Hot Off The Lunch Bench : Students applying to international colleges

Grace Gyepes, Staff Writer 

Samo is in the middle of yet another college season, meaning seniors around campus can be found frantically working on essays and asking questions in the college center. This year is the first time in two years that the applying process has returned back to semi-normal. Samo has always had students applying to a wide range of schools, however, after being locked inside for more than a year, are more students wanting to go farther away than before? 

“I want to apply to UK universities because I love the weather there and the education system, which focuses on small class sizes and self-driven learning. I also want to live in the UK as an adult and I see going to college there as a way to lay down roots. I’m worried about leaving the people I know here and have grown up around but I have family in the UK so I won’t feel too alone,” Summer Bennett Stein (’22).

“Personally as someone who has lived both in Europe and the US, life is so different. Most of my family lives in Switzerland, so leaving home won’t be that big of an issue for me.  As for applying to schools, I want a change in my life, and moving across the world although drastic has so many pros. It’s honestly just completely and totally different and that’s what I need right now,” Lilly Ryf (’23). 

“I’m applying to colleges in Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Scotland. After pursuing multiple international events during the pandemic with International Sister Cities, I realized how much I valued being part of the global discussion. I want to work for UNESCO, so I view going abroad as a critical opportunity to prepare myself for my career as well. I want to challenge myself to take in this daunting college experience where I can be educated in school, but also about the world,” Alana Basmajian (’22).

“I’m currently applying to multiple universities with study abroad or international education requirements within the major. I’ve always wanted to experience life in another country and willingly expose myself to challenge and change so if I do have the opportunity to take advantage of the programs, I would be more than excited. Especially since I was able to spend so much time with my family during the pandemic, I am now more motivated to put myself out there and discover the differences of the world,” Tahoe Ikumi (’22).

Grace Gyepes / The Samohi