Welcoming Grade 11: Building Community and Embracing Culture at UWC Thailand

We are delighted to welcome 50 new students to our campus through the National Committee (NC) and Global Selection Programme (GSP). After an extensive selection process, these students join our UWC Thailand community, bringing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

This year, 47 of these students will join the grade 11 cohort alongside 35 UWC Thailand direct-entry students, forming a graduating class of 83 students for 2027. For the second time, we are also welcoming three scholarship students into grade 10 through our “Fulfilling the Promise” pathway. This initiative allows students an additional year to settle in before starting the IB Diploma Programme, supporting those who have been out of school for an extended period, are developing English fluency, or are using technology for the first time.

Among the 50 NC & GSP students this year: 15 have full scholarships, 18 have partial scholarships, 13 are supported by UWC International, and 4 are full fee payers. We encourage everyone in our community to take every opportunity to meet and welcome our new students.

Orientation marked an exciting start to the two-year IB Diploma journey. With the return of school-based students and the arrival of new ones, the campus buzzed with energy. Over the week, students connected with peers, forged new friendships, and began shaping a community and culture they will nurture throughout their UWC Thailand experience.

The orientation programme included a cultural exploration, where students immersed themselves in Thai traditions through activities such as trying on traditional Thai attire, learning Thai dance, and visiting Wat Phra Thong to reflect on Thailand’s cultural heritage.

Our grade 11 students wrapped up Orientation Week with a two-day camp, a perfect start to the new school year. They learned kayaking, enjoyed a campfire at the Outdoor Education Centre at the PlayYard, and took a river walk at Khao Phra Thaeo, just five minutes from campus, exploring the natural surroundings. Students also worked alongside our community engagement partners at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, and Sustainable Mai Khao, demonstrating our “Good Heart” while supporting local organisations. They reflected on their experiences by writing letters to their future selves, marking the start of this new chapter.

"Getting to spend a few days with my new friends without our devices lets us connect more naturally and grow relationships I’m sure will only get stronger from here."

Yaakov, grade 11 (United States)

As we welcome our new students, we look forward to seeing them thrive, contribute, and grow as part of the UWC Thailand community.