UWC Short courses

UWC Short Courses’ history

Since the very first UWC short course took place in Malta in 1978, organizers have been delivering an increasing number of short courses year after year centered around the UWC mission of making education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.

In 2018, as part of the UWC Strategy: 2018 and Beyond, ambitious targets were set for UWC short courses to become an even stronger pillar of UWC impact by significantly increasing the number of participants accessing a UWC experience through a UWC short course each year.

These targets were set in recognition of the fact that a UWC education is not and should not be exclusive to UWC schools and colleges. In order to make the UWC mission a reality - a UWC education must be made accessible to as many young people as possible. UWC short courses are a key factor in expanding the reach of UWC and its impact, with all former short course participants graduating to become part of the UWC alumni community of changemakers.

what we do

Embodying Earth

JunE 2025

Embodying Earth: A UWC Short Course is a climate action fellowship designed to empower youth in Asia to become leaders in sustainability and regenerative change. Participants will build community both online and on land, develop the 23 Inner Development Goals, launch impact projects in their communities, and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

Embodying Earth: Junior

December 2025

Embodying Earth: Junior is a 5-day version of our Embodying Earth program for younger learners between the ages of 12 and 14. This program guides participants to connect deeply with nature, learn about our planet, and discover how they can care for each other and the environment. Embodying Earth: Junior is a new initiative and is still seeking endorsement as a UWC Short Course.

Doing Good

JulY 2025

Doing Good: A UWC Short Course is 2.5-week program empowering high school students to explore what it means to do good and how to achieve it. Held in Binh Dinh, Vietnam, participants collaborate with local cultural groups, NGOs, and social enterprises to apply their learning in real-world contexts.