewish life.

I have never regretted my choice.

L: What, in your opinion, does boarding school give as opposed to day school?

I: Unlike day schools, students can form relationships for all their lives, not just school years. I know many people who remained best friends after graduating from school, even getting married. Also, due to the fact that we have children from all over the world in our school, we learn about different cultures and learn new languages. The atmosphere throughout the school inspires learning because everyone around you learns, no matter where: on the lawn near the house, in the room or in the classroom, but throughout the campus, there is an atmosphere of study and determination, which also manifests itself in sports.

I am now in 11th grade and often think about my future in College. I was recently on tours in several universities and realized that those

students who graduate from boarding schools do not have problems with time management in universities, the balance between study and friends and, most importantly, know how to live without parents. Many kids came to College to learn what it is to live away from home, but pupils of boarding schools have already prepared for this a long time and got used to it, unlike the pupils of day schools.

L: what is the difference of education in the Hebrew Academy from other American boarding schools?

I: I've never studied at other schools in America, but I can compare the American Hebrew Academy (AHA) with my day-school in Moscow. Here students have the chance to celebrate all the Jewish holidays, pray on Shabbat, and fast. And moreover, almost all students do it, making the experience truly unforgettable at this Jewish school. Also, each year there is a minimum of Jewish class hours for each student in the school. We have such subjects as the Holocaust, the Bible, Jewish history, Life in Israel and many others.

The Jewish Department in the school is absolutely excellent and is assembled with different parts of the world: America, Israel, Canada, and even Argentina. Everyone views Judaism differently, but for absolutely every person in our community there is a place and it is certain that one of the offered prayer options will please.

L: Do you participate in public works projects and how does it happen?

I: Public works is a very large and important part of life at AHA. Each student has a year to fulfil 18 hours of Tikkun Olam (public works). I love all the projects that we are given to choose from, but I always choose my favourites: SPCA (caring for puppies), and most importantly — work with young children and the elderly. Students of the Academy believe that it is very important to help loved ones around you. We must always try to change the world because it can change only if everyone starts to help and try to give good.

L: Glen told me that all students in grade 11 visit Israel. Tell me about this trip.

I: I did not go to Israel and there are several reasons for this: when part of the 11 grade left, I stayed in the classroom only with a few people and in most cases was either alone in the class, or with another person. Due to the fact that I did not go to Israel, I had more free time I could spend on an in-depth study of the English language. Although most of my friends went and said it was an unforgettable trip, which brings classes and opens your eyes to the realities of life in Israel. Many who have travelled dream of returning there all together again and I think I would definitely go if I had a second chance to do it.

L: Children from what countries are studying with you in class, from which countries your friends came. How do you think your relationship will turn out 10 years after graduation?

I: As I said before, the relationships that are formed at the Academy remain for all your life. I have many friends from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Canada, Ethiopia, Hungary, Israel and other countries. Every year I get neighbours from Mexico and unfortunately, they all come to the Academy for one year only. Thus, because of the relationships that I have formed with my neighbour last year, I was able this year to go to Mexico for the first time in my life and to see her there. With all your friends from the Academy, which not came back, I still talk every day and the distance has never been a hindrance for us because the relationships that we build here is unique.

L: Describe in more detail the place where the school is located.

I: We have a very large campus with 2 educational buildings, a dining room, 15 residential buildings, a sports complex with a swimming pool, football field, american football field and tennis courts. The Academy has a place for everything. We even have our own heating system, water and energy supply throughout the campus. Throughout the campus, works Wi-Fi, to which pupils can easily connect. Each class has no more than 14 people, which helps the teacher to better know their students individually and to pay attention to and help everyone. Teachers also stay after school every day if we need extra help and also before school, if we are really worried (before tests and large projects).

The Academy is located in the small town of Greensboro, which is an hour drive from the major cities of the state of North Carolina: the Role and Charlotte. Greensboro is the perfect place to study, as the town is very quiet but also has everything you could wish. There are many shopping centers, tasty restaurants, cinemas, theaters, skating rinks, parks and even its own airport 5 minutes drive from the Academy.
The climate is generally very pleasant and clear to the students from Europe: winter is cold and snowy, but it's a warm pleasant temperature from April to October.

L: What are your plans after graduation?

I: I plan to enrol in one of the prestigious universities in America to continue my life in America. I don't know yet who I want to apply for, since the school opened upmany new talents in me, which previously I even couldn't imagine and that makes my choice more difficult and more serious.