Life after UWC

UWC Great Britain selects students from all over the UK to attend United World Colleges. After UWC, all our graduates go on to do different and exciting things. A selection of alumni profiles are provided below, to demonstrate where a UWC education can lead.

Alumni Profiles

"I think UWC gave me the confidence and ability to look at my country in a very different way."

Name: Anna

College: Red Cross Nordic United World College, Norway

Graduation year: 2009

After UWC, Anna attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts where she studied for a degree in Political Science and History, and was a Madeleine Korbel Albright fellow. She has since interned in Washington DC and worked as a paralegal in immigration law, and currently works as a researcher in international healthcare. In addition, Anna has spent time volunteering in Ecuador and travelling the West Coast of the United States.

Advice for applicants: "Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things- it will be a huge part of your experience at UWC!"

"It taught me how to think about what the other person might need, and how to listen and understand."

Name: Richard

College: United World College of South East Asia

Graduation year: 1997

After UWC, Richard studied for a degree in Computer Science at the University of Otago in New Zealand, and also holds a Master's Degree in Music from the University of Southampton. Richard ran his own life sciences Research and Development IT services firm in the UK and now works as an independent business development consultant for enterprises in the life sciences research sector. He has also lived and worked in Singapore and New Zealand, and has volunteered for UWC in both countries. In his spare time he volunteers for a local disabled swimming team, and was once in a choir which made it to the national category finals of the BBC choir of the year competition!

Advice for applicants: "Be open minded, be curious but never surprised, take qualified risks, give everything a go. Listen. Ask, don't tell."

"Attending UWC made me bolder; I realised there's so much more out there to try and that it's worth giving everything a go."

Name: Will

College: United World College in Mostar

Graduation year: 2008

Since leaving UWC, Will has earned a degree in Ancient History & Byzantine Studies from Queen's University Belfast, followed by a Master's degree from the University of Oxford. Will has studied abroad in Turkey where he also participated in archaeological excavations, and is currently working towards a PhD, studying early stone castles in Scotland. In addition, he has interned at The Independent and volunteered for Victim Support, and in his spare time he enjoys playing football ("when my knees aren't sore!") and watching historical films.

Advice for applicants: "Whatever happens, the world is still going to be there tomorrow, and it's up to you, no-one else, so try your hardest and make the most of what's available."

"It gave me confidence and helped to foster an interest in politics and international development."

Name: Kiloran

College: United World College of the Atlantic

Graduation year: 2011

Kiloran is currently studying Medicine at the University of Oxford. In the three summers since leaving, she has returned to Atlantic College to work as an activity instructor at the college's own Outdoors Centre which offers activities to both the general public and disadvantaged young people. At Oxford, she is the Vice President of a society which sends volunteers on sustainable development projects around the world. Kiloran is an accomplished debater and has worked backstage at the Edinburgh Fringe as part of the Oxford University Dramatic Society.

Advice for applicants: "Don't doubt yourself."

Are you a UWC GB alum? Get in touch today to share your story!