These Frequently Asked Questions are designed to assist you as the parent or guardian of an applicant to a place at a United World College and to share some of the advice on important issues which would help you to make the choice of a United World College education for your son or daughter. We understand that sending your child to a UWC at what is a relatively young age can be difficult and scary. Our aim is to be entirely honest with parents and applicants about what they can expect, but also to reassure you that many people have attended UWCs over many years and in almost every case they have a wonderful and positively transformative experience.

Although the responses to the following FAQs can only be a guideline, in that some arrangements and procedures vary between individual colleges, they are offered by parents of past UWC students who have attended both Atlantic College and the overseas colleges in the hope that you will find them both useful and reassuring!

How can I get information before my child applies?

The main source of information can come from our website here and the the UWC International website at www.uwc.org. Also contact us at  UWC Jamaica and we can provide further information.

What is my role in my child’s application?

We ask that you sign the application form to confirm that you approve your child’s application. This section (Part IV) also gives you the opportunity to include additional information that you feel the National Committee should know. Finally there is the opportunity to tick a box to indicate that you will require financial support if your child is successful. While parents should be free to read to over their child’s application form we ask that they play no role in writing it unless this is necessitated for medical reasons.

How does funding a place at a UWC operate for Jamaican students?

There are limited partial and fully funded scholarships based on availability from the schools. Scholarships reflect financial aid to offset the cost of tuition and will be rewarded based on various criteria including demonstrated financial need. Costs of air travel between school and home countries are the responsibility of the student’s family.

Full scholarships cover the entire costs of tuition. The scholarship does not cover the  cost of travel, pocket money or costs associated with application to further studies.

Partial scholarships are awarded only if, upon selection, students demonstrate ability to pay the balance of the fees.

How much support is offered, especially during the initial weeks of settling in?

We are aware that most students going to a United World College have never lived away from home, and we encourage and facilitate new students and their parents to get in touch with past or present UWCers at the same college when they are awarded the place, and before term starts. 

Prior to departure, students and their families are taken through a Pre- Departure procedure and given support during their preparation process. Additionally, we also have a get- together in July every year for new students and parents, where they can meet current students and alumni as well as members of the National Committee. This is a great opportunity to ask lots of questions before new students embark on their UWC experience.

Parents of past students are always willing to offer advice, especially in terms of the practicalities of moving overseas such as air tickets, visas, insurance, and money issues. Tips about different voltages and phone capabilities, for example, and the recommendation of making a photocopy of all important documents in case they get lost, is all hard-won information which can be passed on to help the new students achieve a smooth start to their UWC experience! There is a specific forum that has been established by a parent on UWCNetwork.org where you will find lots of advice on UWCs from a parent’s perspective.

Usually students are so busy during the first weeks with all the new experiences they encounter that they don’t get time to be homesick - and then hopefully by the time the normal routine starts they are used to their new life!

What sort of support is given with their studies?

Each student has a personal tutor who they see on a regular basis (or at any time they need help). This is to discuss any concerns they may have with their work and to monitor progress. UWCs have a family-like structure in place where second and first year students from a range of countries meet regularly with a tutor for both social and pastoral opportunities. All UWCs encourage a great sense of community and student’s friends are always a great source of support to them.

How will I know if my son/daughter is eating properly or is suffering from stress related problems?

Past students can reassure parents that, in this area especially, the student support network is so strong and they all live so closely that any problem in this area is soon recognised. It is also the responsibility of the ‘House Parent’ to check the wellbeing of their students. All UWCs have a provision for medical support as appropriate.

What supervision is given?

Students have to check in each evening and are not allowed to leave the campus after that time.

They can go out during the day if they have free periods or at the weekend.

How strict are the school rules?

While there are some variations between UWCs, based on local cultural norms, all UWCs adhere to a common code of practice, which forbids drugs, tobacco (at least on campus smoking is always forbidden), alcohol on school property, sexual activity in any public area including student rooms, ‘hazing’, bullying or harassment, assault and stealing. Furthermore, all colleges are required to have clear expectations with regard to attendance, academic integrity, respect for curfew and alcohol off campus. UWCs should have more details about rules on their websites.

What feedback do I get about my child’s progress?

Reports are sent out regularly; a typical pattern might be for parents to receive three full reports during the two year period (the first at the end of the 1st semester, the second at the end of May and the third after the trial exams in March, prior to the IB Diploma.)

The college staff, either the tutor in the first instance or the Director of Studies, are very approachable if there are any concerns outside of these reports.

What happens about doctors or if my child is ill?

Normally, students are registered with a local medical practice so they will need to have their present GP’s details so they can transfer. If they need to see a doctor when they come home they can register as a temporary patient. There are sick bays on campus and a nurse is always available. Any health or sexual health issues can be easily discussed. Many countries, such as Hong Kong and USA, have excellent health care provision. Others were such provision is less than perfect tend to have stronger on-campus support for student welfare. Students and parents can always contact UWC Jamaica if issues require support or intervention by the National Committee.

What happens about laundry?

Washing machines and dryers are available. Each student is responsible for their own washing. 

Who will my son/daughter be sharing with?

Accommodation is not the same in all colleges.  All colleges have single sex rooms and set male and female 'areas' within the residency set up.  Most colleges have rooms of 4 usually trying to ensure that all roommates are from different countries to ensure that people are experiencing other cultures in every aspect of their college life.  See individual college websites for more info about residences. 

How best can we keep in touch?

For students going overseas, an International Phone card will enable them to keep in touch with home on a regular basis. All parents – and especially those with a son or daughter overseas - should be given one good point of contact at the college for emergencies. The colleges will either acknowledge the arrival of the students by email or phone, or encourage them to phone or email home directly. There is also Skype, Whatsapp and many other social media platforms

Still have more questions?

Email uwcjamaica[at]gmail.com