The opinion of student about study at the school, Ashbury College, Ottawa, Canada

A year ago I was approached by the parents of the student who was making good progress in mathematics and Economics in high school one of the most progressive schools in Kyiv. Gleb went on vacation programs in New York many times, was fond of economics and programming. With excellent school performance and high level of English, he was a good candidate for many foreign universities. The parents planned that Gleb graduates from school in Ukraine and enter the economy in the United States through the program of training with one of the American universities. At the same time, the goal was to enter Ivy League universities. Quickly discussed the potential of the student and the capabilities of the parents, I recommended not to waste time and spend the same two years (a year before graduating from high school in Kyiv and a year of training in the U.S.) on a two-year IB graduation program abroad. For price, geography and quality, the choice fell on Canadian private schools, in particular in the province of Ottawa which offer International Baccalaureate programs or American school programs with Advanced Placement courses. To be on safe side, he decided to enroll in three very popular schools.

Hleb was a very talented student, with his knowledge and results he entered all three schools. The most difficult was the question of choice between schools. After studying carefully all the information and assessing the prospects of the graduating of each of these schools, Hleb took place on the IB program at Ashbury College, Ottawa.

My visit to Ashbury College

About seven years ago, I went to Ottawa to see the school. Ashbury College is one of the most prestigious schools in Canada, it is difficult to enroll here, especially right into high school. In addition, as for Canada, the school is very expensive. Just one annual payment of tuition fees with boarding accommodation pulls under sixty thousand Canadian. But there are many more one-time and annual payments. With all this, the school selects only the most talented children. The school is located right in the heart of Canada's capital Ottawa, only a short walking distance from the Parliament buildings. The school campus is pretty big for a city school - 12 acres, while the school residence is located outside the campus, in luxury Rockcliffe Park, next to the elite houses. I liked the infrastructure of the school and student residence, I was particularly impressed by the area of the city. The doors of the rooms of the residence had signs with the names of the students and, at that time, I counted 5-7 Russian students. Now, when Gleb is studying at the school, I asked him to share his impression of the life of the school, boarding and prospects after graduating from Ashbury College.

The opinion of Gleb about Ashbury College

Despite the fact that the school I chose consciously, after reading so much about it on the website and communicated with the staff before coming here I was sure that I would not be comfortable. Everything was much brighter and more interesting when I went to school. From the first moment I enjoyed it. In the first days, I was not studied, lived at the residence and was involved in organizational issues.

Everything was very clearly organized. Then we started school, we were given the schedule according to our prior selection of subjects. At the same time, we had the opportunity to change our choice of subjects for performance.

Initially, I had the following choices in subjects for the IB:

• French language - high level;
• mathematics at a high level;
• English literature - at a high level;
• economy - at a high level;
• global politics - at an intermediate level;
• programming - at an intermediate level.

After the first week I changed the French to the intermediate level because high level language are reccomended to take only those who already have a good level before the IB program. In addition, it is enough to study three subjects at a high level, otherwise it will not be enough for all time. We study from Monday to Friday, four pairs a day, with some lessons on Monday-Wednesday-Friday and other lessons on Tuesday-Thursday. After a week the schedule changes. While we study only the same number of hours and the difference between the high and intermediate level is noticible to me only in mathematics and languages. It is quite easy for me to study, it's hard on the tests, because I do not understand what is required of me and little time to complete the test. For example, I understand the Economics well, but don't understand how to write an essay yet, so on the last test I received a total of 70%. Then I was explained how we had to do and I hope that the next test will be much more successful.

In addition to general subjects, on the IB program you definitely need to do activity, creativity and service.

Activity at Ashbury College is a sport. For the year is required to obtain 2 credits on sport - in year three trimester and doing some sport for one trimester is worth 1 credit. While I only go to the gym and get half credit, and any competitive sport - it will be one credit. In winter I will snowboard and get 1 credit for the winter semester. In spring you can take tennis and get another loan, or then proceed to the gym and just 2 credits will be enough for me. In general, it is not difficult. If you like to play 1 trimester of football and tennis, then for one trimester you can earn the required 2 credits.

Creativity at this school is music, theatre and painting. I'm not strong in either. Until this semester I didn't take anything, I understand that with creativity will be difficult. But you have to be creative, as this part of the course.

Service - there are various options, local volonteering and international programs. According to the program you have to work 60 hours over 2 years, so all are focused on studying, and in the second trimester when you get used to the program and it will be easier to study, then we will think about the other components. As an option, to close the volunteer hours, you can help at a library at a nearby school, or to work for free in the organization, and that you must find by yourself. Then the organization should write a review about your work and send it to Ashbury College.

In General, there is a big difference in motivation to study and the relationship of the student with teachers, comparatively to the school at home. All who are studying for the IB program - they are already motivated. Everyone already knows why they came here, where they want to go after school, what result they need for this and they want one thing - to achieve this result. Accordingly, the attitude of teachers: no you never will be blame for everything you do, they praise you for everything you do, only if you ask them to help with something that you do not understand how to do, then they explain. And if you don't come for help, no one will follow you.

While I think Ottawa a boring city. It's interesting at school on weekends on boarding they come up with what to do with us, offer trips, games. But there is not much time - on Sundays I study all day. On Saturday I do sports, or go somewhere with friends, if it's warm, then to the parks, if it's raining - either to a restaurant or to a shopping center. We are allowed weekend leave from breakfast till dinner, but before 5:30 you need to return. If you want to go to friends for dinner or overnight - then you need parental permission.

The holidays we have here three times, each time I'm going to come home, as it is at least 2 weeks. There is also a long weekend every trimester - 3-4 days, and have to leave. You can go to friends with written permission from parents or guardian organization, they offer a tour of Canada. Last time I went with them in Montreal for 4 days.

In conclusion, I am very glad I chose this school. In Canada private schools all praise Ridley College and Ashbury College, but I believe that this school is better.