Studying abroad—an opportunity to experience and to explore what may seem like an entirely new world. For many, this chance at adventure is a mere fantasy, put on hold due to money or busy schedules. But for Andy Chung (12) and Lyndon Whittaker (12), the dream has already become a reality.

In August, Chung and Whittaker began their two-year-long experiences with United World College, a program with ten international schools attracting students from over forty countries worldwide. While there, they will work toward receiving International Baccalaureate diplomas.

“It sounded like such a great experience to be able to study in a different country,” Chung said. But being chosen for the program was not easy. Chung and Whittaker were both selected as finalists for two of fifty full scholarships offered by UWC and were subjected to three rounds of applications and interviews before finally being chosen. Then, both students were placed in a UWC school based on preference and compatibility—Chung in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzogovina, and Whittaker in Hong Kong, China.

At the schools, Chung and Whittaker experience a mix between high school and college learning. Courses are rigorous and move at a faster pace than most American high school classes, while focusing more on creativity and in-depth analysis.

“You don’t get any busy work,” Whittaker said. “You get a grade based off the actual learning you do.”

Chung and Whittaker take classes they might in the United States, such as physics or English. However, their schedules also include courses like peace and conflict studies that are intended to give students a more global perspective.

“You definitely get a more world view,” Whittaker said.

Of course, Chung and Whittaker’s new friends and teachers have also contributed to this changed outlook. The majority of students at both schools are not native English speakers; most are not even from North America.

“Learning about the different cultures makes every day exciting,” Chung said. Yet, he adds that this diversity can sometimes have its challenges. “Here, everyone has to be very culturally sensitive as not to offend anyone.”

This cautiousness is one of many adjustments Chung and Whittaker have had to make since beginning the program. Both describe their day-to-day lives as being similar to college dorm life. “I definitely had to adapt myself to the people around me and the new responsibilities,” Whittaker said.

These responsibilities include tasks like doing laundry, keeping themselves on time and taking care of their rooms.

Participating in the program also meant that Chung and Whittaker had to make a few sacrifices. Because each will be studying through UWC for two years, the seniors will not graduate with their White Station classmates or move on to college next year.

“[The hardest part is] learning to live by myself and also being away from the people I’ve grown up with,” Chung said.

Through methods like Facebook and the app Viber, though, Chung and Whittaker are still able to communicate with friends and family regularly. They also have new friends that are experiencing the same homesickness.

Yet despite the adjustments and sacrifices, Chung and Whittaker are happy with their decisions to study abroad. Both are excited for what lies ahead in the coming semester and year.

“It’s made me more aware of what’s going on, not just in my space or country,” Whittaker said. “This opportunity really has made me grow as a person.”