The students of UWCAd are selected by UWC national selection committees in their home countries on the basis of academic achievement, leadership potential, extracurricular activities involvement and personal qualities. The students selected are awarded a full scholarship. The Italian National Committee for United World Colleges acts under the patronage of the President of the Italian Republic and is responsible for communication with the international organisation and for the selection of Italian pupils. In academic year 2011-12, the school will host 184 students, of which approximately 15% are Italian, 15% come from elsewhere in Western Europe, 20% from Eastern Europe, 15% from the Americas, 15% from Africa and the Middle East and 20% from Asia and Oceania. Teachers are also hired internationally. Apart from being responsible for classroom teaching they act as personal tutors for a group of students and contribute to the residential nature of the College and the running of activities and services.
Life at UWCAd
UWCAd, following the ideals of German educator Kurt Hahn, founder of the UWC movement, believes in a holistic approach to education which makes personal development of the student central. Courses at the College are taught in English. However, students are not selected on the basis of their ability to speak English In addition to the academic requirements of the IB, the College places importance on the Creativity Action Service requirement, which means that each student is required to commit to one creative activity, one physical activity and one social service. As a deviation to the general requirements of the IB, all students at the College are required to study Italian. The subject "World Arts and Cultures" has been developed in the College by Prof. Henry Thomas, initially as a school based syllabus, and is now taught by IB schools in several countries. The College also collaborates with the Scuola Trio di Trieste, which offers professional musical education. To foster excellence in music the College used to accept 5 students a year under a special music scholarship. The practice was recently discontinued in academic year 2009-10 in an attempt to standardize admission procedures. The UWCAd additionally offers various physical activities program taking advantage out of the location of the College, close to the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, thus including activities such a cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking, kayaking, caving, and sailing. The creative activities program offers a wide variety of choices, ranging from drama to art, pottery, choir, and photography. Students at UWCAd also take part in a variety of initiatives that go beyond the IB curriculum
Project Weeks. One week a year where students plan and carry out own project and write a report about it
International Affairs and Focus. Lectures and presentations involving a speaker series, encompassing academics and international organization professionals, poets, writers and journalists, politicians, diplomats, NGO workers and scientists.
National Weeks. Period of time during the academic year where students who belong to certain national and linguistic groups present their culture to other members of College.
International Shows. Several times during the year students give shows consisting of dance, music and sketches. Shows might be organized to support a charity.
College and facilities
The College does not have a closed campus, rather it is integrated in the village of Duino. Students live in residences that are spread over the village, the smallest houses 6 students, and the largest just over 50. The largest residence, the Foresteria is part of the complex of the Duino castle.
Other
Students at the College are eligible, after graduation, to participate in the Shelby Davis Scholarship program, which funds undergraduate study, based on need, for UWC students at over 90 universities in the United States, including most Ivy League universities.
Notable alumni
Darren Huston, Canadian businessman, CEO of the Priceline Group and booking.com
