Summary

In this episode of Mount Kelly Conversations, two 17-year-old students from Munich, Clara and Nele, reflect on their year abroad at Mount Kelly School in Devon. Having spent their Lower Sixth year immersed in British boarding school life, they share how the experience helped them improve their English, develop independence, and form international friendships. They also compare life in rural Devon to city life in Munich and describe the personal growth they experienced through trying new activities and navigating challenges.

Takeaways

• Clara and Nele are both from Munich but had never met before coming to Mount Kelly.
• Their motivations for studying abroad included improving their English and gaining independence.
• They appreciated Mount Kelly’s traditional British boarding school atmosphere and rural setting.
• Both students joined through the same agency and wanted a school away from London.
• They tried new sports like netball, rugby, and hockey, as well as extracurriculars like the LAMDA public speaking course.
• The supportive school environment helped them adapt, especially during moments of homesickness and illness.
• Staff, such as their housemistress and members of the catering team, played a key role in making them feel at home.
• Clara and Neely observed the high discipline and achievement of Mount Kelly’s athletes, which broadened their perspectives.
• They valued the cultural exchange and the close-knit community of boarding life.
• Their confidence in speaking English grew significantly over the year.
• Their advice to others considering a year abroad: be open, say yes to everything, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or step out of your comfort zone.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com