Thousands of adolescents have returned to school, broaching their final stage of study before their A-level exams and post-school potential opportunities. Many are exploring unconventional pathways, considering opportunities outside of their locale.
There are four Irish students among those with an expansive vision; they have secured illustrious scholarships to undertake the International Baccalaureate at different colleges worldwide in Norway, the Netherlands, Tanzania, and China. These scholarships have been awarded by United World Colleges (UWC), established in the 1960s. This institution strives to utilise education as a binding force, uniting individuals, countries and cultures to encourage peaceful and enduring futures.
Prestigious alumni of the UWC venture comprise renowned personalities from arts, culture, academia, politics; including Standard Chartered and Nokia’s international company leaders, Actor Richard E. Grant, Author Anne Enright, Wall Street Journal’s editor Emma Tucker.
Following a stringent selection procedure, UWC declared that these extraordinary A-level students were picked due to their superlative academic results and fervour for socio-economic transformation.
Among them is Clíona Marshall, a 17-year-old student from St Angela’s College in Cork City, who will spend her next two years at UWC Changshu in China. Marshall first noticed the UWC programme through a social media advertisement. She subsequently underwent an interview in person after making it to the shortlist and emerged as one of the four fortunate scholarship recipients.
Marshall has a keen interest in China and its culture accrued over several years. She once succeeded in a Chinese language contest, which facilitated her first visit to China.
Expressing her excitement, Marshall said, “I’m thrilled to be returning to China. It still feels surreal telling people that my dream of relocating is coming true. I’m incredibly grateful and excited, and a tiny bit anxious too, I must admit.”
A self-proclaimed people’s person, she is eager to engage with the diverse cultures, nationalities, religions and people the experience at Changshu will bring. Marshall looks forward to forging connections across borders and learning about other students’ experiences and stories.
She aspires to be Ireland’s international representative, demonstrating the rich uniqueness of her homeland, whilst simultaneously benefiting from the wisdom of others to foster peace and enhance living standards. She feels immeasurably grateful for this wonderful chance and is committed to leveraging it to the fullest.
Rory McCormack is poised for a drastic transition, substituting his education at St Patrick’s Classical School in Meath with the United World College (UWC) in Tanzania, East Africa. As an avid hurling player with a passion for physics, science, language learning, and music, he looks forward to pursuing these interests while expanding his intellectual horizons in Africa.
Rory hoped that the holistic educational approach offered by the programme would not simply focus on academic achievement. The International Baccalaureate prioritises global learning, encouraging social consciousness, social justice, critical thinking, and independent idea formation. Rory believes that his selection from the applicant pool was based on his ease within culturally diverse environments and his keenness to understand different nationalities and their traditions. Moreover, he feels he can effectively represent Ireland.
What excites Rory the most about his move to Tanzania is his exposure to a completely new world perspective. He hopes this cultural shift will add a diverse perspective to his life back in Ireland. He is eager to delve into new academic subjects and experience a novel education system. Despite the challenge, he intends to capitalise on his International Baccalaureate studies.
James Connell, another Irish student from Navan, Co Meath, is thrilled about embarking on a fresh journey at a remote school located within the Norwegian coast’s fjord landscape. The UWC school in Flekke emphasises the humanitarian ideals of the Red Cross, coupled with practical skills associated. Even though being away from home for extensive periods might be difficult, James anticipates a world of exciting opportunities.
“My academia is taking a strikingly different turn with the opportunity I’ve been offered, and I am certain this journey will shift the pedigree of my life,” he communicates.
“I am driven to achieve in the International Baccalaureate and perform at my utmost in the Red Cross components of the programme in order to secure a position in a tertiary education institution. I am hopeful that these opportunities that are bestowed upon me will assist me in evolving into a benevolent, dedicated and ethical individual, aiming to instigate favourable transformations in the contemporary world.”
The youth of 17 discloses that earning the full scholarship was a team effort, with a substantial amount of support received. He has an eager anticipation about fully investing in this thrilling opportunity he’s been presented with.
Another ambitious student, Raven Armstrong from Cappawhite, Co Tipperary, shares similar sentiments. She has quite some anticipation about relocating to UWC Maastricht in the Netherlands.
Whilst her entire life has been in Ireland, her enthusiasm for travelling is remarkable and contributed to her application for the course.
“I initiated preparations of my portfolio a few months prior to my Junior Cert and, upon availability of application forms, I was quick to start drafting my application, ensuring I had a plentiful allowance of time. After successfully passing through the initial stages, I was chosen along with nine other students for face-to-face interviews,” she shares. “The rest, as they say, is in the past.”
The lass of 16 is of the view that her former involvement in community-based projects might have benefitted her standing amongst the scholarship judges. She also expresses a keen interest in encountering other like-minded individuals.
“My voluntary work at the local social farm and lessons on European politics at the local primary school during my work experience, complemented by engaging in activities such as the European Youth Parliament and National Model UN, coloured my application,” she notes. “Being active in various communities certainly amplifies that you have more to offer than just impressive academic scores.”
Paul Hart, Secretary of UWC Ireland, acknowledges this as a splendid prospect for bold, intrepid learners.
“As these four scholars- Raven, Rory, Clíona and James- embark upon this exhilarating journey to various UWC campuses around the globe, they bear our best wishes,” he communicates.
“We are delighted to rejoice the accomplishments of the 2024 scholars with their families and acknowledge their ambition and assiduity, visible in their applications. This quartet of students is by all odds, potential future leaders destined to bring significant contributions to society.”
The 2025-27 programme will accept applications beginning in November. Students aged between 15 and 17 who have already obtained their Junior Certificates and meet the eligibility criteria are invited to apply. To learn more about the 2025 United World College Scholarship programme, the steps to apply, or to contribute to a UWC school, please head over to www.ie.uwc.org.