How did you find out about UWC?

I found it out through my English teacher at my previous High School. First, it was only about Initiative for Peace (IfP) conference; then I got to know about the UWC Scholarship. Right after I graduated, someone from my High School contacted me to apply for the scholarship. I thought it was a great opportunity to pursue my future education.

Why did you apply to UWC?

First reason was because of the UWC concept itself, the opportunity to meet different people from different cultures. Second was due to the quality of the International Education System which offers International Baccalaureate (IB); which I thought would be good to pursue my future education in a good university in the United States (US).

What do you enjoy the most about UWC?

The most enjoyable things about UWC are the place, the people and the opportunity. UWC is the place where you can see the world. It is the place where you can see the colourful cultures and people from all over the world. All the opportunities are wonderful such as project week; Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) activities; and many more events that are often run by the students themselves.

What do you find the most challenging?

Honestly, just being a UWC student is already challenging because UWC is not only about the experiences and opportunities, but also about the academic work (IB). However, those challenges have changed my perspectives about life and helped me to emphasize what I should do in my life. This seemingly small thing is very important to UWCs - you cannot get to know someone and someone's culture without speaking to them. You'll find that there are times when not a lot seems to be happening, but those are the best times and the times we often miss out on.  It is the time when you find the space to let conversations expand and fill that space - that's what really important. Other times are really busy, of course there's homework and exams, there are revisions and studies to do, which is what UWC is all about. Believe me, time flies so fast that sometimes you regret so badly because of not being part of some activities.

If you weren’t at UWC Maastricht, where would you be?

I would be in the National University in Timor-Leste studying medicine. Or, maybe I would be in Australia or New-Zealand, if I either got accepted to New Zealand development Scholarship (NZDS) or Australian Development Scholarship (ADS).

What do you want to do when you graduate from UWC?

To continue my study in the US.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to UWC?

I have heard many students asking me these questions: "What would the selection committees like to see from me? How can I get accepted for a scholarship?"  I think you should stop asking me these questions. Honestly from my point of view, it is not about showing them what they want to see. I mean, if you think about it you could never figure out what they want from the applicants. For instance, if you try so hard to be someone else – not being yourselves – and if you get selected, then probably you will find that the scholarship you want is not really for you.

In my opinion, the selection committees are not really looking for people who are simply the best at everything, but they are looking for students who will fit well with the UWC values. They are looking for someone who will grow and develop at UWCs; use the experience to make real differences in the world and their country; be involved in campus activities; be able to balance the different stresses to deal with the IB in a busy UWC campus; has a huge compassion for and understanding of other cultures; and has a passion for community services. So, just be yourself!