HOW IT’S GOING NOW

Mariia, an 18-year-old Ukrainian student at Benenden shares her experience

How were you feeling before you joined Benenden?

Before I arrived at Benenden it was a weird time, but I was very excited when I found out that I’d be joining Benenden – my parents were quite shocked too!

What was it like when you first joined Benenden?

The very first time I came here it was quite weird because I had to come here a bit earlier than originally planned, because of shelling in my hometown. To be honest, I was quite exhausted when I first arrived, I was waiting for my visa for a really long time – even though it was supposed to be a quick route to getting a visa!

While I was waiting for the visa I stayed in Moldova, I just remember being so frustrated at everything going on, I was so angry. So, I think when I finally got to the school, I was kind of exhausted from everything that had gone on. I was just so happy that it was over, and I was finally at Benenden.

How did you find the process of settling in?

I had a month here before my actual studies began, where I made friends with girls in the year above me. It made starting properly in September much smoother because I knew what was going on, and I knew where everything was, it went well. My tutor definitely helped me a lot, she was very attentive, and she really helped me to get to know everything. Members of house staff were also very welcoming, and they really helped me to settle in.

What are some of your favourite memories of your time at Benenden so far?

When we first came here, in the first month, the BBC came, and they filmed my friend Liza and some other Ukrainian students – we were all featured in their

TV segment. It was really fun, although I didn’t really know anyone too well, we all enjoyed playing some swing ball together and it was the beginning of some really good friendships.

What is your favourite subject here at Benenden and why?

For a long time, it was psychology, but now I would say it’s the sciences – particularly biology. I just love biology, I’m really into it.

Have you been involved with any co- curricular activities while you’ve been at Benenden?

I started the Ukrainian Society, so I’ve been running that – mainly trying to educate people but also to have some fun too!

It has been a great way to make friends with the Ukrainian community here at Benenden. I’ve started playing the bass guitar, and

I enjoy playing badminton as part of the badminton club here as well.

What are your plans for life after Benenden?

I’ve applied to various universities, and I’ve had four offers – now I’m trying to decide between Warwick and Manchester. They’re both great universities! I can’t wait to study biomedical sciences, but I have so many different interests who knows where the future will take me! Benenden has definitely been a fantastic starting point for my career.

I STARTED THE UKRAINIAN SOCIETY, so I’ve been running that – mainly trying to educate people but also HAVE SOME FUN TOO!