Lessons and adventures at a hilltop boarding school

Life at a boarding school teaches you to manoeuvre a labyrinth of experiences and obstacles, all whilst maintaining academic rigour. You get the opportunity to be an "adult" in your teenage years! Mahindra United World College of India (MUWCI) is an international boarding school on top of the Sahyadri Hills in Pune, Maharashtra. MUWCI was the 8th institution to join the United World Colleges (UWC) movement. What sets my school apart isn't just its location on top of a hill in rural India but the fact that it serves as more than a school: it is a global community. It is home to students and staff from over 80 different countries and is a thriving hub for cultural exchange.

Being a Bangladeshi student at MUWCI has allowed me to experience a melting pot of cultures. Every day, I get to interact with people from over eighty different countries, which gives me a chance to learn and grow in ways I never expected. It's also an amazing opportunity to share my own culture. Of course, the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is no walk in the park — it pushes us to think critically and challenges us to see the world from a global perspective. But honestly, it's the life outside the classroom that truly defines our journey here.

A typical day at MUWCI starts early, with the campus slowly waking up to the cool breeze that sweeps through the green hills around us. Our mornings are spent in classes, and usually in between them, we engage in sessions that aim to discuss global challenges and essential issues. The afternoons are a mix of self-studying and working on CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) commitments, where students are able to pursue their passions apart from academics. By the time the evening rolls around, the energy picks up again. Students flock to common spaces to work on group projects, have events, or simply enjoy the late-night conversations that make this place feel more like home.

MUWCI isn't all about academics, though. The school is full of events that bring everyone together and celebrate the vibrant energy of the community. One of my favourite traditions is the First-Year and Second-Year Talent Show. It's a chance for students to showcase their skills. It's always amazing to see a different side of my peers and appreciate the variety of talents that make up our community.

Additionally, the MUWCI Olympics is one of the most fun events throughout the year; the five Wadas — residential student groups — compete in all kinds of sports and activities for a week, and end it with a Wada dance. This year, Wada 2 won the trophy (my Wada!).

The theatre season at MUWCI is another highlight. It's when creativity really hits its peak, with students (and faculty) writing, directing, and performing plays that explore important issues and touch on deep emotions. The process can be intense — late-night rehearsals, last-minute script changes — but the end result is always incredible. It's not just about putting on a show; it's about sharing stories that matter to us and creating something that resonates with the audience.

Another standout experience at MUWCI is Experience India Week. It's a week where we leave the campus and explore different parts of India, diving deep into the country's rich diversity through cultural activities, community service, and adventure. Whether we're working with NGOs, learning about sustainability, or trekking through the Himalayas, India Week is something that stays with you long after it's over. Shortly after that, we have Project Week — an opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and work on projects that aim to make a positive impact on society.

MUWCI is more than a school: it's a way of life. It shows us independence and resilience as well as the values of community, it challenges us as individuals to pursue diversity and participate meaningfully with the world at large. This is what has made my experiences here so beautiful, and one that I feel will stay with me for my entire lifetime. This hilltop school is not only moulding my academic journey but also moulding who I am as a person.

The author is currently pursuing an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma at the Mahindra United World College of India (MUWCI).