Six Bermudian students are off on the adventure of a lifetime for a two-year stint with United World College, some in schools so far away that there is not enough time during their Easter break for them to visit home.

Four of the students are from BHS: Kelli Nusum, who is going to UWC in Norway, Lakai Dill (India), Jennifer Gracie (Hong Kong), and Vanessa Henderson (Wales). Two other students, Warren Simmons from Warwick Academy and Kerri Lynn from MSA, are going to Swaziland and New Mexico respectively.

"I'm very excited, I'm looking forward to it," said Ms Gracie. "It's just a change, being on our own."

"I'm interested in going, living that lifestyle, meeting people while getting this great education - it's mainly for the experience," said Ms Henderson. "India, Hong Kong - that's like, woah - it's not just for the academics.

The students will spend their two years at UWC undertaking a bacci laureate (IB) programme, an internationally recognised programme that is one level above A-level.

They have to take maths, their first language, their second language, science, humanities, and one elective option, explained Ms Nusum.

"We also have to do community service, and take the Theory of Knowledge," said Ms Gracie.

"Physical activities too," added Ms Dill.

The students also have to write an extended essay, which can be on any topic they choose.

There is also a Project Week in March or April when the students plan a trip to do volunteer work in an area near their school.

The students, who all graduated from their high schools this year, applied for UWC in January, and were short-listed for interviews in February. They were accepted in March of this year. Most of them found out about the programme when UWC representatives gave a talk at their schools.

"People have said that they've gone there really shy, come back and they're wild," said Ms Gracie. "They're outspoken - it helps them later in life.

"You've really got to be open-minded to do this sort of thing," she added, citing the fact that the students will be sharing rooms with four or five other students from around the world.

"It's a great opportunity but it's not for everybody," agreed Ms Henderson.