Wake Up, Academy Life: No Frills, All Grind
By Lisa Frieda Cossham
- ~5 Min * Boarding School * Salem
Experiencing life in a boarding school equates to high-end living? 'A bed, a closet - that's all the amenities you get!' - Simple living: One bed and one closet only.
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Elite boarding schools? You might expect opulent lodgings, gourmet meals, and a whole luxury spiel. Well, according to Lisa Frieda Cossham, think again. Her report from a prestigious academy in Salem gives us a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the daily grind of students:
Structure and Routine
Get ready to rise and shine early, folks. These learning dens kick things off with a wake-up call, anywhere from the brisk 6 AM to a still-dark 7 AM. Breakfasting at communal dining halls soon follows, before diving headfirst into a packed day of classes.
Academic Pressure Cooker
The curriculum? College-bound and intense. Students tackle advanced courses, from AP and IB to honors, and homework and independent studies even pile up after school's out. Expect late-night study sessions huddled in quiet common rooms or libraries.
Extracurricular Frenzy
Post-classes, students don't exactly chill out. They dive into a smorgasbord of organized activities, from sports and music, to debate, theater, and student government; all part of a whole personal development.
Community and Belonging
One key aspect of life here? Evening meals, usually shared amongst students, building a certain sense of camaraderie. The dorms are alive with friendships, mentorship from faculty, and opportunities for student leadership in full view.
Support and Guidance
Academic and emotional support from faculty advisors and residential staff is a given, ensuring these young scholars stay on track - both personally and academically.
Weighing In
Despite the heavy academic demands, schools like these still pay heed to students’ well-being. Regular exercise, counseling services, plus the occasional outing or cultural event all help maintain balance.
Personal development refers to the ongoing process through which individuals improve their awareness and identity, define personal goals and values, and take intentional action to become the person they want to be.
- In contrast to common assumptions, an International boarding school in Salem, Germany, may not offer luxurious homes-and-garden lifestyles, as reported by Lisa Frieda Cossham.
- Despite the lack of opulence, Salem boarding students //e2// exhibit a bustling lifestyle, rising early for structured days filled with demanding academics and numerous extracurricular activities.
- The boarding school lifestyle emphasizes personal development through shared evening meals, fostering a strong sense of community amongst students and faculty, along with opportunities for student leadership.
- Surprisingly, despite the challenges and academic pressures faced by its students, this prestigious German boarding school is dedicated to ensuring its students' well-being, with regular exercise, counseling services, and cultural events.