Yasmine (Lebanon), Nayla (Mozambique), Trisha (India) and Chunxi (China) hosted an Instagram live stream!
On a sunny afternoon, on October 16th, 4 UWC Adriatic students – part of the 187-strong student body in the only UWC in Italy – have gathered to host an Instagram live stream to talk about the UWC movement, their experience here at UWC Adriatic and answer questions from prospective applicants have.
Yasmine (from Lebanon), and Nayla (from Mozambique), are both in their second year while Trisha (India), and Chunxi (China), have just begun their first year. The conversation begins with a discussion of their favourite aspects of UWC and how their expectations differed before they arrived in Duino, in Northeast Italy. The diversity of the student body is one of the first things mentioned by Nayla: “you always hear, ‘we have students from over 149 countries’, but it is only when you actually get here that you realise what that really means” (Nayla). “Yes,” adds Chunxi, “You can talk to people from so many countries every single day- it’s a huge inspiration”.
All students nod in agreement, commenting that the diversity of UWC provides an incredible opportunity to learn and share with one another. From Lebanon, Mozambique, India and China, the diversity of the interviewees is apparent, but their cultural differences are no barrier to their obvious friendship. Each and every UWC is a microcosmic international community, grounded in the nation where the college has made itself at home. Here in Duino, the students get to enjoy Italian culture with all students studying Italian as part of their International Baccalaureate Diploma programme (although at different levels of difficulty).
But diversity here at UWC Adriatic is not limited to student and teacher nationalities.“There’s a diversity of opinions, you have room to grow and question who you are”, says Trisha.
Encouraged to voice their opinions, constructively challenge others and present new ideas to both their teachers and peers, UWC students are supported in becoming changemakers and leaders. Through open discussion and debate the students are given the opportunity to learn from one another and this learning process is facilitated by the staff here at UWC Adriatic. All students speak enthusiastically about their teachers here at the college: “If you say, I have this idea, they’ll tell you go ahead, make that happen”, says Nayla. “They really want to see you graduate and thrive and be the leader you are meant to be”, comments in agreement Yasmine.
A UWC experience is also enhanced by the phenomenal network of supportive alumni and friends of the United World Colleges movement. Chunxi comments that: “NGOs want to work with you because you are part of UWC”. The UWC experience is designed to set you up as an individual for life – UWC prides itself on the networks and communication that are fostered between current and former students, both during their time at UWC and beyond!
Although academic achievement of students is important, and UWC Adriatic has an incredible academic record, the students explain how the UWC movement is about so much more than grades. Instead, UWC Adraitic provides a holistic education that enables students to flourish and as Trisha cogently says it is about growth “I’m not just growing academically; I’m growing as a human being”.
While there’s currently 18 UWC schools and colleges on 4 continents, each with their own unique cultural environment and flavour, the UWC ‘spirit’ is alive in each and every one of them. It’s this spirit that’s hard to describe in words but it resonates in each and every UWC. The energy and essence of UWC is what separates it from just being another academic institution and creates an inspirational environment: “Every single day I’m inspired by my classmates, the faculties, the school itself” Chunxi.
The music facilities at UWC Adriatic are one of the special things that set it apart from other UWCs and it’s because of these Chunxi decided to transfer from his previous UWC in China. Practising and perfecting music at school, Chunxi has also joined an orchestra in nearby city Trieste and is utilising his newly learnt Italian to make friends.
It is clear that all 4 students thoroughly enjoy their life at UWC Adriatic, their energy is infectious as they chat passionately about their experience. UWC has helped them grow as individuals and provided them with a new home, community and network to support them throughout their future endeavours.
Towards the end of the interview, almost in unison they chorus: “Apply to UWC, it’s a great experience!”
