Uniting people, nations, and cultures
Uniting people, nations, and cultures
United World College USA inspires students with its mission to “...make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.” Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, the United World College movement enrolls thoughtful, idealistic students who care deeply about the big problems the world faces today.
Twenty-five percent of the 200-plus students at this rigorous, residential, two-year high school are from the US, and the remaining 75% come from about 90 different countries, representing every region of the world. From the moment they step on campus, UWC-USA students learn to deepen their international and intercultural understanding, challenge themselves academically and personally, and serve their communities through action fueled by practical idealism.
“UWC-USA has made me a better person by broadening my horizons. I came from a very small, very close-knit community, and now I’ve met so many people from different places and different perspectives and become friends with them – it’s really made me so much of a better person.”
-UWC-USA student
75%
of students are international
90+
countries represented in UWC-USA 2024/25
100%
of students who apply for college or university are admitted
>97%
of graduates attend college or university
International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneer UWC-USA offers a particularly innovative and engaging example of this internationally respected curriculum. Students here are of different nationalities, races, beliefs, and economic backgrounds, each bringing their unique views and perspectives to their explorations and classroom discussions. There’s just as much to learn from each other as from their highly qualified teachers.
What further sets UWC-USA’s IB apart is how it gets young people learning outside the classroom. Every other week, half the student body participate in learning expeditions: the Physics class might tour a hydroelectric plant in the morning and a large solar array in the afternoon; Economics students might meet with someone from the state government focused on housing and work with a non-profit focused on houselessness; Global Politics students might meet with an immigration lawyer and with immigrant groups.
The impact of UWC-USA’s place-based learning can be seen in how its students are admitted to competitive universities across the world and are afforded a wide range of options and financial aid year after year. Wherever they go, many graduates are ready to face whatever life gives them. They have heightened empathy, creative problem-solving skills, organizational skills, and insight to intercultural differences – the greatest takeaway of their UWC-USA IB education.
Intellectual challenge through place-based learning
Multifaceted learning and growth
UWC-USA’s 223-acre campus is situated at the mouth of the Gallinas Canyon, in the enchanting mountains of northern New Mexico. These immense landscapes are home to the school’s Wilderness Program, where students connect with each other and develop resiliency, mutual accountability, and increased confidence.
The program begins in orientation week with a three-day backpacking trip led by second-year Student Wilderness Leaders and supervised by trained professionals, followed by another mandatory trip in the next year. Spanning two years, the program has had students exploring through a multi-day backpacking expedition to the Grand Canyon, leadership training in the Pecos Wilderness in Santa Fe National Forest, a winter camp in a yurt outside of Taos, New Mexico, and more.
Along with the Wilderness Program, the Arts and Culture and Community Engagement Programs serve as UWC-USA’s three signature programs that develop leadership skills through real-world, hands-on experience in an area they’re passionate about.
Wilderness Program student leaders receive extensive training in wilderness skills, first aid, and adventure activities such as rock climbing and snowshoeing, enabling them to serve as mentors and guides for their groups. Arts and Culture participants may choreograph and stage a dance performance for their peers, or design and sew a clothing line culminating in a fashion show. Community Engagement participants volunteer, visit local schools weekly to tutor and mentor elementary school students, work in local food banks, or convene climate activists for the Bartos Institute’s Annual Conference.
Through these experiences students learn to plan and execute a plan, to grapple with setbacks and persist, to lead and empower their peers, and to consider a wide variety of perspectives.
Leadership through personal passions
“The Wilderness Program builds friendships, gave me self-confidence and self-belief, and taught me skills that will remain with me throughout life. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me.” – Nimish, India
In an increasingly polarized world, UWC-USA’s diversity stands out. It empowers true multicultural exchange to happen at every corner, opening doors to peacemaking, conflict resolution, goal-setting, and collaboration.
UWC-USA envisions itself as a global base camp organized to equip students with a range of experiences, perspectives, and skills needed to take on the challenges of the 21st century. Residential and campus life empower students to build a supportive, productive school community that celebrates and benefits from the diversity of its members. For example, the Climate Action Team looks at ways to minimize the school’s environmental impact, while students on the Constructive Transformation Team train to defuse conflicts that may arise between roommates or peer groups. Such activities build the ideal foundation for future compassionate citizens, committed activists, and thoughtful leaders to emerge.
Building maturity and resilience through campus and residential life
Intellectual challenge through place-based learning
International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneer UWC-USA offers a particularly innovative and engaging example of this internationally respected curriculum. Students here are of different nationalities, races, beliefs, and economic backgrounds, each bringing their unique views and perspectives to their explorations and classroom discussions. There’s just as much to learn from each other as from their highly qualified teachers.
What further sets UWC-USA’s IB apart is how it gets young people learning outside the classroom. Every other week, half the student body participate in learning expeditions: the Physics class might tour a hydroelectric plant in the morning and a large solar array in the afternoon; Economics students might meet with someone from the state government focused on housing and work with a non-profit focused on houselessness; Global Politics students might meet with an immigration lawyer and with immigrant groups.
The impact of UWC-USA’s place-based learning can be seen in how its students are admitted to competitive universities across the world and are afforded a wide range of options and financial aid year after year. Wherever they go, many graduates are ready to face whatever life gives them. They have heightened empathy, creative problem-solving skills, organizational skills, and insight to intercultural differences – the greatest takeaway of their UWC-USA IB education.
Multifaceted learning and growth
Leadership through personal passions
UWC-USA’s 223-acre campus is situated at the mouth of the Gallinas Canyon, in the enchanting mountains of northern New Mexico. These immense landscapes are home to the school’s Wilderness Program, where students connect with each other and develop resiliency, mutual accountability, and increased confidence.
The program begins in orientation week with a three-day backpacking trip led by second-year Student Wilderness Leaders and supervised by trained professionals, followed by another mandatory trip in the next year. Spanning two years, the program has had students exploring through a multi-day backpacking expedition to the Grand Canyon, leadership training in the Pecos Wilderness in Santa Fe National Forest, a winter camp in a yurt outside of Taos, New Mexico, and more.
Along with the Wilderness Program, the Arts and Culture and Community Engagement Programs serve as UWC-USA’s three signature programs that develop leadership skills through real-world, hands-on experience in an area they’re passionate about.
Wilderness Program student leaders receive extensive training in wilderness skills, first aid, and adventure activities such as rock climbing and snowshoeing, enabling them to serve as mentors and guides for their groups. Arts and Culture participants may choreograph and stage a dance performance for their peers, or design and sew a clothing line culminating in a fashion show. Community Engagement participants volunteer, visit local schools weekly to tutor and mentor elementary school students, work in local food banks, or convene climate activists for the Bartos Institute’s Annual Conference.
Through these experiences students learn to plan and execute a plan, to grapple with setbacks and persist, to lead and empower their peers, and to consider a wide variety of perspectives.
“The Wilderness Program builds friendships, gave me self-confidence and self-belief, and taught me skills that will remain with me throughout life. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me.”
– Nimish, India
Building maturity and resilience through campus and residential life
In an increasingly polarized world, UWC-USA’s diversity stands out. It empowers true multicultural exchange to happen at every corner, opening doors to peacemaking, conflict resolution, goal-setting, and collaboration.
UWC-USA envisions itself as a global base camp organized to equip students with a range of experiences, perspectives, and skills needed to take on the challenges of the 21st century. Residential and campus life empower students to build a supportive, productive school community that celebrates and benefits from the diversity of its members. For example, the Climate Action Team looks at ways to minimize the school’s environmental impact, while students on the Constructive Transformation Team train to defuse conflicts that may arise between roommates or peer groups. Such activities build the ideal foundation for future compassionate citizens, committed activists, and thoughtful leaders to emerge.
Hear from the students
I strongly feel that the sense of community and belonging at UWC-USA is special and not something you see at other schools. We, both students and teachers, share not only academic spaces but also meals and everyday moments. These shared experiences foster a vibrant, supportive, and interconnected community atmosphere that truly sets us apart.
Minseo, South Korea
The teachers at this school will not only inspire you but also make learning feel like a breeze. They come from all over the world and bring unique perspectives and teaching techniques that, although different from what you may be used to, will guide you at school and beyond.
James, Australia
The students here never cease to amaze me. Everyone has a sense of idealism and people make an effort to speak their truth. Students successfully advocate for their rights and there is an atmosphere of clarity and mutual understanding.
Lucas, Belarus
The diversity of our student body improves the classroom experience in all my classes. In classes like Global Politics, often when writing or speaking on any issue, we have a student who is from the country and can give first-hand experience, which deepens our understanding beyond what a traditional IB school could offer.
Korbin, USA
Hear from the students
The teachers at this school will not only inspire you but also make learning feel like a breeze. They come from all over the world and bring unique perspectives and teaching techniques that, although different from what you may be used to, will guide you at school and beyond.
James, Australia
I strongly feel that the sense of community and belonging at UWC-USA is special and not something you see at other schools. We, both students and teachers, share not only academic spaces but also meals and everyday moments. These shared experiences foster a vibrant, supportive, and interconnected community atmosphere that truly sets us apart.
Minseo, South Korea
The students here never cease to amaze me. Everyone has a sense of idealism and people make an effort to speak their truth. Students successfully advocate for their rights and there is an atmosphere of clarity and mutual understanding.
Lucas, Belarus
The diversity of our student body improves the classroom experience in all my classes. In classes like Global Politics, often when writing or speaking on any issue, we have a student who is from the country and can give first-hand experience, which deepens our understanding beyond what a traditional IB school could offer.
Korbin, USA
Hear from the students
“The Wilderness Program builds friendships, gave me self-confidence and self-belief, and taught me skills that will remain with me throughout life. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me.”
Korbin, USA
“The students here never cease to amaze me. Everyone has a sense of idealism and people make an effort to speak their truth. Students successfully advocate for their rights and there is an atmosphere of clarity and mutual understanding.”
Lucas, Belarus
“I strongly feel that the sense of community and belonging at UWC-USA is special and not something you see at other schools. We, both students and teachers, share not only academic spaces but also meals and everyday moments. These shared experiences foster a vibrant, supportive, and interconnected community atmosphere that truly sets us apart.”
Minseo, South Korea
“The teachers at this school will not only inspire you but also make learning feel like a breeze. They come from all over the world and bring unique perspectives and teaching techniques that, although different from what you may be used to, will guide you at school and beyond.”
James, Australia
“UWC-USA students distinguish themselves with a remarkable level of mutual respect and maturity, setting them apart from other groups I have taught in different countries. The diversity of our student body enriches the classroom experience by bringing varied perspectives, cultural insights, and unique problem-solving approaches to my subject area. It fosters a dynamic learning environment, promoting collaboration and a broader understanding of the subject matter among students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
Herbert
IB Biology teacher
“I actually think of my colleagues at UWC as my "work family." Teachers here support each other academically and personally. Whether I need assistance with a substitute teacher or help managing a large production, there are always many faculty/staff offering to help. ”
Judi,
IB Dance teacher and Assistant Residence Coordinator
Insights from UWC-USA educators
Insights from
UWC-USA educators
“I actually think of my colleagues at UWC as my "work family." Teachers here support each other academically and personally. Whether I need assistance with a substitute teacher or help managing a large production, there are always many faculty/staff offering to help. ”
Judi,
IB Dance teacher and Assistant Residence Coordinator
“UWC-USA students distinguish themselves with a remarkable level of mutual respect and maturity, setting them apart from other groups I have taught in different countries. The diversity of our student body enriches the classroom experience by bringing varied perspectives, cultural insights, and unique problem-solving approaches to my subject area. It fosters a dynamic learning environment, promoting collaboration and a broader understanding of the subject matter among students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
Herbert,
IB Biology teacher
If you are an idealistic student who cares deeply about the big problems the world faces today, apply now.
*Please select UWC-USA as your first choice school when submitting your application.