'Starting at a UK boarding school can be a daunting experience. But while pupils are living and learning in the UK, there is a strong support network is available to help them during their studies.'
A wide range of support options are available for international pupils who come to study at a UK boarding school.
House masters and matrons
Pupils usually find that they settle in quickly and become fully immersed in living and learning with other pupils of the same age. Should they find that they need any help, however, then appointed international advice tutors, house masters or matrons are there to provide support. These staff are are there to supervise pupils, provide academic and emotional support and oversee pupils' welfare.
Support from older students
Having someone close to your own age to talk to who has been through a similar experience a year or two earlier can make life easier for international students. Many boarding schools appoint older students to help new arrivals settle in and offer ongoing support. These students are often called mentors, ‘big brothers’ or ‘big sisters’.
International support groups
Lots of boarding schools (especially larger institutions) have international study centres or groups dedicated to their community of international students that out on regular social events. There are also UK-wide organisations for international students such as the British Association of International Schools and Colleges (BAISC) which helps provide support, training and resources for institutes for the UK boarding school population.
Note: Guardians for under-16s
All international students under the age of 16 should have a guardian. This should be someone resident in the UK, normally over the age of 25, who can care for if you are suddenly ill, or during vacations, half terms and at weekends if you cannot go home. Most schools insist that a guardian is appointed. However, in Scotland, this is a requirement in all schools.
Read more about life at a UK boarding school
My experience: Benedit Weissheimer, from Germany
My experience: Diana Cherbayev, from Kazakhstan
House masters and matrons
Pupils usually find that they settle in quickly and become fully immersed in living and learning with other pupils of the same age. Should they find that they need any help, however, then appointed international advice tutors, house masters or matrons are there to provide support. These staff are are there to supervise pupils, provide academic and emotional support and oversee pupils' welfare.
Support from older students
Having someone close to your own age to talk to who has been through a similar experience a year or two earlier can make life easier for international students. Many boarding schools appoint older students to help new arrivals settle in and offer ongoing support. These students are often called mentors, ‘big brothers’ or ‘big sisters’.
International support groups
Lots of boarding schools (especially larger institutions) have international study centres or groups dedicated to their community of international students that out on regular social events. There are also UK-wide organisations for international students such as the British Association of International Schools and Colleges (BAISC) which helps provide support, training and resources for institutes for the UK boarding school population.
Note: Guardians for under-16s
All international students under the age of 16 should have a guardian. This should be someone resident in the UK, normally over the age of 25, who can care for if you are suddenly ill, or during vacations, half terms and at weekends if you cannot go home. Most schools insist that a guardian is appointed. However, in Scotland, this is a requirement in all schools.
Read more about life at a UK boarding school
My experience: Benedit Weissheimer, from Germany
My experience: Diana Cherbayev, from Kazakhstan
