Thoughts and tips on boarding for new international students – Polina O. and Wiona W.
Firstly, when you join the school, you might be overcome with emotions: Sadness, happiness, tiredness after a long journey – whatever you feel, it is fine. Absolutely everyone in this school has gone through this harsh but (in the end) satisfying journey.
A new chapter in your life has already started and you are going through something fascinating. At the Royal Hospital School you will meet a lot of new and different people. All of us are unique: foreign languages, different countries, religions, personalities and so on. However, we definitely know that something is similar that bring us together: curiosity for studies, independence and pride in ourselves and we all are students at this school.
Even if you have never been to any boarding school or never studied before it is not a boundary. People are going to be understandable and helpful. Firstly, you can meet people from all across the world. Talk to each other, try to be friendly! You will find your place soon, we were all once new to this place.
The first week of school could change your lifestyle compared to how it used to be; that’s how it was for us anyway. Our personal advice is try to take part in new activities, or any school event.
A pleasant bonus is that your sleep cycle will change and become “normal” and healthier. Because you don’t have your phone, you can relax and reflect on your day. A great opportunity is to start reading. Sounds like a nerd is writing it, but it’s an incredibly good thing when you actually can experience it.
Realistically, there is not a single place in the world without disadvantages. Don’t be miserable, it’s just life. As well as emotions taking control of us some times, being homesick is a normal and even good thing for every person. Here are a lot of people who you can speak to and who can help you.
Secondly, and I guess the biggest worry for every single international student in every school, is that their English is bad. However, we have found that all people are respectful. Absolutely no one expects you to have fluent English in a few days. Don’t be afraid to participate in class, because it will only improve your level of English. Also fluent speakers will help you to understand something and everyone can explain everything in easy words. Pupils are going to be curious to know you, so go for it!
The environment could be incredibly different from yours. For me it wasn’t normal that everyone is smiling all the time. So by the time I came back from the lessons I had no social battery left: everyone was nice but for me this was exhausting at the same time. But as people we are used to adapt to something new.
Finally, the last thing to mention is the school uniform. In my experience you must have everything labelled. A lot uniform and clothes gets lost in the laundry, but once labelled, they will return. Some of the international students never had school uniform before, so you can feel weird in your new outfit. However, as everyone is wearing the same, no one will judge you.
Overall, everyone was new to school once and everyone has travelled the same journey. But we all are still here in the same boat which flows with the current. Do not freak out! Be positive and give it a go!
Post Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.