International Students
One of the unique features and mission arms of Southside Christian School is our International Student Program (ISP), which welcomes qualified international students to study at SCS while living with English-speaking, Christian homestay families.
We believe the homestay model provides a meaningful environment for both academic and personal growth. Living with a homestay family gives international students an authentic opportunity to develop their English, experience American culture, and build lasting relationships while receiving intentional emotional and social support. Throughout the year, we provide ongoing support to both international students and homestay families to help create a positive and successful experience.
Established in 2010, the ISP is reviewed every five years by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as part of the school’s accreditation process.
The ISP is more than an opportunity for international students to study at SCS. It is an opportunity for our entire school community to learn from one another. International students bring new cultures, perspectives, languages, and experiences to our campus, helping local students develop a broader understanding of the world and their place within it.
Our goal is to cultivate a global, Kingdom-minded school culture that encourages students to look beyond themselves and recognize what God is doing around the world. Our campus is home to a vibrant international community, with students and graduates connected to countries including China, Brazil, Germany, Eswatini, Austria, Czechia, Spain, Chile, Haiti, Taiwan, Canada, Vietnam, France, Hungary, India, the Bahamas, South Korea, Ethiopia, and many more.
At our core, we believe learning is enriched through global connection. At SCS, the world comes together—and we are better because of it.
-
Brad and Zack Zhou
ISP student from ChinaDuring our four years at Southside Christian School, we have experienced the kindness, care, and joy of both our classmates and teachers. We’ve been immersed in a culture that is very different from China, and through this, we’ve grown in many ways. Living with our homestay family—as sons of the Head of School, Dr. Sam and Mrs. Jenni Barfell—we received the warmth and support of a true family. We’ve developed good habits, learned valuable life skills, and most importantly, we’ve come to know Christ.
Learn More & Apply
Interested in applying for the International Student Program? Contact Carla Evans at cevans@southsidechristian.org for more information, check out the tuition and fees, or apply now.
1
/
14
Meet the Director of Student Life & International Relations
Carla Evans provides leadership for every aspect of our International Student Program. She holds bachelor’s degrees from Southern Wesleyan University in music and psychology and a certification in teaching English as a second language from the University of Cambridge. She has a Master of Education degree from Columbia International University.
Carla has held various teaching positions from kindergarten through adult studies in the United States and Europe, including a term on the mission field in the Czech Republic. At Southside Christian School, she has served as the Elementary School music teacher and has taught in Student Success Services. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Carla was involved in many aspects of the International Student Program before becoming the Director. She has also directed the Southside Christian Summer English Academy since 2012, coordinated academic support programs and group activities for international students, and worked closely with the homestay families, homestay students, and the High School faculty. Carla and her husband have two sons, Rylee, her niece, and host an international student, Menzi.
