I’m guessing you clicked on this because you are trying to figure out how to move out at 16. Did you know that I did this as soon as I turned 16 because I went to the United World College?
Not because I didn’t love my family (they’re lovely!), but because it was my lifelong dream to attend the boarding school, the United World Colleges.
If you are looking for more independence and are ready for a challenge – both academically and personally – this is the route for moving out at 16!
How old do you have to be to move out?
To apply to the United World College, you must be between 16-19, usually your last few years of high school. (The specific age range depends on your national committee, so check there first!).
More importantly, this age range is perfect because if you do not get in the first year you apply, you can always wait for the next year and try again.
What is the United World College?
The United World College is a global movement of international schools founded in 1962 after WWII by German Educator Kurt Hahn.
The UWC movement aimed to bring together students from all corners of the world and promote peace after long divisions from the World War and Cold War.
Additionally, Queen Noor of Jordan is the current president of the UWC movement, who previously served alongside Nelson Mandela (1995-1999).
Furthermore, what’s unique about the UWC movement is that there are 18 campuses worldwide! From North America to Europe to Asia, you can find a UWC anywhere.
UWC Movement Today
The UWC movement today is composed of 18 schools across four continents.
The mission makes “education a force to united people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future”.
UWC is genuinely global, with national committees in over 150 countries. The national committees aid in the selection of unique students.
The United World Colleges are dedicated to inspiring young people to be a positive force for change, channelling their energy into meaningful impact!
What is unique about UWC?
Aside from the profound mission statement, the United World Colleges are incredibly diverse and create lasting friendships from all over the world!
When students are selected as UWCers, they can be placed on any of the 18 campuses worldwide for two years.
Another fantastic aspect of the United World College is that 80% of students receive financial assistance.
They try to cater to everyone’s financial background and ensure that your financial situation does not deter you from applying.
Moreover, UWC employs the International Baccalaureate program, a renowned high school diploma.
The IB focuses on building self-confidence through meaningful service and knowledge that will prepare students for universities worldwide.
UWC-USA
I went to the campus in the United States (UWC-USA ALUM 2021!). I already feel old! All United World College campuses have a unique aspect and own character.
What’s primarily unique about the U.S. campus is its dedication to sustainability and using the outdoors as the classroom.
The 200-acre Montezuma Castle campus is nestled in the mountains; the gorgeous campus has an agroecology research centre dedicated to growing food for the dining hall.
UWC-USA Specialities
Not only this, but the UWC-USA campus is on the cusp of the Pecos Wilderness and Santa Fe National Forest. UWC-USA uses this to encourage students to reflect on the world and natural world through a beautiful Wilderness program.
Furthermore, the Montezuma Castle was previously a luxury hotel converted to a boarding school! With many hiking trails, Dawn Light Sanctuary, and Hot Springs, there’s so much to love about this campus!
If you are still thinking of how to move out of 16 and this article has convinced you a tiny bit more, then this might be the route for you.
How to apply to UWC
If you are thinking about applying, the best way to do so is either through your national committee or the global route.
The national committee is for students who require a scholarship, and you can easily find the headquarters of your national committee through this site.
With the national committee route, you cannot apply directly to one school. You can list your preferences, but the locations are not guaranteed.
The application process differs by national committee, but generally, you have three rounds—first, a written application, a one-on-one interview, and lastly, a selection weekend.
The Global Selection Programme is for students who do not require a scholarship and can apply to a single school or choose up to five.
USA Applicants
The application deadlines vary by national committees. For the United States, it is already open!
You can apply by November to demonstrate early interest or submit in January by the regular deadlines.
P.S. For US citizens, most of those selected become Davis Scholars and receive a merit scholarship of $25,000 for each of the two years for the cost of attendance.
When are you ready to move out of your parent’s house?
Firstly, if you already were searching for how to move out of your parent’s house or how to move out at 16, this is a hint that you might be ready!
If reading this article got you excited or curious, I encourage you to research and talk with a respected adult to discuss your options.
I am not a professional high school counsellor or academic advisor, just a girl who had a life-changing experience!
This is not a minor decision, so do not take this application process lightly. Talk to your friends or family and feel confident in starting this process.
If you want to live on a campus anywhere in the world with 200 students from over 150 different nationalities, this is the route for you!
What UWC gave me!
Suppose you are still thinking about how to move out at 16, and this article hasn’t convinced you yet.
In that case, I can always do a more in-depth about my experience at UWC and how it contributed to my overall personal and professional development. Let me know 🙂
But, in a nutshell, it:
- Helped me move out at 16
- Created life-long friendships across the world!
- Cultivated my self-confidence
- Helped me make a meaningful impact in my community
- Pushed me out of my comfort zone
- Accepted me into a 60,000+ alumni network
- Got me accepted into a top 100 university
If it weren’t for UWC, I wouldn’t have moved to the Netherlands (because I did the IB diploma) and made friends from all over the world.
I owe it to UWC for the opportunities that came my way; if not for UWC, I would not have developed my open-mindedness as a critical global citizen.
Thank you for reading this article, and let me know what you think below!
Read next: https://urmivallassery.blog/why-netherlands-universities-are-the-best/
