HMC Projects Scholarship Programme

It doesn’t make us less happy to receive the Hogwarts letter 5 years later than we were supposed to, and not by an owl-post, but as an email. There wasn’t a moment of hesitation whether to give this opportunity a go or not. Tickets bought (airplane – not a Hogwarts express), suitcases packed and we are in the UK, in a homey town named Harrogate, to be precise.  

Harrogate is a shy town that doesn’t stab the clouds with skyscrapers’ spires, doesn’t disturb squirrels with car honks and people with advertisement banners. Actually, try to use all your stereotypes about England to outline Harrogate in your mind: green fields, brick houses and lots of corgis.

It becomes obvious now why Harrogate Ladies’ College was established exactly in this place 128 years ago. The spirit of learning – this is what has not changed since those times, unlike the roads, hopefully.  

Let us take you for a virtual excursion in school. Close your eyes and imagine that you are walking down the corridor. Laughing girls in navy blue uniforms leave you behind as you stare, mesmerized, at artworks: abstract paintings and majestic dresses made by students. You peep in every classroom that you pass. Whether it is a chemistry lab, a drama studio or a music hall – every room has modern equipment, piles of books and big windows to observe lacrosse games outside. There are also small rooms called “studies”. Perhaps, it is too obvious, but pupils study there – do their prep (homework) or just hang out with friends. If you follow the smell, it will guide you to the noisy dining hall, stuffed with girls and teachers. Help yourself to the fish and chips!  

While you are enjoying your lunch, we will reveal to you a secret – this is a precise description of us on the day of our arrival. We had the same excursion and were even 10 times more excited than you!

We were sure that it was the biggest shock we would experience. However, it appeared we never actually knew what the shock was, until we received our schedules. As we study in the Sixth form (google British system of education), we were supposed to choose only 3 and yes, it is not a printing mistake, – 3 subjects. So instead of having all day filled with lessons, we have lots of free hours. Although, it may look as if we are chilling here, it is right on the contrary, because we have at least 2 teachers for each subject. For example, I have 3 teachers for my English literature, which means I have to write 3 essays for my prep. Add other subjects. Plus studying them not in a native language. Even though I am not good at Maths, I can say that it is quite a lot.  

This is what my sister says about her experience so far:

“At the beginning it was hard. Imagine talking foreign language 24/7, explaining your feelings, thoughts and needs. In addition to the huge number of unfamiliar words to learn, we have to understand various accents and get used to the fast pace of speaking.  

Lessons are conducted differently than in Ukraine. For instance, during History we need to take notes by ourselves, as no one will give you a complete list of reasons “Why Churchill lost the 1945 general election”. Psychology is a totally new subject for the local girls as well. This makes lessons a bit easier as we are all in the same boat. We have already done some experiments: found out that larks react faster than owls and tasted 2 types of chocolate as a part of our repeated measures design study. During French lessons, me and 3 other girls (yes, the groups can be that big) discuss different types of marriage, reasons for a divorce and political “coming-outs.”  

There will definitely be days full of stress and anxiety because of being surrounded by everything new. There will be days which we will call “the best of our lives”. Discoveries and disappointments, victories and struggles – everything will happen.

But you know what? We are enjoying it so much! Knowledge is a treasure, learning – a challenge, which we are more than ready to embrace. 

Hey everyone! It’s been almost three weeks since I left home and began my ‘adult life’ in the UK. I know that it might be too early to make such a claim but it is the best experience I have had in my life so far. I enjoy every single minute spent in my new school and feel extremely happy.

Believe me or not, but you do not have time to feel homesick or upset because you always have something to do and it is not only about studying. You may join the music department, do different sports or take up art classes, for example. There is a wide range of facilities and you just have to choose what you like the most or try something that you have never done before. You won’t be bored, I promise.

To be honest, there might be some times when I feel really awkward or do not know how to do something. It is quite challenging to learn all the physics terminology an theory not in my native language but it is getting better every day. However, if I have any questions or queries, people here are always happy to give me a hand. In such a friendly and warm atmosphere I actually feel like home.

Boarding is another great aspect of studying abroad. It is all about laughing at the same jokes, cooking together on Sunday mornings, organizing exciting trips or competitions and simply having a good time.

If you still doubt whether you should apply for the HMC Projects or not, I ask you to try! Do not be afraid, get out of your comfort zone and make your dream happen. I assure you that it is possible to win. Believe in yourself, work hard and keep going! I take my chances, do you?

My first impressions of the life in Dollar Academy

From the moment I was offered a scholarship at Dollar Academy, I already knew that my life was going to change completely in the nearest future. I was asking myself a question: ‘How would it be, life in a boarding school?’ Now, two weeks since my whole world turned upside down, I think I have an answer.

And the answer is: it’s the best experience I could ever wish for. Of course, it requires lots of efforts: leaving your family and friends, packing all the stuff you have in your room into only 23 kilos you’re allowed to have in your suitcase, trying not to lose yourself and your documents at the airport… But this big adventure of yours is absolutely worth it because it’s the first step you take into the adult life.

My story starts on the plane, heading to the airport of Edinburgh. I’ve never seen such breathtaking landscapes before, even though I have travelled a lot. This pure, virgin beauty of Scottish Highlands made me realize that it’s time to give a birth to a new and definitely a very thrilling chapter of my life. ‘I’m ready, I told myself, and I’m capable of everything.’ There I was, accepting the biggest and the best challenge I’ve ever been given.

First of all, as cliché as it sounds, it’s all about meeting new people. So far, it has been the best part of my life in Scotland because it’s the people who make the place, and that’s what I found in Dollar Academy. Starting from my house parents, who are one of the kindest and most supportive people I’ve ever had a pleasure to meet, to my teachers, who are in love with their subject and who are ready to share this love with all the students. Thanks to them, studying has become a pleasure for me and even Mondays do not scare me anymore.

Secondly, it’s about experiencing unfamiliar things you’ve never done before: doing your tie, reading Shakespeare’s “Othello” in the original, auditioning for the school play, singing hymns in the assembly. And, believe me or not, you may find a lot of fun doing this.

Life in a boarding school is something that you cannot prepare yourself for, but once you’ve tried, it will be difficult to abandon it. In this short period of time I have already made many good friends from different parts of the world, designed my own pizza menu for my graphic communication class, strolled around the picturesque city of Edinburgh and fulfilled my dream to make an art project. And I know that it’s only the very beginning. Much more is waiting for me, and I’m looking forward to facing it.

A message to scholars

Dear scholars,

First of all – please, let me congratulate you on receiving such a prestigious award! You and your family should be extremely proud of you, as you really deserve it!

I remember being put in your place three years ago and my heart fills in with such joy just by thinking about this fantastic experience. However, I also remember wondering where would this journey take me and what potential difficulties should I expect, so I will try to make it easier for you and not to let your worries ruin all the eagerness you are experiencing right now.

Getting visa is already a very serious and important step on your way to the UK, so make sure that all the right documents are submitted, but don’t worry – HMC Projects is always there to help you with your preparations. Make sure to book your appointments as early as possible, as a waiting list for them could be quite long in the summer – this will also assure that you have plenty of time to re-apply for your visa if you would have to.

The first serious problem you might have to deal with in UK is understanding of spoken English, as there would be a lot of different accents (as you would expect from such an international community). However, the most complicated accent for me to understand was Birmingham accent, which is prevailing in the area of Wolverhampton (and Tettenhall). The cure to that is to get familiar with it beforehand by watching some YouTube videos and if you are into British series – watch “Peaky Blinders”.

Tettenhall College is indeed very welcoming and all the staff/students make sure that you are feeling like at home. You will have multiple activities that will help your integration into a school community. Therefore, go out there and do not be afraid “not to fit in” – in TC there is a place for everybody!
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – one of my Chinese partners has shared this saying with me and I have been living by it since then. Hence, my advice would be to get in to all the activities, that are very popular among English students, but not very popular with other international students – for example: musicals, clubs, plays, sports, etc. This will not only help you to become more interesting and confident person, but also to gain respect from all the staff.

Do ask questions! – My ability and confidence to ask any question has helped me in achieving my fluency in English, as well as securing admirable grades in all my subjects.

After my studies I have had a fantastic opportunity to work with an English Summer Camp and still am continuing my co-operation with it – as for now, I am representing this camp in China for 6 weeks and teaching Chinese students (the referee for my job application was one of the members of staff of Tettenhall College, so another piece of advice would be to keep yourself open for any opportunities).

Such an opportunity was granted by my university – University WSB in Poland, which has allowed me to study distantly while I am away for this trip. This university has also provided me with a scholarship (which covers all the costs associated with my stay in Poland) last October for the whole duration of my studies (3 years), so now I study “International Business” in English there.

In conclusion, I would like to promise you that you will have the time of your life in Tettenhall College, just like I had, no matter your age, background or interests.

Best regards

Going to study to the UK was truly life changing experience for me. Thanks to HMC Projects I got to spend 2 years at Seaford College in West Sussex, with its welcoming and caring community. Education system in the UK is completely different to the one in Ukraine. As part of my A-level studies I was able to choose 4 subjects that truly interested me and focus on studying what I enjoy. Classes were small and full of discussions, prompting students to express their own opinions and learning how to defend your point of view. Skills I learned as a result of such educational system, have helped me a lot not just in further studies, but in life in general.

Of course, moving to a different country with a different language and culture has its own difficulties. The biggest struggle for me turned out to be the language. It took me two or three months before I could fully express myself as freely as I would do it in my native language and this was particularly difficult for me, as a person who values communication with people a lot. But thanks to wonderful people around me I overcame this problem with ease. While preparing for the trip it is important to be ready for changes, they will be everywhere: in your way of life, in your way of thinking and even in your mentality! I would also recommend to explore and embrace the novelty and take the most out of it, the time will pass so quickly, but the memories will stay forever, so it is important to go and create your memories!

Nowadays I am studying dual degree in International Relations at university in Warsaw, Poland in partnership with Coventry University. At the same time I work at Accenture corporation and continue to be an active student participating and organising conferences and educational events for students. I am also a member of a student NGO and helping to launch and maintain Women In International Security Project.

I cannot stop thanking HMC Projects for such a truly unique and life changing opportunity to study at the UK and hope that it keeps prospering and helping young bright students to discover new world and new self. Thank you!