International students are an important part of the Northwood community, bringing cultures, experiences and perspectives from around the world. They also contribute to the school’s athletic programs, including hockey and soccer.

International athletes bring playing styles and experiences developed in their home countries. Their presence gives teammates opportunities to learn different approaches to their sports, form friendships and gain a broader understanding of other cultures.

“Our 75 international, Native American and First Nation students represent 27 nations,” Director of College Counseling and International Student Services Mr. David McCauley said. “They teach us about their cultures, traditions and experiences, one student at a time.”

McCauley supports Northwood’s international students and helps coordinate programs that celebrate the school’s cultural diversity. Northwood’s website describes the school as a global community in which international students participate fully in academic, athletic, residential and social life.

One of the school’s initiatives, The Language Machine, takes place during all-school meetings. McCauley introduces an international student who teaches the community how to say, “Have a good week, Huskies,” in the student’s native language. The school then repeats the phrase together.

Filip Zatko ’28, a hockey player from the Czech Republic, shared his experience as a first-year Northwood student. This is his second year studying in the United States. Before arriving at Northwood, he attended a hockey school in Pennsylvania and learned about Northwood through a recruiting agent.

Zatko said one of his favorite aspects of Northwood is the way the school combines academics and hockey. In Europe, he said, school and athletics were more separate. He also appreciates the independence, education and athletic support Northwood provides.

“It is really nice to be in Lake Placid. I enjoy it so much,” Zatko said.

As an international student myself, I have also found Northwood to be an opportunity to learn from people with different backgrounds and develop as both a person and an athlete.

Whether in the classroom, on the hockey rink or on the soccer field, international students bring different experiences to Northwood and give members of the community opportunities to learn from one another.