|
General Info
 What's the weather like?
What are Montezuma and Las Vegas really like?
Is Las Vegas a safe place?
What is in the "Montezuma castle"?
How do I receive mail and other packages?
What does the school provide me and what do I need to bring?
Will I be homesick?
Academic Life
When I arrive do classes start immediately?
Do I have to decide on my classes now?
How will I know which subjects to take?
What is the IB? Why do we do it?
What is an extended essay and do I need to worry about it?
What are the teachers like?
What is TOK?
I am not fluent in English, how will I manage taking all of my courses in it?
If I am having difficulties with my studies, who can I seek help from?
What resources are available to me in terms of technology?
Campus Life
Where do I live?
What is the food like?
What can I expect from my second years?
I don't have a lot of money; will I be able to have fun at the college?
What is the worst thing about the UWC?
What sort of non-academic requirements will I have to expect?
How is laundry taken care of?
Who do I go to if I have problems or concerns?
What sort of rules does the school enforce?
Where do people go to relax?
What is "Project Week" and how does it work?
What does "community service" mean?
What does "campus service" mean?
How often do the students and staff meet to discuss thier questions and concerns?
What recreational facilities does the school have?
Are there any sports played at the UWC-USA?
What do you do on the weekends?
Do I really need to bring a national costume with me?
I am interested in traveling while I am at the UWCAW. How difficult will it be for me to visit other places in the US while there?
Is it expensive to explore the cities near Las Vegas?
What is the "wilderness program"?
What do I need to bring for the wilderness program?
What opportunities will I have after graduating from the UWC-USA?
Most of my questions are answered. What should I do now?
One piece of advice we would offer you . . .
General Info
What's the weather like?
We are technically located in a "desert." However, we have all different kinds of weather, so bring clothes for all types of weather, from cold and snowy to hot and sunny and be prepared for very rapid weather changes at times.
What are Montezuma and Las Vegas really like?
Montezuma is a small community made up of the college and other families that live here. There are no stores in Montezuma. The school has buses that go to Las Vegas, the nearest community, only five miles (eight kilometers) away. Las Vegas has a population of about 16,000 and has some places to shop and hang out. There are a few good restaurants, a great coffee house, the plaza, and fast food places. There are stores in Las Vegas where you can do all of your shopping. Besides Walmart, Walgreens and Lowe's, there is a great health food store and a seasonal farmers market where you can buy food. Both Montezuma and Las Vegas are relatively small towns, but you can get most of what you need here. However, if you are looking for something specific to buy, there are occasional trips to Santa Fe and Albuquerque, another nearby city, where there are more stores. And there's always the Internet.
Is Las Vegas a safe place?
Although this might not be something that you think about, it is certainly something that will concern your parents. In general, Las Vegas is a safe place. The college itself is very safe, and we have our own security personnel. Sometimes there is theft within the school community, which is something we address immediately. As far as being safe in town is concerned, the best plan is to be with friends and not go around alone. Although it is a consideration, safety at the UWC-USA is not something to worry about.
What is in the "Montezuma castle?"
The Montezuma Castle (shown above) is a remodeled hotel that was built in the1890s. There is a lot of history behind the castle, which you will probably learn during your time here. It now has our dining facilities, many classrooms and offices, the students' center, and two dorms.
How do I receive mail and other packages?
At the beginning of the year, you will receive a post office box (PO Box) that you share with your roommate or another student. This post office is a short walk from the college, and most of your mail will be sent there. It is run by the United States Postal Service, not by the school. It is also possible to send packages to the school, and they will tell you when they have arrived. There is also a campus mail center used only for mail within the school. These boxes are located in the castle mailroom and are used if a teacher wants to leave a message for a student, or if you need to leave a message for one of your teachers.
What does the school provide me, and what do I need to bring?
The school will provide you with a couple of blankets and a pillow, but you need to bring or buy your own towels, sheets, etc. Anything you need for your room can be bought in Las Vegas. There are 3 meals a day Monday through Friday and 2 meals a day on Saturday and Sunday. Your books are provided by the school, but you will need to buy your own school supplies, such as notebooks and pens. You can buy school supplies in Las Vegas or the campus store.
As far as clothing is concerned, most of it depends on your own style. Make sure to bring clothes that can be worn in cold weather, as well as clothes for warm weather. As mentioned before, the school has a variety of weather, so come prepared. Also, athletic clothes are very helpful and a bathing suit comes in handy for going to the hot springs or the pool. A backpack or other small, comfortable bag is very helpful when both carrying school books every day and when taking short trips. If you do not have (or can not bring) some of these things, the school can help you.
There are also some things that are nice to have, but not necessary. It's nice to bring posters and photos from home, to decorate your room. If you like to cook it is nice to bring a cookbook or family recipes with you. It is a good idea to bring flags and souvenirs as these make great gifts and flag-swapping is popular.
Will I be homesick?
Right now you might not be worried about homesickness, because you are at home and you might be thinking that you will never be affected by it. Unfortunately, ALL of us are homesick at some time during our stay here. There are always people to talk to about it; your roomie, friends, countrymates, and counselors are always great people to talk to about it. Pretending it doesn't exist will only make it worse, and talking about it will certainly make it better, so don't hesitate to tell someone if you start feeling homesick.
Academic Life
When I arrive do classes start immediately?
No, they couldn't! You still need to sign up for classes when you arrive, and there is an orientation period when you learn more about the school and are introduced to life at the UWC-USA. The first few days here will be very busy, but they are also a great time to get to know both the 1st years and 2nd years. During this orientation period, you will be going on one service trip and one wilderness trip, both of which are lots of fun and provide great opportunities to make friends.
Do I have to decide on my classes now?
NO! You don't need to make any decisions before you arrive, but it's a good idea to think about which subjects interest you.
How will I know which subjects to take?
During the first couple of weeks at school, presentations will be made by the teachers of all the different subjects. This lets you get a general idea of what each class is about and what will be covered in the two years. You will be assigned an academic advisor who will help you with any questions you might have. The teachers will be available to talk to if you need it, and it is always a good idea to talk to second years abut the subject choice.
What is the IB? Why do we do it?
The IB, also known as the International Baccalaureate, is the academic program that the school follows. It should be outlined in your new student packet, and you will learn more about it during your first few weeks here. We use the IB program for several reasons. Probably first and foremost, it is recognized by many universities in many countries (but not all). Also, it involves more than just academic work, such as community service, and fits in with the mission of the UWC movement well. You can read more about the IB at www.ibo.org.
What is an extended essay, and do I need to worry about it?
The extended essay, or EE, is a requirement for completion of the IB program. You will not need to start thinking about it until the second semester of your first year, at the earliest. It is a 4,000-word research paper for which you get to choose the topic. You will have an advisor to help you, but again, it is not something you will need to worry about for a while.
What are the teachers like?
This is a fascinating question because everybody arrives with a very different idea of teacher-student relationships. At the UWC this relationship is very informal. Students and faculty are on a first name basis. Most teachers live on campus, or very nearby, so if you are struggling with a subject they will often let you come to their house and they will help you there. Students and teachers conduct themselves more like friends outside the classroom than in most educational systems. Interactions are less formal, but there is still a strong basis of respect for our teachers. While it might seem a little strange at first, you will grow to see how this sort of relationship is inevitable given the circumstances within which the college operates.
What is TOK?
TOK, or Theory of Knowledge, is a class that meets once a week during the second semester of your first year and the first semester of your second year. It is another requirement for the IB. It teaches you to question what you learn and how you learn it. One of the requirements for the course is an essay and a presentation that are completed during your second year.
I am not fluent in English. How will I manage taking all of my courses in English?
It might take a little time to adjust, but most people do so quickly. Also, the teachers are very understanding and will offer whatever help is necessary. After all, it is their job to help you understand. Also, you can go and talk to second years that are in the classes you are taking.
If I am having difficulties with my studies, who can I seek help from?
Anyone. Your teacher would be the first person to talk to, and they are always ready to help, but sometimes they have other commitments and won't be able to meet with you right away. After all, they are busy people too, and have their own lives to lead. Your advisor, resident tutor, RA, and classmates will be your next best resources. Everyone at the college wants to see you succeed, and will aid you in any way they can. Here at UWC, you'll have to rely on others, while also allowing others to rely on you.
What resources are available to me in terms of technology?
We are actually very lucky in the technology we have available to us. There are small computer labs in each of the dorms, each with 4 computers, internet access, and printers. There is also the Information Technology (IT) Center that has many more computers, each with access to the internet.
Campus Life
Where do I live?
You will be assigned to one of residences. You will share a room with at least one other person, generally a second year student from an area of the world different from your own. There are six dorms, three male and three female, which are divided between upper campus and lower campus. The dorms are named for the highest peaks on each of the six continents.
Kosciusko and Aconcagua:
These two dorms are located in the castle and are both female dorms. Kosciusko houses about 26 girls, two girls in each room, while Aconcagua houses around 30 girls with a mixture of two and three girl rooms. The rooms vary in size, but all are equipped with a desk, closet, and bed for each person in the room. The resident tutor (faculty member) lives at the end of the hall. On one side the rooms face out towards the rest of campus and have a great view of Las Vegas. On the other side the rooms face into a courtyard and the rest of the castle.
Denali, Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, and Chumolungma:
These four dorms are all on lower campus. Denali, Mont Blanc, and Kilimanjaro, each has around 35 guys living in them. Chumolungma houses around 44 girls. In all of these dorms, there is a half wall dividing each side of the room, but they can still feel very open, if you want. The dorms are divided into three floors, with the resident tutor on the first floor and the students on the second and third floor.
General residential information:
- All residences have a faculty "Resident Tutor" and an "Assistant Resident Tutor" who lives within or in the immediate vicinity of the residence.
- There are no co-educational residences (residences with both sexes)
- All students, regardless of gender, must be out of other residences by midnight on weekdays (they also must be in their own dorm) and 23.30 (11:30 pm) on weekends (you can still be in other areas of campus)
What is the food like?
You will always hear varied opinions about the food, ranging from great to horrible. It depends on your own taste and what you are used to. There is no certain "style" of food, but they do serve a fair amount of "New Mexican" food. There is always a salad bar and vegetarian option, and you can make your own meals if you want.
What can I expect from my second years?
We want to help. It is as simple as that. We want your UWC-USA experience to be as positive and wonderful as possible. When you arrive, you can expect that your 2nd years will be there already, waiting to help you get settled. While your 2nd years aren't experts on everything, they have lived at the college for a year already and know some essentials. Don't be afraid to approach a 2nd year about anything. From questions about washing machines to class schedules, 2nd years are more than willing to assist you. But also bear in mind that when you are arriving your 2nd years are under a great deal of academic stress. Expect that there will be times when we might become preoccupied or inattentive. Also, listen to your 2nd years when they give you advice on course selection, but don't assume that they are expert advisors. Everyone is different, so his or her experience in a class will be very different from your's. So listen to what we have to say, but make your own opinions and decisions.
I don't have a lot of money. Will I be able to have fun at the college?
Absolutely! Money is not something that will keep you from enjoying college life. Most everything at the college is provided: housing, food, books, and furniture. All you need to bring is yourself and of course a few changes of clothes. There are no "regular" expenses to worry about, aside from your tuition, if that applies. The College as well as some national committees offer "pocket money," a monthly allocation which is for your own personal use. When you go into Las Vegas you might spend a little money on something to eat or school supplies, but it is very reasonable.
Students have access to hundreds of movies free of charge from the library. Almost every weekend there are parties held in the student center that are also free of charge. Most sporting equipment is available for student use.
What is the worst thing about the UWC?
Life here is very hard. Everyone will tell you that. No matter how academically capable you are; no matter how prepared you feel; it IS hard. Not necessarily your studies, but your life. Most of you will be far from home and living in an entirely different culture. People will not speak your language, nor will they identify with your cultural heritage. You will be alone, in a land of foreigners, surrounded by strangers, and that is one of the greatest challenges you may ever come face to face with.
This isn't meant to scare you. In fact, it shouldn't scare you. Despite the difficulty, these two years will assuredly be two of the most incredible years of your life. This is just a warning, a sort of disclaimer, so that you are not shocked when you feel as if, despite the number of people surrounding you, you are distinctly alone. Learning to overcome this obstacle will be a valuable lesson indeed, and you will see how important it is only after you have overcome it. Remember, most students are feeling the same way you are!
What sort of non-academic requirements will I have to expect?
Many. The IB is a rigorous program, and academics are only part of its focus. You will also be expected to be an active part of the college's Community Service program. Selecting a physical activity is also required. The college offers a diverse variety of opportunities in this area. Creative activities are also required, and choices range from musical groups to jewelry making. Beyond this there will be many other activities that you may become involved in. All the requirements will be explained in more depth during your first few weeks here. Many students will take 2 or sometimes 3 courses in these areas, but remember not to overwhelm yourself. Keep an open mind, and enjoy yourself.
How is laundry taken care of?
There are free laundry facilities that all of the dorms have access to. Although not all of the dorms have their own laundry facilities, there are ones for the castle dorms and ones for the lower dorms. There are washers, dryers and ironing boards in all of the facilities. You will need to supply your own cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent.
Who do I go to if I have problems or concerns?
You have many options. One teacher will serve as your "advisor" who will guide you in course selection and any other academic questions you might have. You will also have a "resident tutor" and "assistant resident tutor" whose job is to make sure you are adjusted to college life. If you have any problems or concerns with anything on campus, even if it is academic, you resident tutor is the person to talk to. In some ways, they will become your adoptive parents for the two years here. They are always willing to listen and are very easy to talk to. If you don't think you need to talk to an adult, each hall in the residences has a student-elected "resident advisor" or RA. The RA is a second year who was elected by the other students the spring before you arrive. They are great people to talk to about anything, and, like the RTs, are always ready to listen and help.
What sort of rules does the school enforce?
There are a few rules you have to be mindful of. Faculty and staff are not here to police, and the students are expected to follow the rules in a matter of trust, honor and respect. Your fate lies in your own hands, and what happens to you here generally depends on your own actions.
There are a few rules, which are addressed in the school's handbook, that we feel are important to emphasize. The first is the zero-tolerance policy. Basically it means NO DRUGS! The school is very serious when it comes to this. If you are caught having any experience with drugs at the school you will be forced to leave. There is no room for negotiating this rule. It is as simple as that. Alcohol is illegal in the U.S. for persons under 21 years of age, and the school enforces the 'no alcohol' rule.
Another rule that it is important to be aware of is curfew. On weekdays (i.e. Sunday to Thursday nights) it is midnight. On weekends there is no curfew, but you can't be in other dorms, except the dayroom, after 23.30 (11:30 pm). Faculty conduct occasional walkthroughs to check; however, like most of the rules, it is not extremely, strictly enforced by the faculty, but you are still expected to follow it. It is a matter of courtesy to your fellow students, so just think about others and how you would like to be treated. The rules will be explained to you during your first few weeks here, so don't worry about them too much.
Where do people go to relax?
There are several places to go to unwind after a long day of classes or during the weekend. There is the pool and hot tub, or the hot springs, if you feel like getting wet. There is also the student center in the castle, if you feel like watching television or playing pool, table soccer, or ping-pong. The Dwan Light Sanctuary, Edith Lansing Field House, and short hikes around campus are also popular with people as ways to relax. Throughout the week, there are buses to Las Vegas, where you can get a cappuccino at one of the local coffee shops, or get a nice meal at a restaurant. Sometimes the best places to relax are the dayrooms that are in each of the dorms. Often you will find yourself just spending time with friends in your dorm until late in the night.
What is "Project Week" and how does it work?
"Project Week" is a week long period of time in the spring when there are no classes and all the students take trips off campus. During your first year you are required to go on a faculty sponsored trip, while in your second year you can go on an independent trip. The faculty sponsored trips go to the Grand Canyon, several places around New Mexico, Arizona, and sometimes even Mexico or California. You will learn more about the trips in the second semester, and will have plenty of time to decide which trip will be best for you.
What does "community service" mean?
Community service is a central component of the IB and UWC experience. While some of you might have been exposed to community service in the past, for others this might be your first time ever hearing of it. Community service is exactly what it sounds like: providing a service for the community. You will do a couple of different services during your first semester here, and then you will choose one or two to stay with for the rest of your time here. The opportunities for community service and the major subdivisions include working with the elderly, environmental service, working with mentally and physically disabled, and working with children. Within each category exists several different opportunities at different places. This allows you to find a service you are interested in, qualified for, and able to attend in conjunction with your other commitments. Most services meet once a week, generally for around two hours, and are a very rewarding experiences.
What does "campus service" mean?
In a college which is run on scholarships from private donations from generous benefactors, the college needs students to help with certain tasks. You might clean up the forests around the school, work in the school's campus store, or organize books in the library. Like the other services, these are usually done once a week, for a couple of hours. Again, this will be explained in more detail when you arrive on campus.
How often do the students and staff meet to discuss their questions and concerns?
Once a week there is an all-school meeting, where everyone gathers to discuss upcoming events, make presentations, etc. It is a time for short announcements, usually less than 5 minutes. Sometimes the whole school gathers to discuss a specific issue.
What recreational facilities does the school have?
Quite a lot, actually. We have a field house where you can play basketball, squash, lift weights, and do other activities. There are also outdoor tennis courts, two soccer (football) fields, and a swimming pool and hot tub. All in all, we have quite a few places to exercise and work out, and most of us consider ourselves lucky.
Are there any sports played at the UWC-USA?
There are no official sports teams at the school. There are several informal teams that play various sports, such as football (soccer), ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and basketball and every year there are teams which participate in friendly matches with other schools and even in regional tournaments. Most of these are organized under the physical activities, and it is easy enough to start your own activity, if you wish.
What do you do on the weekends?
On weekends, students do a variety of things. For example, we go into Las Vegas, do homework, visit friends, go on community service trips or go on wilderness expeditions. Weekends are a good time to go to town and do some shopping or just to have some fun going to the movies or a restaurant. On Friday and Saturday nights, check is at 11:30 pm and so there are usually parties in the student center. Weekends are also a great time to catch up on sleep. There always seems to be something going on. Each month there is one three-day weekend, where we don't have classes on either Friday or Monday. During that time there are a lot of things to do. Generally there will be trips going to various places like Taos and Santa Fe. Sometimes there are trips led by faculty that go to fun places in New Mexico. It is also a nice time to relax, spend time with friends, and get homework done.
Do I really need to bring a national costume with me?
Bringing your national costume is not a necessity, but it is a great way to show your friends and guests a part of your culture. There are times when it is comforting to have something to remind you of home and your traditions, especially on your National Day! Throughout the two years, there are many events when students dress up in their national costumes.
I am interested in traveling while I am at the UWC-USA. How difficult will it be for me to visit other places in the US while there?
During project week, you will have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the southwestern United States and to Mexico on faculty-sponsored trips. Recent trips have included going to Copper Canyon, Mexico; Los Angeles; San Diego; Phoenix, Arizona; as well as a CEC (Constructive Engagement of Conflict) sponsored trip to Pearson College (UWC-Canada), just to mention a few. There are many service and wilderness trips throughout the year planned to different parts of New Mexico. The winter break, which lasts about three weeks, will give you the opportunity to travel to the homes of your friends. Some students who have family nearby stay in the US for vacations. Some international students do, however, go home for the winter break. Additionally, students occasionally travel to Santa Fe and surrounding areas over the weekends.
Is it expensive to explore the cities near Las Vegas?
It depends on what you mean by 'explore' - there are many opportunities to go to cities near Las Vegas, e.g. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos on service trips, to watch plays in the local theatre, or the occasional shopping trips. Faculty sometime sponsor trips to see historical sites like the Petroglyph Museum in Albuquerque and the plaza in Santa Fe. The college helps fund meals during faculty-sponsored trips, but if you want to shop, go bowling or catch a movie, be prepared to provide the money yourself.
What is the "wilderness program"?
The wilderness program is an opportunity for students to experience the New Mexico backcountry. It is also a great opportunity to learn about handling responsibility and leadership. All students are required to participate in at least 2.5 expeditions into the wilderness, including the 2-day wilderness expedition at the beginning of their first year. After that, expeditions to nearby wilderness areas happen at least once a month and it is your choice if you'd like to attend. If you want, you can be trained to become a wilderness leader by attending classes in first aid and navigation. Almost a quarter of the students are in the wilderness program, and it is a fun thing to do and a way to get to know people. During project week, the wilderness department generally sponsors a big trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
What do I need to bring for the wilderness program?
Almost nothing. It is required that you take at least one wilderness trip while you are at the UWC-USA, but you can borrow most of the gear you need for that. The Wilderness Department provides you with almost all of the equipment and food that you would need for a trip, so you are only responsible for clothing. If you decide not to be very involved in the wilderness program it is very easy to find second years to borrow the necessary clothing from. If you want to become more involved in the program it pays off to buy your own clothing, (especially your own hiking boots) which is fairly easy to do.
What opportunities will I have after graduating from the UWC-USA?
The opportunities are nearly endless after you finish here. The IB program allows you to apply to colleges all over the world. However, that can be achieved at any of the thousands of IB schools across the globe. You'll have unique opportunities after the UWC-USA because of the people you meet and the connections you will make. Being a part of the UWC community introduces you to a global network that shares a commitment to the ideals of peace, unity, and global interconnection. As you venture out into the world, you will find people eager to help you establish yourself in whatever business you may choose. The opportunities available after the UWC-USA are plentiful and unique. Remember that the UWC experience doesn't end at graduation. It is a lifelong process and a lifelong commitment to the ideals so inherent in the establishment of the UWC program.
Most of my questions are answered. What should I do now?
There is plenty you can get started on. First, begin making your travel arrangements. In your information packet you should find the dates when you are expected to arrive on campus. The earlier you start looking for travel fares, the better deals and more flexibility you will have.
You should also get a passport and visa, if you don't have one already. Procedures differ from country to country, and government agencies are often slow at processing documents, so don't waste time. Get your visa now! You also need to be sure to take care of your medical information and other college forms.
We aren't kidding when we say we would love to hear from you, to answer any questions you may have or just to start getting to know one another before we arrive at the college in a few months.
One piece of advice we would offer you . . .
Be open to new ideas and experiences, because you will have many. The UWC-USA is unique and different, and you've probably never been exposed to anything like it. So the best advice anyone can give you is to leave yourself open to whatever may come your way, and let those experiences shape you as they may. Then you will have truly experienced what the UWC-USA is all about and you will become an important part of our dynamic international community.
Conclusion: While you might not realize it yet, you are embarking on one of the greatest journeys of your life - a journey in which you will discover so much about the world and other people. Much like an expedition, it will be a difficult journey. The paths will be rocky and sometimes may seem impassible. You will encounter many obstacles, both physical and emotional. It will be tiring, sometimes exhausting, but you will continue. Many times you will feel as if the trek to the top is impossible and perhaps it would be easier to simply turn back. However, as you approach the ever-elusive summit, the exhaustion will melt away and all your work will seem worthwhile in the face of the beauty that lies before you.
And then you will do this all over again. You will travel some of these journeys more than once in the same day, others may take the entire two years. Life at the United World College is not always easy. And you will go through periods of sadness, loneliness, and confusion. Everyone does. But in the end, those sad memories will fall away and you will be left, a new person, full of unique and wonderful experiences. You will begin to understand how others see you and you will begin to see others differently than you may have before. You will learn how to live with others, and what it takes to coexist and develop lasting relationships.
Above all, you will learn about yourself. That is the greatest thing about this college. The journey of self-discovery is perhaps the most rewarding journey of all. Realizing who you are, what you believe in, and how those beliefs will affect you later in life is priceless. That is what the college allows you to do—take advantage of these two very special years; use them wisely, not only to grow academically, but more importantly to grow and develop as a person and global citizen. Take risks and push beyond what is safe and "normal". Critically examine yourself and what you believe. You will be a better and stronger person for it. That is a guarantee. |
