Kıvanç is one of our Boarding Programme students in Grade 11. Here he shares why he chose ISSH and his experience here as a Boarding student.

Tell us a little bit about you!

My name is Kıvanç N., and I come from Turkey.

What grade are you in?

I joined the 11th grade of the International School of Schaffhausen in August 2021 and am planning to complete the IB Diploma here in May 2023.

How did you find out about the International School of Schaffhausen?

I searched the internet for a possibility to study for the IB Diploma in Switzerland and found a scholarship option with the International School of Schaffhausen.

What did your parents think when you told them about your plan to study abroad?

My parents were supportive, but a bit skeptical about my decision to study at a High School abroad. However, when they found out about Schaffhausen and how safe it was, they encouraged me in my decision.

What made you decide to apply for ISSH over other boarding schools?

For me the most important point was to be able to attend an IB school. Also, the fact that ISSH provides a full scholarship played a major role in deciding. 

Have you already decided what you would like to do in the future?

I want to study medicine in order to work in research one day. Studying biology in the US is also an option I have considered for my future.

What are your favourite subjects?

At the moment I enjoy Biology, Chemistry and Math the most and in my free time, I independently arrange many different work placements to get as much experience in the working world as possible. 

I heard you are doing lots of work placements and extra curriculums beside school? What exactly are you doing, can you tell me a little bit about it?

I did internships here in Switzerland at the University of Basel and the University of Zürich, where I conducted several experiments on cancer cells. I also attended many US pre-college programs from different universities. Cell and cancer biology are topics that I am very interested in, and I am always looking for opportunities to increase my knowledge base in these areas.

Are you getting the support you need from ISSH or would you like more support. If yes, where?

ISSH is extremely supportive of my interests and when I do need help with recommendation letters etc. all my teachers are very helpful.

How did you arrive in Switzerland? (plane, train,…)

I joined the ISSH Boarding Programme and it really suits me, as it fosters independence and helps me grow both socially and academically.

When I arrived in August 2021 during a global pandemic, I was picked up at the airport by one of our coaches and, although I was nervous at first, the boarding team and my teachers made me feel very welcome and at home in no time.

Was it easy to make friends?

Making friends was easy. The students were very open minded and being part of an international community helped me to feel comfortable. 

What do you like about living in the boarding house?

I like the international atmosphere in the boarding house and when I do feel homesick, I just call my family on a video call and that really helps.

Do you like the food at the boarding house?

I love cooking and baking and the Boarding Programme gives me lots of opportunities to share my passion for cooking with my friends and the coaches. We have dinner together every evening and. 

What life lessons have you learnt so far as a boarding student?

Since joining ISSH half a year ago I have become even more confident and independent and my English has improved massively. I even take German as an extra IB subject.

Would you recommend boarding at ISSH?

I can thoroughly recommend studying and boarding at the International School of Schaffhausen and I am looking forward to spending another year with the friends I made in this international community.