Jamil Velasquez and Javier Paz, both 17, arrived last week from La Esperanza, Honduras. At about 5,600 feet, their hometown has the distinction of being at the highest elevation of any Honduran city. With the thin air behind them, the Central American teenagers are planting roots at the campus and have a lot riding on them to succeed. Both admit to being nervous but have already established a group of friends.

“We’re in another country, it’s a different culture, different classes, different language,” said Mr. Velasquez, who has explained to a couple of confused students that Honduras is not Mexico, and no, it’s not in Africa either. “It’s kind of difficult, but we can handle it.”

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