I have to admit, I am still not quite sure if I have already realized that I am about to move out in less than 2 weeks!
My summer holidays are slowly getting super stressful, as my packing list seems to become longer and longer and no matter how much money I spend on the most random things, that I might need, I can't get rid of the awkward thought that forgetting one single item will ruin my whole UWC career.
And guess what, although my summer job brings in some much-needed money, it clearly doesn't have a positive impact on my mixture of stress and happiness hormones.
However, I had the fabulous idea of creating a Q&A for the questions I have received from family and friends and they all turned out to be similar. From now on I won't have to repeat myself anymore, I will just send them the link to our blog (just kidding, I love talking).
1. When does school start?
All firsties (first year students) are to arrive at the last weekend of August (26th, 27th). At this time, our second years, who arrive some days in advance, will have already prepared everything for our first arrival and will give us a warm welcome (hopefully).
My first week in Mostar, so called 'Induction week' will be dedicated to exploring my new environment and getting to know my awesome co-years and all the second years.
2. Where do you live?
All the students are accommodated in one of the three residences: Musala, Mejdan and Susac. Mine for this year is Musala.
I will be sharing my room with the second year Alannah from Australia and with my local (from BiH) co-year Lana.
According to rumors, the three of us are very lucky as the room was originally built for four students. We will have enough space for our stuff!
In my opinion, I couldn't be more blessed to have a native English speaker and a local student in my room. All my worries are vanished.
If you'd like to read a bit more about Musala or check out the other residences, click here.
3. Which classes will you attend?
I don't know how familiar you are with the IB-Diploma at this point, but to make it short, it substitutes the Austrian A-levels.
One has to choose six subjects from 5-6 groups (Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and societies, Sciences, Mathematics and Arts). One has to attend at least three of the subjects at a higher lever (HL), the others at a standard level (SL).
And let me tell you, UWC Mostar has too many options.
Decision has been made:
English Language and Literatur SL
Maths SL
Theatre Arts HL
Clearly having trouble here:
French B HL or Spanish B HL
Biology SL or Environmental Systems and Societies SL
Psychology HL or Anthropology HL or History HL
As you can probably tell, I don't know anything about my own interests, especially when it comes to Individuals and societies. But we will figure it out in September.
If you'd like to know more about the IB-Diploma, click here.
4. Have you already acquainted yourself with your school mates?
The answer is definitely YES. I was added to a WhatsApp-group in April or May and I basically get showered with messages from my co-years every single day. Also, the second years are really supportive with answering loads of questions in the Facebook group of UWC Mostar.
My second year from Austria called Ida and my buddy Matea from BiH are both really amiable and I can't wait to finally meet them. I am also really glad to have my Austrian co-year Avin at my side, she is more than awesome and I am so looking forward to spending more time with her in Mostar. I have also been receiving messages from a Turkish girl called Tuana and she seems to be the cutest and kindest person ever.
All in all, my new family will be great!
5. Isn't your family going to miss you?
I assume, yes. But only when it comes to keeping the house clean.
Of course they are going to miss me, but what greater thing can happen to your daughter than getting accepted at a UWC? I reckon they have mixed feelings about the whole issue.
By the way, my younger sister Tabea is in the process of writing her UWC application! Wish her luck!
What would be interesting to know is whether my dog will miss me or not, I am going to miss him (so much!).
6. When will you come back?
Two years full of unforgettable experiences are awaiting me at Mostar. But guess what, holidays exist! Winter break, Easter break and Summer break will be spent at home (presumably).
Winter break starts at 16th December, so don't worry, I'll be back for skiing and Glühwein. And who knows? Maybe I'll bring somebody along with me.
I hope you enjoyed reading my first blog post ever. If so, be excited for the next one, coming next Sunday!
Marlene
