What To Expect as an International Student-Athlete at IMG Academy

For student-athletes pursuing excellence in both academics and athletics, choosing the right boarding school is about more than finding great coaches or strong academics. It's about finding an environment where every part of your development is supported.

At IMG Academy, international student-athletes from more than 70 countries live, train, learn, and prepare for college together in a campus designed specifically for athletic and academic success.

So, what does a typical day actually look like?

Here's an inside look at life as an international boarding student at IMG Academy, from a 2026 workshop for student-athletes and their parents.

Watch the full international student-athlete workshop to hear more about the IMG Academy boarding experience from students, families, and enrollment leaders.

Starting the Day With Purpose

Every day begins with a structured schedule designed to balance academics and athletic development.

Depending on their sport, student-athletes either attend classes in the morning before training or train first and attend classes later in the day. This rotating schedule mirrors what many collegiate athletic programs use, helping students develop time-management skills before they reach college.

For Xiao Ling, a tennis student-athlete from Shanghai, China, mornings typically consisted of two or three academic classes before heading to lunch and then beginning several hours of tennis training.

"Everybody's kind of rushing to get somewhere," she explained. "It really resembles the college life that I'm about to enter."

Balancing Elite Athletics and Rigorous Academics

Life at IMG Academy is demanding, but intentionally so.

International student-athletes spend their days balancing:

• College preparatory coursework
• AP and Honors classes (when eligible)
• Sport-specific training
• Strength and conditioning
• Athletic & Personal Development (APD)
• Study time
• Recovery
• Leadership opportunities

Learning how to manage these responsibilities prepares students for the expectations they'll encounter in college athletics.

"The balance is very hard," Xiao said. "But the resources around me helped me maintain that balance over the long run."

Faculty, coaches, and academic counselors work together to help students navigate busy schedules, make up assignments when competitions arise, and stay on track academically.

Training Without Leaving Campus

One of the biggest differences international families notice about IMG Academy is that nearly every resource a student-athlete needs is located on one campus.

Instead of traveling between coaches, gyms, nutritionists, sports psychologists, and classrooms, students have access to:

• Sport-specific coaches
• Strength & conditioning coaches
• Athletic trainers
• Sports science resources
• Nutrition education
• Mental performance coaching
• Recovery facilities
• Academic support
• College counseling

All of these services are integrated into each student's daily schedule.

For tennis athletes like Xiao, afternoons included:

• Technical tennis practice
• Strength and conditioning
• Speed and agility work
• Athletic & Personal Development sessions covering leadership, nutrition, and mental performance
• Optional private lessons or additional court time

"It's easy to find people who can help you whenever you have a problem or a question," she said. "That was the best part of IMG."

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Academics remain a central part of the IMG Academy experience.

Students can pursue challenging coursework that prepares them for competitive universities while receiving individualized support from teachers and college counselors.

Xiao, who will attend UCLA as a physics major, credits IMG Academy's academic flexibility with helping her pursue advanced coursework while continuing to train at a high level.

She took AP Physics C, enrolled in online college-level mathematics courses, and worked closely with her college counselor throughout the admissions process.

"Our college counselors really cared on a personal level," she said. "Whenever I had a question, it would immediately get answered."

Building Community Through the IMG Academy Boarding Experience

Moving to another country can feel intimidating.

That's why IMG Academy intentionally creates opportunities for international students to build friendships both inside and outside their sport.

With students representing more than 70 countries, international student-athletes quickly become part of a truly global community.

Outside of training, students participate in clubs and leadership organizations including:

• Chess Club
• National Honor Society
• Cross-Age Mentoring
• Student Ambassadors
• Service projects
• Leadership initiatives

For Xiao, clubs helped connect students from different sports and grade levels.

"Through clubs, you meet everybody," she explained. "It really connects people across sports."

Living at IMG Academy as an International Student

For many international families, the biggest question isn't about athletics, it's about daily life.

Who helps students when they're homesick?

Who supports them outside the classroom?

IMG Academy's residential program is designed to provide that support.

Dorm mentors and residential staff help students adjust to living independently while creating a welcoming environment through organized activities, study support, and daily guidance.

"I felt very at home in the dorms," Xiao said. "The dorm parents provided a really nice transition. They gave us a safe space and helped replace that parental role while I was away from home."

Students also stay connected with their families through regular video calls while developing the independence they'll need in college.

Preparing for College—On and Off the Field

While many people know IMG Academy for developing elite athletes, its mission extends far beyond athletic performance.

Students graduate having developed:

• Time management
• Independence
• Leadership
• Accountability
• College readiness
• Academic confidence
• Athletic discipline

According to IMG Academy's enrollment team, families are often surprised by how much their students grow personally.

"They come home setting their own alarms, doing their own laundry, and taking ownership of their schedules," Director of Enrollment David Valbuena said.

Those life skills become just as valuable as athletic development.

See another student-athlete’s experience:

Is IMG Academy Right for You?

IMG Academy isn't only for future professional athletes.

It's designed for motivated student-athletes who want an environment that challenges them academically, athletically, and personally.

Whether the goal is competing in college athletics, attending a top academic university, or simply maximizing personal growth, the Academy provides the structure, coaching, and support to help students pursue those ambitions.

As George Warshaw, IMG Academy's Global Sales Director, explained:

"It's not only for the next professional athlete. It's for any young person who has goals, both athletic and academic, and wants an environment that pushes them to reach those goals."

Experience IMG Academy for Yourself

Many international boarding students first discover IMG Academy through a camp before deciding to enroll full time.

Visiting campus, attending a camp, or speaking with an admissions advisor can help families determine whether IMG Academy is the right fit for their student-athlete's goals.

Whether you're pursuing college athletics, elite athletic development, or a world-class education, IMG Academy offers an environment built to prepare student-athletes for what's next.

Ready To Learn More About IMG Academy?

Explore the IMG Academy boarding school experience and see how international student-athletes live, train, learn, and prepare for college on one campus.

Start your boarding school journey here

Find a camp here

Frequently Asked Questions About International Student Life at IMG Academy

What is a typical day like for an international student at IMG Academy?

A day is built around a split schedule between school and training. Scheduling varies according to sport. Some students go to school in the morning and train in the afternoon, while others flip that, training in the morning and attending school in the afternoon. Training time can run from two to four hours, which include strength and conditioning, personal development sessions and on-court or on-field work.

Meals happen at the Campus Center, which houses the dining hall along with additional food outlets like a smoothie stand and campus store for extra snacks or gear. Study time is built into the day too: The Campus Center includes quiet study spaces, and students can also study or review film in classroom space located in the athletic facilities themselves.

Evenings often include facilities available until 8 or 9 p.m. for extra practice, private lessons, or working out with friends, and students can also choose to rest instead. Student-athletes also participate in extracurricular activities.

Do international students live on campus at IMG Academy?

Yes. IMG Academy is a boarding school, and residential life is a core part of the experience for international students.

How does IMG Academy support international students academically?

Academic support comes from several places. Student-athletes can take AP and Honors courses. College counseling is a structured, ongoing part of academic life. Tutoring is also available in all subjects for student-athletes.

Can international students prepare for college athletics at IMG Academy?

Yes. The campus itself is intentionally designed to mirror college life with block scheduling, dorm life and an atmosphere that requires independence and time management – but with a vast number of resources to support each student-athlete academically, athletically, with mental health, nutrition and college readiness.

College counseling plays a direct role in preparing for the next level: helping students manage applications, coach outreach, and deadlines, alongside academic planning. Independence and time management are also explicitly part of the developmental model.