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Another Exciting Year Begins at UWCad
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Last weekend, August 24th and 25th, the sleepy streets of Duino were transformed. Nearly two
hundred students from over 85 countries spilled into the piazza, at all hours, for the beginning of
the academic year of 2007-2008 at the United World College of the Adriatic. First years were
greeted by enthusiastic second-years, eager to show them to their residences and around the
village. Second-years were greeted with squeals of excitement and hugs from their friends whom they
have not seen in the last three months.
The first week at the college is traditionally an introduction week organized partially by a
student committee and partially by staff and administrators. The student committee ran several
events including an “Amazing Race – Duino Edition” to familiarize the Primi (first-years) with
their home for the next two years, introductions to student initiatives, and presentations on
courses from a student’s point of view. The teachers helped Primi to decide on their courses,
physical activities and social services, as well as taking them to Trieste for a cultural visit.
The week ended with a dinner at the local Pizzeria (attended by the entire college) and the
International Introduction Show, organized by Second-years on Saturday night.
For second-years, the first week was spent catching up with co-years, and marvelling that it
seemed like no time had passed since they had been wandering around Duino, as disoriented and
wide-eyed first-years last September. Multiple coffees to update one another on the events of the
summer, were intermittent with lugging boxes out from storage—which most definitely multiplied and
grew heavier than when they were put away in May—and unpacking in new rooms, with new roommates, in
new residences. The week also involved attending introductions to second-year classes, running
between rehearsals for the Introduction International Show, and finishing up any last minute summer
assignments before classes started on Monday.
The excitement in the air is palpable. Although students are still well-rested from summer,
and the hard work has not begun in earnest, the prospect of what this year holds is thrilling for
first and second-years, teachers and administrators alike. It is the 25th anniversary of UWCad
which means that this year will be even more bursting than usual with amazing events and
opportunities. It’s been an encouraging start to what is sure to be a full, enriching, and
remarkable year at the college!
Keleigh (Canada)
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