Find the Right U.S. Boarding School for Your Child.

GESP made a huge difference for our family. Without their help, a boarding-school education in the U.S. would have felt out of reach for us. They guided us through every step of the process, from finding the right schools to applying for financial aid, which can be overwhelming when you're doing it from another country.

What helped us most was knowing we weren't alone. They were always available to answer our questions, and that gave us a lot of peace of mind, especially when our son was far from home for the first time. We're very grateful for their support.

Things are going really well. He's now in his second year at Dickinson College, and he seems much more settled and confident than last year. Balancing classes and soccer isn't easy, but he's learned to stay organized, and we're very proud of his effort. He also has a great group of friends, which has made being away from home much easier.

We miss him, but watching him grow and become more independent has been very rewarding. We're so grateful to GESP for making this possible

I would tell them to go for it, but to be prepared. It's a big change for the whole family, and the first months can be hard, both for the student and for the parents at home. But the opportunities that come with it are worth it.

My advice is to stay in close communication with your child, be patient while they adjust, and lean on programs like GESP that know the process well. And for the students: work hard, be open to new experiences, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

GESP helped me with the overall process of applying to boarding schools. They assisted me with collecting all necessary documents and helped me better understand what to expect when moving to the States. GESP also assisted me in the college soccer recruiting process by recommending schools and explaining the overall process of committing to a college for soccer.

I got to meet so many people from different states and countries while at Williston. I also got to experience so many things that we don’t have back home in Iceland, such as high school sports, late night football games, clubs, prom, senior assassin, spirit days and so much more.

I would tell a student considering U.S. boarding school to take the opportunity! I loved my experience at my boarding school and it allowed me to become more independent, experience a different culture and make friends from all over the world. Moving away from home to another country can be challenging but it pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you grow. I think a U.S. boarding school allows you to see the world from a different perspective which is one of the reasons I am happy I chose to go to a boarding school.

Leni was extremely attentive and helpful during all our process. We found her support to be extra important for us, being our first time. She made it simpler.

Everything has gone smoothly, everyone at IMS has been wonderful towards our daughter and her needs; she’s been able to start forging very nice friendships, her roommate is kind and empathetic; she’s thrilled with her classes, and specially with soccer. We’re very grateful for this opportunity she’s having in this incredible environment in IMS.

To take a chance and a leap of faith, because it’s looking to be one of the best decisions we’ve made for our daughter’s well being and future. All the parties involved are experts in their respective roles, and trusting them has made everything better.

GESP helped our family navigate the move from Mexico into the U.S. boarding school experience, supporting Sebastián throughout his time at Williston Northampton and later helping him find his college opportunity at Union.

What stood out most was the continuity of their support. Their involvement went well beyond placement: they remained close, available, and genuinely interested in Sebastián and our family throughout the process. Their guidance helped us make important decisions with greater confidence, and their warmth made a journey far from home feel much less overwhelming.

Our relationship with GESP also includes our older son, Nicolás, so our appreciation comes from seeing their care and guidance across different stages of both our sons’ education. We feel very fortunate to have had a team we could trust, who understood that these decisions involve much more than choosing a school.

Sebastián is now beginning his college journey at Union College, where he is continuing his education while pursuing his passion for soccer. Looking back on his time at Williston Northampton, we deeply value the preparation that boarding school gave him for this next chapter, academically, athletically, and personally.

Moving away from home and adapting to a new environment is a significant step for any young person and their family. There are challenges along the way, but also valuable opportunities to develop independence, build friendships, and learn to navigate new situations. As parents, it means a great deal to see him taking these steps with the foundation and support he received throughout this journey.

We would encourage families to look beyond a school’s name and focus on the right fit for their child: the academic environment, athletic opportunities, community, and support available while living away from home.

Boarding school can be a valuable opportunity for growth, but the transition requires preparation, patience, and open communication. Having advisors who understand your child and remain involved throughout the journey can make a meaningful difference.

For our family, that is what made GESP so valuable. They brought experience and perspective to important decisions, along with the warmth and personal attention that parents need when their children are far away. We would wholeheartedly recommend them to families considering this path.