Being an International Student

Arriving at St Bede’s for the first time is probably one of the things I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I had no clue what was going to happen that night or the next day. But when I went to the House meeting that evening, I realized that everyone was feeling the same and actually there was no reason to be scared because the older Dorter Girls, together with Miss Agaba and Mrs B were so friendly and helpful.

The first days were a completely new experience for me and nothing like anything I had done before. I met so many people in the first week, did subjects I’ve never done before, had to share a room with someone I didn’t really know and tried to get use to all the things that were different from home - such as English food.

In my opinion it is fascinating how many different subjects are offered in St Bede’s. In Germany I never had the opportunity to choose for example Media or Business Studies.

Weeks before the School started, I was scared that I wouldn’t understand a word and that I would not be able to say what I wanted to say. But the language wasn’t a problem at all. The teachers in the lessons were happy to explain the words I didn’t know and I found my English improving day by day.

After about two weeks, I was completely settled in and got used to the boarding school routine. I actually felt like a ‘Dorter Girl’ and I had already made some really good friends. It was easy to get to know the people around me because lots of them were new to the School as well and we all tried to make friends.

I really like being in Dorter and being a boarder. Especially when you are a full boarder, your House is like your home. There are always things to look forward to, such as the week before the Christmas holidays. In the last year we had a fancy dress disco, a formal dinner and a Christmas Party all of which I really enjoyed.

I’m really looking forward to my second year in St Bede’s and hopefully the experience will be as good as last year.

Esther Groenert

Dorter UVIth Boarder