UWC Changshu China: What Makes the School Unique?

Introduction

UWC Changshu China is a special international school. It is the first and only United World College in mainland China.

The school opened in 2015 with a big idea. The main goal is to use education to create peace in the world. People from many nations and cultures study together. They learn how to build a sustainable future for everyone.

UWC Changshu is more than just a place for classes. The school is a community built on essential values. Students learn to understand and respect different cultures. Helping others is a key part of life here.

Explore more details about the school by reading this guide.

UWC Changshu China History, Curriculum, Admission Eligibility & Other Information Explained

Looking for the right school in China? Alifa Education Service can help you choose from over 800 options. Contact us today for a free consultation to begin.

Learn more

History: A Founder's Vision Realized

The story of UWC Changshu China begins with its founder, Mark Jiapeng Wang. He once studied at a UWC school in Norway. His time there was a great experience. Mr. Wang wanted to bring this special kind of international education to China. He worked for many years to make his dream happen.

In 2015, UWC Changshu China finally opened. The school is the 15th UWC in the world. Mr. Wang is the Founder and Chairman of the school. He makes sure the school follows the main ideas of UWC.

Educational Philosophy

The school's primary goal is to use education to create peace. A key part of the school culture is providing an excellent educational experience for every student.

Learning happens through doing things, not just reading. This is called experiential learning. A special program, "Zhi Xing," means "knowing and doing."

Students come from all over the world. This creates a multicultural environment. Living and learning together helps students understand different cultures.

Helping the community is also essential. Students learn to be kind and responsible. The school gives students hard work to do. This allows them to become stronger and more confident.

Many UWC campuses are located outside of mainland China. From the historic UWC Atlantic in the United Kingdom to UWC South East Asia in Singapore and Pearson College in Canada, you can see schools spanning nearly every continent.

It’s a quick world tour, showing the diverse cities and countries where students can get a unique UWC education.

Achievements

UWC Changshu China has a strong reputation for being a good school. The school wants students to grow in many ways, not just in their studies. Graduates from the school do great things.

More than 1,000 students have finished their studies here. They go to top colleges and universities all around the world. Some schools in the United States are Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.

Others go to Oxford and Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The real success of the school is its students. They learn to be kind leaders who help make the world a better place.

Curriculum: The IB Diploma and a Unique Chinese Context

The main program at this international school is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The program takes two years to complete. The IB Diploma helps students get into good universities.

Students study six different subjects. They also complete three core parts.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Students think about what knowledge is.
The Extended Essay (EE): Students write a long paper on a chosen topic.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Students do art, sports, and help the community.

Some students join a one-year Foundation Programme before starting the IB. This program helps improve their English and other skills for the full academic year.

The school also has a special program called Zhi Xing. These co-curricular programmes let students use their skills in real life. A Chinese language and culture program gives everyone a deep cross-cultural experience of China.

To learn more about the services offered by Alifa Education, please visit our dedicated page. Whether you are a guardian, affiliated with an international or bilingual school in China, or a study abroad education agency, Alifa Edtech offers services tailored to your unique needs. Please visit our page to learn more about our offerings.

Learn more

Admission Criteria

UWC Changshu China looks for students with promise and a good heart. The school cares about who you are. Good grades are essential, but they are not the only thing. The school wants students who believe in the UWC mission.

To apply, students must meet some basic rules.

Students must be at least 15 years old by September 1 of the year they start school.
Students in Grade 10 can apply for the Foundation Programme (FP).
Students in Grade 11 can apply for the two-year IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The school also looks for students who have these qualities:

Loves to learn: You like to ask questions and find new answers.
Wants to help: You care about others and want to improve the world.
Works well with others: You can be a good friend and work in a team. You listen to different ideas.
Is strong and honest: You can handle hard times. You always try to do the right thing.
Believes in UWC: You want to join a community with people from all over the world.

Help us match families with top schools in China. Take our 1-minute survey to share what matters most.

Learn more

Campus and Facilities

UWC Changshu is on a beautiful island next to Kuncheng Lake. The school buildings look modern but also have a classic Chinese style. All students and many teachers live on campus.

The learning facilities are excellent. An extensive library has thousands of books and online resources for study. The science center has many labs for biology, chemistry, and physics. There are also special labs for AI and design.

The sports facilities are also excellent. A large sports center has a swimming pool, basketball courts, and a gym.

Outside, there is a football field and tennis courts. The lake allows for water sports and outdoor learning.

Faculty

The teachers at UWC Changshu are an essential part of the school. The Teaching Staff includes about 92 teachers from more than 60 different countries. They are experts in the subjects they teach.

Teachers at the school do more than teach in classrooms. They are also mentors and friends to the students.

They live on campus and help students with their personal growth. The teachers help guide students in their studies and in their lives. They are committed to the UWC mission.

Extracurricular Activities

Activities outside the classroom are a big part of life at UWC Changshu. These activities are part of the Zhi Xing program. They help students be creative, active, and helpful to others.

Students can choose from many activities.

Community Service: Students work with local groups to help people and the environment. Some projects focus on social entrepreneurship.
Global Issues: Students can join clubs like the Model United Nations to discuss world problems.
Arts and Culture: There are many drama, music, and art clubs.
Sports: Students play many different sports. They also go on outdoor trips to build teamwork.
Project Weeks: Students plan and do special projects outside the school.

Community and Values

The heart of UWC Changshu is its community. Students from many different countries and backgrounds live together. This community living is a core part of the school.

The school has essential values.

Understanding Cultures: Students learn to respect people who are different from them.
Respect and Care: Everyone learns to be kind and responsible for their actions.
Helping Others: The community values service to others.
Personal Growth: Students are encouraged to try new and challenging things.
Caring for the Earth: The school teaches students to protect the environment.

Living together helps students become good world citizens. They make friends from all over the world.

Want to put your brand in front of families, students, and education-focused readers? We're inviting select partners to advertise with us on our trusted blog.

Want to get featured? Click 'Learn more' and submit a story for us to include.

Learn more

Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities

UWC Changshu wants students to be chosen based on their talent, not their family's money. The school offers help with school fees to families who need it.

The total Tuition Fees for the IB program are about 380,000 Chinese Yuan or $53,450 each year. This price includes classes, food, and a place to live.

Many students get financial aid. Students apply through UWC National Committees in their home countries. They can ask for scholarships to help pay the fees.

Some students may get a full scholarship. The goal is to ensure that any accepted student can attend school.

Families can also ask for help to pay the application fee if they cannot afford it. These application fees are low.

Is UWC Changshu China Worth Admitting?

UWC Changshu China offers a great education and a beautiful campus. However, students may face challenges with food and living.

Visual guide showing why parents should admit their kid to UWC Changshu.

Benefits of UWC Changshu China

Sound Education: The school teaches the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Students learn to think for themselves and understand the world. The school has a special award for its excellent teaching. Students enjoy a good relationship with their teachers.
Modern Campus: The school buildings are new and well-designed. There is a great science center, a place for art and music, and a large sports complex. The campus is beautiful and located about 1.5 hours from Shanghai. Students can visit the city easily.
Many Kinds of People: The school brings together students from over 50 countries. The UWC mission is to create peace by uniting different cultures. Most students get financial help to attend. Living together helps students make lifelong friends and become leaders.
Prepares for the Future: Graduates from the school get into top universities like the University of Chicago. The school helps students with university applications. Students learn about essential topics like protecting the environment. This prepares them for jobs all over the world.

Drawbacks of UWC Changshu, China

Problems with Food and Rooms: Many students say the food is bad. Meals can be cold and small. The student dorms are old and not well-kept. Some students feel their living space is not comfortable.
Not Enough Different Cultures: After COVID, most students are from China. There are fewer international students now. This can make it hard for students to have a whole multicultural experience. Some students feel a separation between Chinese and international students.
Location Challenges: The school is in a less busy area. There can be dust and pollution. Getting around is not always easy. The internet also has some restrictions, which can be slow.

Wrap Up

In the end, UWC Changshu China is a special place. The school connects the world with China. Students learn to understand each other and work together. A goal is to prepare them to build a better, more peaceful future for everyone.