Click the link to view the full version: WASCZ | I’m Seeing WASCZ as My Community
Being in China has been an unforgettable experience which, if asked, I would always choose again. My time in China has allowed me to thrive socially, academically and athletically in multiple environments.
I have made connections with an incredible array of individuals, ranging from the other scholars (who share my academic views) to my teachers and friends who have introduced me to their surreal world of boarding, and in China no less. Culturally, I have been immersed in an environment where my Chinese proficiency has increased significantly (or so I like to believe), with my Chinese roommate and I agreeing to speak in a mutual mix of both Chinese and English to benefit us both. Additionally, the holidays have always been a cultural highlight at WASCZ, with teachers providing us with a genuine and sincere ‘China’ experience, eating cultural dishes such as Beijing Duck in Beijing, and a distinctive favourite memory of mine when we had eaten hotpot in Suzhou.
Not only did these experiences allow us to get away from school (which I’m sure any and every student can relate to) but also meant that we could all actively use our Chinese skills out and about (which was also a humbling experience for some of us). Seeing famous landmarks such as the Bund and The Great Wall of China made our China experience feel incredibly worthwhile, as it was as though China, a relatively closed-off country to the Western eye, became tangible for us as foreigners. The stories we had lived through were now like torches waiting to be passed on to the next set of scholars and our families and friends upon our return to the UK.
I have also been privileged enough to attend many trips and competitions whilst at WASCZ, participating in the ASDAN Business Competition, attending an Aston Martin talk alongside a Physics Convention in Shanghai, and was also able to visit several art exhibitions in Shanghai as part of my Art A Level. These experiences combined allowed me to form a holistic view within my studies and about China. I have also participated in the globally-renowned John Locke essay competition (as encouraged by my teachers), winning both a ‘merit’ and ‘commendation’, which led to me winning a prestigious one-week scholarship in Singapore supported by the John Locke institute.
Through an athletic lens, I can safely say that in the UK, I was never able to be immersed in the way that I have been at WASCZ. Being Captain of the Girl’s Basketball Team, I have been able to be part of an amazingly supportive community which encouraged us and motivated us in multiple ways: both to keep our grades up to continue to be a part of the team, but also to strive to do our best in every practice and competition, with the WASCZ Girls (and Boys’ team, I should add) winning the WAS Championship Cup. I have also had the privilege of partaking in fencing, winning 2nd and 3rd place in various competitions, and meeting esteemed individuals in the fencing world, including a previous Olympian. Other sports I could also try included tennis, badminton, and volleyball, which meant I had to manage my studies and my life in sports efficiently.
Altogether, this experience could not possibly be summed up by words. Rather, I think the experience can be clearly seen through the people I have met and the friends I have made. When I look at WASCZ, I no longer see just a school, I see a community, and better yet, my community. When I look at China now, I no longer see it as an isolated country often ostracised by media; I now see it as a place filled with comfort, laughter, and positive experiences. These two years of my life, during which I have been able to develop and grow drastically, driven by my surrounding teachers and peers, have been an unforgettable time in my life, and I will undoubtedly miss China the moment I leave. I cherish these memories and the efforts my teachers made to support me and push me in the way they did. Without them, I am 100% sure I would not have been able to reach as high as I have done.
Thank you to Wycombe Abbey International China Scholarship, WASCZ, and my family for supporting me and entrusting me in taking this leap of faith.
Every year, the Wycombe Abbey International China Scholarship Programme selects approximately 10 scholars to study at its campuses in WASCZ. These scholars benefit from an international curriculum seamlessly integrated with rich experiences of Chinese culture. They engage in meaningful interactions with local students, fostering cross-cultural understanding and growth. This unique platform allows Chinese and international students to learn from one another, make shared progress, and develop a deeper global perspective.
More News
