Imagine having royalty from England, Jordan, Spain, Netherlands, Holland, or Belgium as alumni.

You must think that this school is for royalty, or at least, an expensive school that barely anyone can afford, right?

The reality is the high school they attend has people from different countries and social statuses. United World College, abbreviated as UWC, is an International Baccalaureate program for teens aged 16-19. There are 18 schools worldwide, across almost every continent.3

The reasons why you should consider applying for these schools are the diversity they show, diverse courses, independence, and scholarships they provide.

Diversity at UWC

The school’s motto is “UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.” Therefore, in this program, there are students from more than 159 countries and different social classes.

Your classmate or roommate could be a royal or a refugee that receives scholarships. Moreover, you can make friends from all over the world.

Diverse courses

The second reason that you should apply to UWC is the unique courses and programs that UWC offers.

First is the extended research essay course. Students have to write a 4000-word research essay on a topic that they’re interested in before they graduate. This may be a challenge. However, the skills developed throughout this program are important for college since you have to write a dissertation.

Besides that, the Creativity, Activity, and Service courses allow students to find their passions.

Students have to take responsibility, develop social skills, creativity, and outdoor skills, as well as learn to approach others with empathy through joining a variety of projects or local communities.

At the different UWC schools, there are special activities that you can’t do at other locations. For example, at the UWC of Canada, the school is the eco guardian for the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, so students can learn through marine sciences courses, diving activities, and volunteering on the reserve.

Independence at UWC

Students have to learn how to be independent, and this school is well known for its student independence.

Students can hold their own projects and ask for funds from the school, and most of the time, the school will support those projects.

Moreover, all of the courses end at 15:00, so students can set their own schedules after class. They can leave campus freely without asking for permission, so after classes, you are able to leave the school or go to a restaurant in the city.

Scholarship

Another thing that might attract you is the scholarship for students that are applying. More than 80 percent of the students receive scholarships.

Normally, schools or colleges will determine how much scholarship money to award you based on grades. In contrast, UWC will give out scholarships based on how much tuition your family can afford.

For example, for students that have similar grades but come from different financial situations, the one from a wealthier family may not receive any scholarships while the one from a poorer family may have a chance to get a full scholarship.

UWC can change lives

In conclusion, attending UWC might be an opportunity to change peoples’ lives. Though it will be a challenge to be alone in a foreign country or be in a place where English is the only language that you can communicate with, it would be a wonderful experience.