Hello, UWC Russia!

I want to share with you my first impressions from UWC RCN :)

Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to study in such a fantastic place! I still can not believe that I'm here!

I'm very happy to be part of the UWC family! It seems to me that I can never forget that feeling of delight that filled me when I found out that I was nominated for UWC Red Cross Nordic!

One of the important features of studying that I discovered for myself as a student at UWC colleges is that our studies extend far beyond the boundaries of classes: we learn from each other, we learn about completely different cultures, countries and their traditions. This is an indescribable feeling when you realize that you live in the same room with students from completely different corners of the planet, each of which can teach you something, and together you are united by the desire to make our world better and kinder.

Speaking about the educational system IB - it really is very different from what we are used to in Russia. A huge emphasis is placed on the independent work of the student and the development of the desire to learn much more than was in the classroom. In the college, teachers are not only teachers for us, but also friends and helpers at the same time. There are no clear boundaries between the teacher and the student, after classes we can go together to play chess, climbing, kayaking or going to a political club. At project weeks we go camping with our teachers. And every time I admire how amazing stories are behind each of our teachers, they are for us sources of inexhaustible inspiration and motivation.

After lessons, we begin the time of additional classes, the choice of which is very large. If you want to open up a club of your own, teachers will be happy to help you do this, so we have programming and French clubs. Also, the college participates in many volunteer projects, in which students take an active part, such as working on environmental projects or assistance in the rehabilitation center of the Red Cross, which is located next door to us.

I would also like to say about the fact that we have recently passed the project week, during which the students worked on different ideas and projects. Our group went on a 5-day hiking trip to the largest glacier in Norway and throughout Europe, where one of the episodes for the movie "STAR WARS" was filmed. It was fantastic! We felt like real heroes from an adventure book that conquered the wild nature and experienced the limits of their own capabilities.

UWC RCN is a college that makes a huge emphasis on developing the personal qualities and capabilities of each student. We are far from civilization, and for many students this is a real test. Life in the college teaches to be more independent, organized, develops will and character, teaches self-discipline. Gradually entering the adult world, you understand how important it is to have such qualities and constantly improve yourself.

UWC colleges show students how diverse and interesting life can be, and how beautiful and amazing reality we can create by our efforts, being and working together.

With love,

Katya, UWC Red Cross Nordic'2018