Concerned about making the right choice for your child’s education? A boarding school could be the ideal alternative. We hear from a student about his boarding experience at UWCSEA in Singapore.
Boarding at UWCSEA in Singapore
Fourteen-year-old Julius was born and raised in Hong Kong. He previously attended Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School in Sham Shui Po, but in the summer of 2021 he moved to Singapore to start in Grade 9 as a boarder at one of the best known international boarding schools in Asia.
Why did you and your family choose Singapore for boarding?
My family and I decided on UWCSEA due to the diversity and opportunities that the school offers. I wanted to be able to see the world from a more complete perspective than I was exposed to at home. Moreover, my parents thought it would be a good opportunity for me to get a taste of independence, which is a crucial skill for later on in life.
What do you think the impact of the school has been on you?
It’s really given me a fresh perspective on the world. I’ve heard all sorts of stories, and many that contrast to mine. We’ve all got different backgrounds, lifestyles and cultures, and we all have different ideas. It has also taught me how to manage my life independently without the help of my parents, and how to work together with others.
We know that one UWCSEA focus is on developing intercultural understanding; are there special events for boarders that reflect this?
Yes, the boarding house puts on many special events for different cultural holidays. My favourites are the special dinners that it hosts, as the food I’m able to try is not commonly found in Hong Kong – and I get to try it alongside friends whose national dish it is.
What sort of memories will your time at school leave you with?
I’ll keep every memory with my corridor mates with me forever, and while I believe that the bond between boarding students and day students is different, it’s because the boarders understand each other much better after living together so closely! Even though it’s only been three months since I arrived at Tampines House at the UWCSEA East Campus, I’ve already developed close friendships that I believe will stretch past our time together at school.
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to own my own business, as well as pursue my personal interests such as fitness. However, after learning more about how different companies and products impact the environment here at UWCSEA, I’d like to steer my company towards a direction that benefits the world. I want my family to contribute to healing our planet.
How would you sum up your experience at school?
Overall, I would sum up my experience here as eye-opening, inspiring and, last but not least, fun!
UWCSEA Fact File
Year established: Dover Campus, 1971; East Campus, 2008
Student population: 5,600
Boarding population: 321
Student nationalities: Over 100
Number of staff: 1,084
Ages taught: 4 to 18 years
Curriculum/s: K-12 Concept-based curriculum leading to IGCSE IB Diploma and UWCSEA High School Diploma
School year dates: August to June
Singapore Locations: East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road
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