United World Colleges
The United World Colleges are a group of ten schools for 16 to 18 year olds. The colleges are located in Wales, Norway, Italy, Canada, United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Swaziland and Venezuela. The first college, Atlantic College is located in a 12th Century Castle near Cardiff in Wales, and was founded in 1962 by the German educationalist Kurt Hahn
The student body typically includes 60 to 80 different nationalities, and students receive the International Baccalaureate upon successful completion of their studies, with the exception of Venezuela, which is for slightly older students and offers a diploma in agricultural administration.
Entry into a college is based on academic performance, personal engagement and the personal maturity of the candidate.
"Through international education, experience and community service, United World Colleges enables young people to become responsible citizens, politically and environmentally aware, and committed to the ideals of peace and justice, understanding and cooperation, and the implementation of these ideals through action and personal example" -UWC Mission Statement
Pupils who wish to apply for United World College scholarships are interviewed by National Committees, all of which have a slightly different system. In Hungary the places are offered on the basis of a system of national competitions (OKTV) and specialised interviews, whereas in the United Kingdom shortlisted applicants attend a two-day residential with an interview, various games and debates.