Each year, UWC Day presents a powerful opportunity to unite the energy, values, and diversity of the UWC movement. UWC International encourages all UWC Colleges, national committees, alums, and partners to celebrate the mission of using education as a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
At UWC Costa Rica, our UWC Day this year was truly inspiring. Through student initiative, cultural exchange, and shared reflection, we reaffirmed what it means to live in a truly international school community—one that values multiple identities, diverse perspectives, and various paths to global citizenship.
2025 Theme: Voices for Peace
This year’s UWC Day was celebrated under the theme “Voices for Peace”, in honor of the UN International Year of Peace and Trust. The theme highlights the crucial roles that education, storytelling, and intercultural engagement play in fostering peace, understanding, and trust across communities.
In alignment with “Voices for Peace,” our UWC Day activities focused on creating space for diverse narratives—whether through the interfaith panel, cultural performances, or student-led reflections. We aimed not only to celebrate our differences but also to harness each voice as part of the collective harmony that binds us.
A Day of Color, Dialogue, and Joy
From the moment our day started, the atmosphere spoke volumes. Here’s how the day unfolded:
- National Garments & Cultural Exchange — Students and staff donned traditional apparel from their home countries. The campus pulsed with color, stories, and mutual curiosity.
- Interfaith Panel — Led by students and joined by staff, this conversation spanned belief systems, values, questions of faith, and the meaning of coexistence.
- Iconic Photoshoot — On the soccer field, families and residences captured portraits that will become part of our visual memory of UWC Day.
- Nighttime Cultural Show — Diverse performances from regional families, ethnic groups, and language communities transformed our campus into a stage of belonging, creativity, and pride.
These moments were more than festive; they were rooted in learning, empathy, and community building.
Anchoring in UWC Costa Rica’s Mission and Identity
As the only UWC in Latin America and the Caribbean, UWC Costa Rica holds a unique role in the UWC network. We are a bilingual international high school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) in English and Spanish with educational programs grounded in experiential learning.
Our institutional mission emphasizes educating future leaders who take active roles in their communities. Through the robust National Committees network, for example, we advance equity and access in international education by providing scholarships for students. The Global Selection Programme allows any student to join the movement and UWC Costa Rica directly, and applications are now open!
Furthermore, at UWC Costa Rica, “sustainability” is far from a slogan—it’s a guiding principle. With a Sustainability Framework emphasizing reciprocity, systems thinking, and ecological values woven across campus life, we strive to embed sustainable mindsets in every dimension of our community.
UWC Day and its theme “Voices for Peace” resonate deeply with our mission: cultivating in young people the passion and ability to serve humanity and our planet–learning from nature and from each other for a lifetime.
Why UWC Day Matters for Prospective Students & the Study Abroad Community
For students exploring study abroad, international schools, or the IB pathway, UWC Day offers vivid proof of what makes UWC special:
Community Diversity in Action
You don’t just read about global perspectives—you live them. You see peers from over 60 nationalities collaborating, sharing, and celebrating together.
Student Leadership & Ownership
All key elements—planning, execution, content—are student-led. This empowers agency, critical thinking, and ownership of the school’s lived values.
Values in Practice
Themes like interfaith dialogue, sustainability, and cultural expression aren’t taught in abstraction—they are lived, performed, and discussed openly.
Authentic International Education
UWC Day underscores that attending an international high school, particularly within the IB framework, is not just academic rigor; it’s a holistic journey of identity, worldview, and community engagement.
If you’re considering UWC for study abroad or applying to an international school with IB, days like UWC Day give a window into how you might grow—not just academically—but as a global citizen.
Ready to Join the UWC Costa Rica Experience?
If you are passionate about becoming part of an international high school community that values diversity, dialogue, peace, and sustainability, UWC Costa Rica may be the right place for you.
As a student here, you will:
- Pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) in a bilingual environment (English and Spanish).
- Live and learn alongside peers from over 60 nationalities.
- Engage in experiential learning, leadership opportunities, and sustainability projects.
- Be part of a community committed to making education a force for peace and a sustainable future.
✨ Applications are open! Learn more about the admissions process and how to apply on our website.
Take the step to transform your education—and your future. 🌍