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Thailand, Phuket
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UWC Thailand was originally established in 2008 as Phuket International Academy Day School by German philanthropist Klaus Hebben. It operated under the Education for a Sustainable Future Foundation with a focus on integrating academic learning with mindfulness, wellbeing, and sustainability. In August 2016, the school was officially accepted into the United World Colleges (UWC) movement and became the 16th UWC campus worldwide. This marked a significant milestone, aligning the school with a global network of institutions committed to peace and sustainable development through education. The school retains nonprofit status and is governed by a local board in alignment with UWC International's core values and mission.
UWC Thailand actively encourages service learning and community engagement beyond the classroom. Students work alongside local partners on initiatives such as mangrove restoration, coral reef surveys, and beach clean-ups, as outlined on the school's Service Learning page . Grade 11 students undertake annual Project Week, designing and leading community-based service trips across southern Thailand . Regular “council” circles and student assemblies further support peer connection, cultural sharing, and student leadership development, forming an integral part of school life.
The Manta Staff-Parent Association (SPA) at UWC Thailand is an active body that strengthens collaboration between families and the school community. SPA is composed of parent volunteers who serve as ambassadors and committee members, contributing their time and skills to school events, parent engagement, and student support. Members come from diverse professional backgrounds and bring a shared commitment to wellbeing, inclusion, and school spirit. Activities include welcoming new families, organising social and cultural events, supporting class-level communications, and assisting with logistics for major school initiatives. The SPA also facilitates parent feedback and promotes collaboration between staff and families to enrich school life. Parent nominees are selected annually and help ensure that the association reflects the diversity and values of the broader UWC community.
UWC Thailand in Phuket offers a full International Baccalaureate continuum—PYP, MYP and DP. The campus lies in the foothills of Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by rainforest and adjacent to Thanyapura Sports Resort. Students learn in English, with boarding available for Grades 9–12. UWC Thailand integrates Social Emotional Learning and mindfulness across the curriculum and offers outdoor experiential education. Sport features strongly, with access to gyms, futsal and basketball courts, and olympic sized pools. Sustainability is a key pillar: students lead initiatives such as weekly beach clean-ups and mangrove restoration under the Plastic Free Phuket programme. The school emphasizes connection and it is reflected in mindfulness courses, community engagement, and service learning. The result is a unique blend of IB academics, environmental stewardship, wellness education, and global community.
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