REVIEW OF Neuchâtel Junior College BY student, Julia Dempster

(5) Student Experience

Neuchâtel Junior College feels like a second home to me. I’ve made the most incredible friendships. Being able to travel the world and learn so much about the world really helped me grow as a person. The school opened my eyes to the world and everything it has to offer. I am so grateful to have had this unique experience. Before going to school, I was pretty nervous. I did not know what to expect, I was leaving my family and friends and everything that I had known behind. Little did I know that the school would become a home away from home and would have such a community so far away. My pension family definitely made my NJC experience that much better. Beyond this, the school itself is such a nice and welcoming environment. I was very excited to go to school every single day and learn!

(5) School Leadership

The faculty at Neuchâtel Junior College is absolutely incredible. I have never had such amazing teachers who make me want to learn and study various subjects. They really care about you and your learning journey, and are excited to see you grow as a student, which is really nice to see! My principal was also very present, always there for his students, cracking jokes, and always making you smile. I really formed a bond with my teachers like no other.

(4.5) Teaching

At Neuchâtel Junior College, I think most teachers have a good balance, though some do ask a lot, especially when deadlines from multiple classes overlap. That said, it’s usually clear what they expect from us. Instructions are generally clear, and if not, teachers are approachable and willing to clarify. When teachers talk about success, I think they mean more than just high marks. They seem to value independence, critical thinking, and personal growth, which is what teachers should value above all. Success, to them, means adapting to the workload, managing your time well, and developing strong communication skills. They want us to be ready for university and life beyond the classroom. Even when it’s hard, I know their expectations come from wanting us to reach our full potential.

(4.5) Academics

At Neuchâtel Junior College, I’d say the workload is right in that in-between zone, not too easy, but not impossible either. Some assignments really push you, while others feel more manageable, so it kind of balances out. It definitely forces you to stay on top of things and plan ahead. I do think what we’re learning will be useful later in life, especially the skills we build through it. It’s less about memorizing facts and more about learning how to write well, think critically, manage time, and adapt to new situations. Those are things we’ll need in university and later in life. Even if I don’t use the exact content again, I am becoming a more knowledgeable and well-rounded person as a result. However, I think the hardest thing was balancing travelling and school work.

(5) Extracurriculars

Yes, at Neuchâtel Junior College, I took part in a few extracurriculars, like Model UN and the student band. MUN was a great way to practice public speaking and global thinking, and being in the band let me perform and connect with others creatively, especially during our final concert, which was a huge highlight. There were definitely a lot of opportunities for everyone to get involved. Most students found ways to fill their time, whether through clubs, travel, or personal projects.

(5) Students

The students at Neuchâtel Junior College are a really diverse and interesting group; most are motivated, curious, and ready to experience something new. Because everyone is living away from home for the first time, people connect quickly, and there’s a strong sense of community. It feels more like a small town than a city, where you recognize faces everywhere and always bump into someone you know. I think the students who do best here are the ones who are independent, organized, and open to stepping outside their comfort zone. You have to be able to balance school, travel, and social life, which can be a lot. Some students struggle if they rely too much on structure or need more guidance. But overall, people are supportive. There’s a culture of inclusion, and it’s easy to feel like you belong, especially if you put yourself out there and take part in things.

(5) School Life

If I were giving a tour of Neuchâtel Junior College, I’d take visitors to the foyer first. It’s one of the most beautiful and meaningful spaces in the school. With its high ceilings, large windows, and the piano and guitar set up, it feels warm and full of character. It’s where our band practiced, where students gather between classes, and where so many memories are made, from casual jam sessions to quiet moments of reflection. It’s a space that really captures the spirit of NJC: creative, welcoming, and full of stories. The foyer isn’t just a physical space, it’s a kind of heart of the school. Starting the tour there would help people feel the atmosphere right away; it’s where so many of us found comfort, inspiration, and connection. It shows how much more NJC is than just classrooms and schoolwork; it’s a community.

(5) Community

Yes, Neuchâtel Junior College really did start to feel like home to me. At first, it was definitely an adjustment being far from family and living in a new country, but over time, the people and the experiences made it feel like a second home. What helped most was how supportive and tight-knit the community is. Everyone is in the same situation, so you build close friendships quickly. Whether it was hanging out in the foyer, travelling on weekends, or just walking to the Coop with friends, everyday moments made it feel familiar and comfortable. I also think NJC does a good job of making people feel included. Of course, no place is perfect, and it can take effort to find your group, but overall, students are kind, open, and welcoming. There’s a shared sense that we’re all in this together, and that makes a huge difference.

(5) School Location

At Neuchâtel Junior College, most students go off campus pretty regularly during the school day. Since the school is right in the middle of town, everything is super accessible; cafés, bakeries, and Coop are all just a short walk away. It’s really common to grab lunch with friends or take a break between classes by walking down to the lake. The schedule often gives us gaps throughout the day, so students take advantage of that freedom. It’s part of what makes the NJC experience feel more like a university than a high school. You’re trusted to manage your time and make your own choices. Some students stay on campus if they have back-to-back classes, but overall, there’s a lot of movement in and out. That freedom to explore the town and have a change of scenery throughout the day makes life at NJC feel dynamic and independent.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at Neuchâtel Junior College was a mix of stressful and exciting. There were essays, interviews, and forms that made me nervous, but it was also a chance to think about why I wanted to come. My advice is to start early and be honest, don’t try to guess what they want. I was worried about the interview, but it wasn’t as scary as I thought. Now I know it’s more about showing curiosity and willingness to grow than giving perfect answers. That really helped me relax and be myself.