In an era where international education is becoming increasingly crucial, our students’ stories offer a unique glimpse into how institutions like H-FARM International School are shaping the next generation of global citizens.
Anna is at the beginning of her journey toward becoming a true global citizen. Her journey began in Russia, where she faced the challenge of moving away from her hometown and family for the first time. Navigating this transition alone in Italy was not easy, as she had to adapt to a new culture, make new friends, and understand the Italian way of life.
Even without having experienced a long move abroad, we can easily imagine the challenges that a young student far from their family and home city must face. In situations like this, although nothing can truly replace what we leave behind, we believe that having objects with us that remind us of home, our roots, and our loved ones can ease the weight of separation.
For Anna, these objects are the family photo, in which she can see the faces of the people she cares about; a perfume and a candle, precious gifts from a friend and her grandfather, which are tangible symbols of her deepest connections; and finally, the vinyl, representing her passion for music that has always been with her and helps her find herself even when everything around her is uncertain.
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Do you remember your first day at H-FARM? What were your first impressions of the environment and the school community?
“When I first arrived here to visit the school and decide if it was the right fit for me and if I wanted to spend two years of my life here, I was impressed not only by the nature and the incredible size of the place but also by the school itself, which is so modern. There are so many opportunities for students here, and they can develop their skills in various workshops created specifically for them. The boarding facilities also impressed me because they offer everything needed to live comfortably.”
What do you like to do in your free time? Is there any activity that particularly excites you?
“In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, and the school offers the opportunity to deepen your studies and develop your skills in any subject you desire. For example, I can stay after class to conduct experiments in the laboratory, and since I would like to become a doctor in the future, this is really useful for me.”
Are there any projects or extracurricular activities you’re involved in that you find particularly interesting?
“Yes, last year we were asked to organize a project and class activities. I chose to organize a Halloween party for the PYP students and the kindergarten children. It was a unique and new experience for me, especially because I worked with children. I really enjoyed seeing their emotions, how they had fun, and how, with my encouragement, they participated in the activities I had prepared for them. It was very rewarding.”
Tell us about your relationship with the teachers and your classmates. How is it different from what you were used to?
Before coming to H-FARM, I attended a public school in St. Petersburg. Naturally, there is a big difference because St. Petersburg is a very urbanized city and there is not as much nature as here. This certainly has an impact. The teachers’ approach is also different: they manage to create a common language with the students, they truly care about you, and they are ready to support you both during and after lessons. If you find difficulty with an assignment, you can ask for help without any problem, and they will answer all your questions.
Also, you don’t have to worry if you have particular problems in your life; you can turn to the “boarding parents,” teachers, or mentors. Everyone here is ready to support you.
Do you think the experience at H-FARM is helping you prepare better for future challenges?
Yes, I truly believe that the experience at H-FARM International School is preparing me for future challenges. For example, I’ve already experienced what it means to move away from my family, so this won’t be a difficulty for me in the future. Also, during the DP1 and DP2 years, you have to study a lot; as a result, when I have to face challenging workloads in university, I’ll already be prepared because of the amount of material I had to manage during the DP program. So, I think it will be a very useful experience for my future university life.
Anna’s Advice
“There’s no need to worry about enrollment here. If you want to be part of this international community, if you want to find people who share your interests or others who will support you, you should definitely come here, because everyone here wants to help you. And they will help you. You’ll find new friends, and it will be a new experience for you, because they will come from different countries. It will also be an opportunity for you to maybe visit another country, if you want to go with your friends. So, it will give you the chance to see more and understand more about this world.”
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