Rachael Stover, director of admissions at St. Bernard Preparatory School, recently advanced the school’s international recruitment efforts by representing St. Bernard at the ILA Fair in Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam. Her participation marked another significant step in the school’s growing global outreach. 

The ILA Fair, hosted by one of Vietnam’s premier language education centers, brings together students and international education professionals from around the world. Stover attended the event at the invitation of Educatius, a leading organization that connects international students with secondary education opportunities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond.

During her visit, Stover connected with nearly 45 educational agents, delivered presentations, and conducted in-depth interviews with prospective students in both Hồ Chí Minh City and Hanoi. “Meeting the students on their own turf was exciting,” she said. “It underscored the value of face-to-face engagement in building trust and understanding.”

In total, Stover met with 20 students, formally interviewed six, and extended three conditional acceptances. She was particularly impressed with the students’ English proficiency, describing their speaking and writing skills as outstanding. She also participated in several video interviews, including one produced by the New World Agency.

Outside of her official duties, Stover embraced Vietnamese culture with enthusiasm. She attended Mass at the Carmelite Monastery of Saigon and sampled local delicacies—declaring egg coffee and coconut coffee as newfound favorites. “It was an enriching experience that reinforced our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in a global society,” she reflected.

Stover’s visit not only strengthened ties with international partners but also reaffirmed St. Bernard Preparatory School’s mission to foster academic excellence, global awareness, and cultural engagement through the lens of American Catholic education.