Advice for New Students From Current Students
May 15, 2023
By: Teodora S.
Edit by: Chantal S.
As a new student and someone who had a really hard time fitting in last year, I, Teodora S., have valuable advice to share with those finding themselves in similar positions. I realized that the problem wasn’t the environment, it was me. I didn’t want to fit in and give AIS-Salzburg a chance. A big part of it was also my fears. When I changed my point of view, however, everything started to get better. I found many people who later became my friends, and I started enjoying everyday life here.
Changing schools and moving isn’t always the easiest thing to go through as a high school student. Under all of that stress, socializing is less of a priority. One of the main things that I found helpful is joining a sports team. Our school doesn’t require a high skill level, and if our coaches see that you are trying, they will give you a chance.
During the winter, we have a chance to go on ski trips every weekend. Many students usually go skiing and it’s also a great opportunity to find someone new to spend the day with on the slopes. If you are not really into skiing, there are also overnight and day trips on the weekends in addition to multi-day long excursions.
Photo: Teodora and Chantal both play on the girls’ volleyball team.
I asked some of the students to share their fears and experiences before coming to Salzburg. “My biggest fear was finding new friends. I found that being from the same culture helped me a lot, same as joining volleyball and having some of the same interests,” said 10th grade student, Egla H.. “I was most scared of learning English and having bad grades. Luckily, it wasn’t a big problem due to our friendly and inspiring teachers who helped a lot,” shared my brother Luka S.. One of our more sociable 10th-grade students, Daniela C., recommended that students, “Do not be shy and afraid, to not hesitate to talk to other people and say your opinion. You’ll be surprised by the outcome.”
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone and that there is no reason to fear coming to our school. There are many possibilities for finding new friends and starting to enjoy your time here.
Photo: Students bond at Disneyland during the fall excursion to Paris.
I asked some of the students to share their fears and experiences before coming to Salzburg. “My biggest fear was finding new friends. I found that being from the same culture helped me a lot, same as joining volleyball and having some of the same interests,” said 10th grade student, Egla H.. “I was most scared of learning English and having bad grades. Luckily, it wasn’t a big problem due to our friendly and inspiring teachers who helped a lot,” shared my brother Luka S.. One of our more sociable 10th-grade students, Daniela C., recommended that students, “Do not be shy and afraid, to not hesitate to talk to other people and say your opinion. You’ll be surprised by the outcome.”
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone and that there is no reason to fear coming to our school. There are many possibilities for finding new friends and starting to enjoy your time here.