{"id":59378,"date":"2026-10-06T14:09:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T18:09:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.assistscholars.org\/?p=59378"},"modified":"2026-10-06T16:00:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T20:00:30","slug":"orientation-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.assistscholars.org\/en\/orientation-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"Ready for the Year Ahead: Welcoming the ASSIST Class of 2027"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From August 4th – 8th, the ASSIST Class of 2027 gathered at Marlborough College in England for four unforgettable days of connection and preparation before embarking on their school year abroad. For many, it was the first chance to meet fellow Scholars who will share this experience with them, even as they head in different directions for the academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a Group of Scholars to a Community<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Orientation began by bringing Scholars together and giving them space to get to know each other. Tuesday evening welcome games (including a spirited rock-paper-scissors tournament) and dorm floor meetings quickly created bonds, turning unfamiliar faces into friends. On Wednesday morning, an opening Convocation formally kicked off the week with a dynamic lineup of student performers and readers. Throughout the week, advisory groups provided Scholars with a smaller community within the larger class: a place to ask questions, reflect, and build relationships with staff and peers. The week balanced preparation with plenty of time to connect, including an international soccer match, outdoor team-building activities, a memorable dance party and a barbecue dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing for More Than the First Day of School<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of Orientation, Scholars learn how to prepare for the realities – and opportunities – of an ASSIST year. Through classes and conversations, Scholars reviewed school rules and expectations, received guidance on adjusting to a new home and culture, discussed where to turn for support when challenges arise, and explored what it means to become an active member of their new school community. Hands-on American sports clinics in baseball, lacrosse and football gave Scholars a taste of traditions they’ll encounter at their new schools. The goal: to leave Orientation knowing they have the tools, relationships and support to navigate what comes next.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Learning From Those Who Have Been There<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most valuable resources for incoming Scholars is the ASSIST alumni network. During a dedicated alumni panel, former Scholars shared their own experiences and offered perspective on the year ahead – from navigating unfamiliar situations to making the most of new opportunities. Their stories gave the Class of 2027 a chance to hear directly from people who once sat exactly where they were sitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating What Each Scholar Brings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Orientation isn’t only about preparing Scholars for a new culture – it’s also about celebrating the cultures they bring with them. That spirit came to life during Traditions of Our Cultures, one of the week’s culminating events, where performances allow Scholars to share pieces of home and experience the full diversity of their class. By the week’s end, 31 countries no longer represented a statistic. They represented friends, roommates and teammates whose paths will stay connected long after Orientation ends.<\/p>\n\n\n

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And Now, the Year Begins<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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We’re excited to watch the Class of 2027 bring their curiosity, talents and perspectives to their new school communities – and to see where this extraordinary year takes them. Welcome, Class of 2027! Your ASSIST year has officially begun.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

On August 8, Scholars departed Marlborough College for the next stage of their journeys. They left with practical preparation for the months ahead, and something harder to capture in a schedule: a community they’ll carry with them throughout and beyond their ASSIST year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From August 4th – 8th, the ASSIST Class of 2027 gathered at Marlborough College in England for four unforgettable days of connection and preparation before embarking on their school year abroad. 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