
From host families who make Minnesota feel like home, to college counselors who know exactly what admissions committees want to see, every dimension of our program is designed with one goal: to form young people equipped for life beyond — wherever in the world that takes them.



Our fully accredited program and highly-qualified faculty hold every student to a higher standard, because we believe that is exactly what they deserve. Students wishing to study abroad are invited to explore our High School Program, Student Life, and get to know the Minneapolis region.
Julia shares about her experience at Maranatha having come from Taiwan & Vietnam. Unsure at first of whether or not MCA was for her, Julia has come to find her home here at Maranatha Christian Academy.

Welcome to Maranatha's International Student Program. Here students from around the world receive a Christ-centered education in a community where they are known, supported, and challenged. Through strong English development, rigorous college preparation, and life with experienced homestay families, we equip students not only for university success but for a life that reflects Christian love, service, and excellence.
We have a dedicated International Student Program Coordinator who serves as an advisor, teacher, and confidant to all international students on a daily basis, and regularly monitors their academic achievement. The International Student Program Coordinator plays a pivotal role in facilitating communication between students, teachers, host parents and natural parents, ensuring the success of our students.
The Coordinator works with faculty on how to best serve the needs of international students and to deepen their understanding of working with students from varying cultures.
Maranatha offers beginner to advanced English Language Learner (ELL) courses with a 5:1 student to teacher ratio for all international students. All first-year international students are enrolled in ELL to help with the cultural transition to an American high school environment, develop strong academic English and vocabulary, and cultivate their skills in all four domains - speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Academic transition and language support is provided throughout the student’s time at Maranatha and in preparation for postsecondary education. The International Student Program Coordinator is available for ongoing academic support, especially in the areas of History, English, and Bible, essay writing and high-level reading comprehension, as well as to assist students in their understanding of American educational standards.
We offer college application support, particularly with primary college application essays and supplemental writing essays. Maranatha has a strong emphasis on college preparatory writing, and higher Lexile level reading, students work one-on-one or in small groups with the International Student Program Coordinator throughout the entire duration of their MCA experience.
All international students have the Program Coordinator and licensed professional counselors available to help them navigate homesickness, friendships, social situations, stress, and culture shock. When needed, the International Student Program Coordinator works closely with the School Counselors and/or Dean of Students to be sure the student is happy and healthy during their time at MCA. Support includes connecting international students to traditional students, faculty and administration, and co-curricular activities.
One-on-one meetings with the Dean of Students to create class schedule, acclimation to classroom and school culture, laptop orientation, plagiarism discussion, school supply shopping, sight-seeing in the Twin Cities, student networking opportunities, and more.
International host families are carefully recruited, selected, and vetted to ensure the highest quality experience for our students. The International Student Program Coordinator works closely with students and their host families to ensure that the home is a safe, welcoming, happy environment for all. Quarterly home visits, one-on-one check-ins with students and host families, communication with natural parents, and student/family events are all ways that the Program Coordinator works with host families and students to build routine, communication, and a supportive experience.
Maranatha has experienced host families, most of which have students of their own who attend our school. The program coordinator personally visits each home and conducts an orientation to explain expectations and the family’s role in helping students adjust to American culture. Students enjoy traveling with their host families, experiencing American holiday traditions, and sharing their cultures with their host families.
Open your home to a student studying abroad.
Events and Activities
International Student Tuition and Fees
Steps for International Students to apply to study at Maranatha