An international boarder’s view of Westonbirt

With 29 different nationalities on campus, Westonbirt School continues to welcome students from overseas to our boarding community. It is always fascinating to get an insight into the boarding experience here from the boarders themselves. Year 13 student Paula from Santander, Spain shares her view of Westonbirt from an international students’ perspective.

I am a Spanish student and joined Westonbirt School in Year 11. My parents were looking to send me abroad for a term to learn English and Westonbirt offers English language lessons alongside studies to sit an English language Cambridge certificate exam. This certainly covered that aspect. After that, we looked at videos on social media and made up our minds about choosing Westonbirt.

I came here three years ago now, and I could not have been more shocked when I arrived. I know that social media advertisements may not always seem accurate, but with Westonbirt they truly are. Everyone, regardless of nationality, will find their place in this School if they get involved. All the house staff become mentors and truly care for and look out for you.

To fit in at Westonbirt, you must be open to meeting new people and learn to open up yourself as well, so that you create what I call your Westonbirt family. I have a very settled friendship group that has been with me since I joined. They are a group of wonderful individuals that help with my personal growth; and that is what a true Westonbirt student does, bring out the best in people.

You will really quickly find yourself taking part in things you wouldn’t have thought of doing, such as different sports or clubs. I personally joined netball, a sport which is not very common in Spain, and absolutely loved it. The coaches for all sports are super friendly and will encourage you to leave your comfort zone. From a weekend perspective, there are hundreds of activities and trips you can sign up for. You won’t have a boring, sitting around weekend if you don’t want to!  Westonbirt School is an inclusive growing community that would love you to be a part of it.