Life as an International Boarder by Alma

Life as a International Boarder by Alma

Arriving at Denstone was initially quite overwhelming. A new environment, new people, and a new school—it was a lot to take in all at once. However, the welcoming atmosphere, especially from the boarding staff and the girls, made settling in much easier than I expected. It also helped that I wasn’t the only new student in my year, with several other international students joining at the same time. This gave me a sense of companionship, and we were able to explore and adjust to the school together.

The school’s facilities really impressed me, especially compared to what I was used to back home. There seemed to be a space for almost every hobby, ensuring that everyone could find something they enjoyed. The teachers and staff were consistently kind and supportive, understanding that it would take some time for me to adjust, particularly to the routines of boarding life. My fellow students, both in school and in the boarding house, were always friendly and eager to help, which made it easy to make friends quickly.

Academically, I thoroughly enjoyed my chosen subjects—Art, Business, Geography, French, and the sciences. Even though English isn’t my first language, the lessons were accessible, and the teachers were always willing to provide extra support when needed. Business, in particular, stood out for me, largely due to Mr. Pollitt's engaging teaching style. Having never studied business before, I found the subject fascinating and learned a lot. I also made significant progress in chemistry, thanks to Mrs. Vakis's guidance.

One of the highlights of my time at Denstone was the geography trip to Wales. It was a great opportunity to bond with my classmates, especially since it happened early in the year. The fieldwork was a completely new experience for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with my peers.

Boarding life was a new experience for me, but I quickly adapted to the routines and schedules. In fact, living in the boarding house became one of the best parts of my year abroad. I appreciated the balance of independence and structure, and I was never truly alone, surrounded by supportive friends. Initially, I wasn’t sure how I would handle sharing a room, but having a roommate turned out to be an incredible experience. I’m certain that I’ve made lifelong friends during my time in boarding.

The boarding staff were always there when I needed support. Whether I had a problem or just wanted to chat, they were happy to listen and help. I never felt uncared for or overlooked, which made the boarding experience all the more enjoyable.

A typical day started with breakfast around 8 AM, sometimes stopping by the laundry. During school breaks, I’d often meet up with some girls in the boarding house for a snack and a chat. After school, we’d head to supper, followed by prep time, which I appreciated for the structure it provided. It helped me stay on top of my studies. Once prep was done, I’d often spend time with friends around the school grounds.

Overall, my time at Denstone has been transformative. It’s helped me grow academically, especially in subjects I wasn’t familiar with before, like the sciences. Learning these subjects in English was challenging at times, but it significantly improved my language skills and boosted my confidence.

Living in a new country, attending a new school, and being surrounded by people I didn’t know has taught me how to adapt to change, both socially and academically. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the decision to attend Denstone. It has been more than just a school—it’s been a home, a place of discovery, and the source of lifelong memories and friendships. Through lessons, sports, trips, and boarding life, I’ve gained not only knowledge but also a deeper understanding of myself.