International Students: Indian

To compare my old school where I have been a student for almost 9 years and Merchiston where I've been a student for almost one year is one of the most challenging tasks I have faced. Despite the differences that they might have, they are both laid on the foundations of great tradition and a proud culture. Yet both schools are forever adapting themselves to cope the challenges of a changing culture and educational system. The transition from a day pupil to a boarder is not an easy one, or the route that most wish to take, but once traversed the rewards can be extremely fulfilling.

As a day pupil one can always go home to seek refuge from the stress and work pressure of an Indian student's life, whereas in a boarding school, apart from holidays and occasional weekend leave-outs to a friend's house, the school is everything. But that is an advantage: the amount of personalized attention that one can get in a boarding school from teachers and sports coaches alike is unparalleled by anything a day school can offer.

Despite all the socials and Highland Balls that Merchiston arranges, it still is never the same as being in a mixed school. I can honestly say that socializing with girls is an extremely normal and regular part of my old school, whereas for some Merchiston boys it could be a bit more challenging.

Another very important difference that I feel exists between the two schools is the outlook one can get: due to its international student and staff community, the opinions of a Japanese boy would completely differ from that of an Indian, which in turn would completely differ from that of a local Scottish boy. Thus the amount students learn about each others' cultures is phenomenal. Since Merchiston is a boarding school, the friendships that grow and develop are extremely strong, and the amount the boys learn about each other is also vast. No matter how much boys and girls might socialize with each other in a day school, they don't live in the same building, wake up and go to meals together which is one of the most integral parts of a boarding school.

Space is another element in Merchiston, with its 90 acre plus parkland and playing fields, space for cricket, rugby, shooting, canoeing, cadet training (or even octopush!) is not an issue, whereas in a city, where one is surrounded by a concrete jungle, space can be a problem.

Another difference between the two schools is of course the difference in weather, acclimatizing oneself to the Scottish weather takes about as long as it takes for a day pupil to adjust to a boarding system. An advantage that I feel I have benefited from is the fact that the Indian syllabus is amongst one of the most challenging in the world; thus after having performed successfully under it, it is not difficult adjusting to international systems of studying. Both schools have a very good careers and guidance counsellor, which I feel is essential for the students to flourish in their lives after school.

All factors taken into consideration both schools share a lot in common, and yet are diverse and varied in their own individualistic ways.