So you’re ready to head off to boarding school, or just want to learn more about the experience. What are some things you should be aware of? Here are some pieces of advice from a boarding school student studying abroad in the United States.
I am a student at Episcopal High School, located in Alexandria, Virginia. We have a 100% boarding rate and around 440 students. I’ve been studying abroad for two years overall and hope to share my experience with others.
Something I believe many would be interested to learn about would be living with a roommate. The most important piece of advice to give is to always talk it out when problems arise. No matter how small you may think the issue is, don’t hesitate to bring it up. Your roommate is the person you must live with for a year, and you want to make that experience as pleasant as possible. Don’t make it your responsibility to endure your roommate’s bad habits.
Another important rooming tip never room with a close friend. Instead, look for somebody with similar life habits as you. Rooming can ruin the closest of friendships, and it is a well-known norm to not room with close friends.
Something you must consider when studying abroad, especially during Covid, would be where to stay during holidays. Almost all students choose not to go home due to the complicated procedures and 3-weeks quarantine.
Some options concerning places to stay include staying with friends, teachers, or a host family.
Personally, I prefer staying in a hotel with classmates. It provides the most privacy and freedom and you can fill your holiday with fun activities. For example, over the winter holiday, five classmates and I went on a trip to New York together. This was a delightful experience that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
When it comes to choosing classes, many people are under the misconception that the more honors and AP courses you choose, the better.
In reality, it is always much better to drop the honor, get a good grade, and spend time enjoying your life. Don’t overpush yourself, especially during your freshman and sophomore years. These are the two years where you should take more time to have fun because soon you’ll be facing the pressure of standardized exams and applying for university.
High school should be a fun and exciting experience. Create memories and have a good time.
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