Parent Information
UWC students leave home for two years to go to a UWC school or college - quite a big step for 15 to 17-year-olds! Kurt Hahn, German educator and co-founder of the UWC movement, chose this age very deliberately. On the one hand, students are already old enough to be rooted in their own culture, but on the other hand, they are still young enough not to be set in their ways. As Nelson Mandela, patron of UWC, once said, “Education is the greatest weapon with which you can change the whole world." Kurt Hahn recognised this and built a school in which all cultures, but also all political views, religions and social classes have a place. Diversity in every respect harbours great potential, which is tapped every day at UWC schools & colleges.
Going to a UWC school or college, living and learning there, is an intense experience. In addition to school activities, sports, creative activities, but also social commitment and similar projects are the order of the day. There is not much time left over, so support from home is all the more important. Parents play a major role in the well-being of UWC students. It is therefore very important that you as parents also support your child in attending a UWC school or college. This includes being able to really let your child go and support them in every way, especially emotionally. We are aware that this is not an easy step for parents either. You can therefore contact us at any time with any questions.
UWC schools & colleges offer great advantages that UWC graduates enjoy throughout their lives. Doors are opened and opportunities arise through the worldwide UWC network. You make friends for life. Last but not least, UWC encourages and challenges each individual personality with all its facets. This experience is also very exciting for parents. Suddenly it's not just the neighbours who come to visit, but the whole world: Peru, Togo, Egypt, Sweden, Bosnia, India, Vietnam, Australia ... Conversely, your child will also conquer the world for themselves!
You may also be interested in the following points:
- The UWC schools & colleges are boarding schools with a liberal system based on personal responsibility. Teachers and other contact persons are always available to help with challenges. All students have their own tutor who takes special care of them.
- Information on financial matters can be found under Scholarships.
- The International Baccalaureate at a UWC school or college is highly recognised worldwide. Many Austrian UWC graduates go on to study at various universities in Austria and abroad!