My name is Iryna Snytiuk. I was born and raised in Lutsk, a small city in western Ukraine about 200 kilometers north of Lviv. In 2024, I graduated from United World College Costa Rica, where I studied the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme on a scholarship. Currently, I am a rising second-year student at Minerva University, double majoring in Business and Social Sciences with concentrations in Brand Management and Cognitive Science.

My Background

For my whole school years, I studied in a typical public Ukrainian school, and there were no private schools in my city. However, my high school was quite a good institution because we had the opportunity to learn many foreign languages, such as Spanish, German, and French. A big part of my school experience was Ukrainian traditional dance, as I had been doing it for more than 13 years.

Besides that, I was highly interested in different volunteering opportunities and youth exchanges, so I took part in Erasmus+ projects and applied all the skills in English and Spanish that I had been learning in school during those trips abroad. Generally, the Spanish language is very uncommon in Ukraine—at least in my region, for sure—so having that knowledge was really useful, and it opened quite a lot of doors for me later.

As I mentioned, my school offered a wide variety of language options, which was something I was very interested in. At the same time, I felt a bit overwhelmed because I had to take all 17–18 compulsory subjects in high school, but now, as I’m studying at university and reflecting on my UWC journey, I realize that all those subjects gave me a strong background for whatever discipline I want to study.

I also participated in many Spanish Olympiads and wrote scientific papers under the Junior Academy of Sciences (JAS) of Ukraine, focusing on Ukrainian literature written in the Spanish language. I was winning city-wide and regional subject Olympiads and competitions, so overall, I was a very curious and well-rounded student.

How did I decided to study abroad

I had a big dream of studying abroad because I felt like I’d already used up most of the opportunities in my hometown — I’d “reached the ceiling” there. I was doing well, had personal achievements, and whenever I could, I looked for chances to explore beyond Lutsk. In 11th grade, I applied to UWC and other programs, aiming to earn the opportunity myself so my parents wouldn’t have to pay for such an expensive education. Honestly, my mindset was: “Let’s go with the flow and see where life takes me.”

Journey to United World Colleges

Selection process in Ukraine

The UWC National Committee selection in Ukraine was nationwide and very competitive — there were only 7–8 scholarship spots when I applied. I applied twice: the first time in 10th grade, I was rejected in the third of four rounds, which was tough because I really pinned my hopes on it. The second time, I approached it with less pressure and more confidence, and it went much more smoothly — I actually enjoyed the process.

Experience at UWC Costa Rica

Why UWC Costa Rica?

A lot of people asked me why I didn’t choose a UWC in the U.S. or Canada, and why I went to a place like Costa Rica for two years. Honestly, I’ve always been drawn to “crazy” experiences — my top choices were Singapore, Costa Rica (because of the nature and beaches), and Canada (mainly because they had Ukrainian traditional dance).

Once you're selected as a national finalist, you don’t get to choose your UWC destination, and I never asked why they sent me to Costa Rica. But I think it’s because I was pretty fluent in Spanish, which helped since most of the staff speak only Spanish. Plus, I was really passionate about sustainability and involved in an ecological NGO back home, so UWC Costa Rica was definitely a good match!

Parents’ reaction to going to Costa Rica

To be honest, I was standing in the middle of my room when I got a call from the National Committee, and I was like, “Oh my god!”. UWC Costa Rica was in my top three choices, and while I was thrilled, my first reaction was also full of fear or uncertainty. I had dreamed about it for so long. My mom was really scared to let me go alone, but after speaking with other Ukrainian parents and the National Committee, she was convinced I’d be okay. My dad, who loves crazy experiences, was totally fine with it.

Student Life

Considering that our campus was in a small city just twenty minutes from the capital, San José, I felt deeply immersed in the local community and had many opportunities to experience Costa Rican culture. During Community Action Weeks, I took part in several projects — like living on a mountain farm for a week or volunteering in a remote rainforest organization — which gave me a strong connection to the country. 

About 30% of our campus community was Latin American, so I got to experience the culture firsthand and practice my Spanish daily. People there are incredibly expressive and warm. I also love traveling with friends, so I’ve visited many places — now, when someone mentions a region in Costa Rica, I’ve probably been there! I wouldn’t say I fully identify as Costa Rican or something, but the experience definitely became a part of who I am, my core personality.

Subject package

Higher Level: Global Politics, Spanish B, Theater 

Standard Level: English A Language and Literature, Math Analysis and Approaches, Environmental Systems and Societies, Theory of Knowledge

Favourite IB subject

I really enjoyed English because my teacher's curiosity made the subject exciting for all of us. Global Politics was also valuable — it helped me understand what it means to be a responsible global citizen. Theater, though, was the most unique experience. At first, I hesitated to take it due to pressure to choose something like economics and be the “cool boss girl,” but I really missed doing art after moving from Ukraine to Costa Rica, where I had stopped dancing and singing. Theater at UWC was truly special — collaborating with students from many different countries, creating plays from scratch, and working on lights and costumes was incredibly enriching. It helped me grow a lot, and I’d encourage everyone in IB to choose some kind of art — it’s a refreshing way to let go of overthinking and just express yourself creatively.

Major & Choosing Universities

My major

Minerva is a liberal arts school, and I’m currently doing a double major in Business and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Brand Management and Cognitive Science.

Why the United States

I applied only to universities in the United States, and all the schools on my list were private. From the start, I paid a lot of attention to the percentage of international students, as continuing to be part of a diverse community was important to me after attending UWC. I had a great college counselor — someone I still praise to this day — who helped shape not only my university choices but also my career direction. While creating my list with him, we divided the schools into reach, target, and safety categories.

During the IB and university application process, I was under intense stress — it felt like I was a machine, writing hundreds of essays and meeting my counselor weekly. I even got an award from our future pathways office called "All Questions Answered" because I asked so many! Despite the chaos, I was thoughtful with my choices, considering major fit, community, and finances carefully.

Why Minerva University

As for this one, a year ago my answer would’ve been different, but now I’d say it’s the international community and dynamic lifestyle that stand out most. Every week, I experience something new — from flying in a helicopter to performing in a musical. It’s a challenging environment with lots of responsibility, but also incredibly enriching and full of growth.

Minerva is unique because of its immersive, location-based learning model and its specially designed platform called Forum. Unlike typical video calls on Zoom or Google Meet, Forum is highly interactive — students spend a lot of time speaking, participate in polls, and are graded on many different aspects of their engagement. We don’t have traditional exams. Instead, professors from universities around the world — including the US, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East — teach our courses. The student body is incredibly diverse, with about 42 to 45 countries represented in my year alone, so this diversity makes class discussions and perspectives even more engaging and exciting.

What I love most is how our assignments are directly connected to the cities where we study, for example, in a complex systems course, we learned about system dynamics and stakeholder mapping, so, while learning that, I volunteered at an NGO and used that real-world experience to analyze the organization’s network and suggest improvements in my assignment. This practical, hands-on approach is exactly what I was looking for — it’s all about applying knowledge hands-on to make an impact.

What can Ukraine’s higher education system learn from Minerva University?

When I visited a lecture at a Ukrainian university after coming back, I noticed a big difference. The Ukrainian system tends to focus on memorizing and repeating information, without encouraging critical thinking. At Minerva, I am constantly pushed to think critically and articulate my thoughts — skills that are essential in the real world, especially when doing internships or jobs. Employers want people who can analyze, innovate, and create impact, not just memorize data - we need to try to adjust to that mindset and needs.

Application Process to Universities 

Minerva Application Process

Minerva has its own application system — you can’t apply through the Common App or other common platforms. The great thing is that their application is completely free, which makes it accessible to everyone.

The process starts on their website, where you first write about your achievements, explaining not just what you did but the impact it had. It’s up to you how you present yourself and what you choose to highlight.

Then comes the unique part — the challenges. These aren’t just standard tests like TOEFL or SAT; they assess your critical thinking and creativity. There are six challenges, including some intense, timed math questions. It’s actually quite fun but demanding.

After that, you submit transcripts and have an interview. Mine was a bit unique because my parents don’t speak English, so they joined too, which made it a pretty fun experience.

Who Minerva is looking for

Definitely, Minerva looks for a certain type of student. When you join the community, you notice how diverse everyone is, but there’s a shared drive to take on and overcome tough challenges. I think it’s important to show different sides of yourself in the application — your various interests and activities — to highlight your multidimensional personality.

After visiting other campuses, I felt that Minerva students have a unique energy and a strong sense of belonging. We are a powerful, united community despite the diversity, which is very cool.

How UWC prepared me for Minerva

UWC definitely fostered my desire to be part of an international community, which made Minerva a natural next step. But there are also many differences between the two schools, and some of my expectations didn’t match reality, which is okay because they are very different environments. Still, UWC was the first step that brought me closer to that dream.

GPA and Standardized Tests

I have never taken exams like the SAT or IELTS. I also didn’t take the Ukrainian high school entrance exam (State Final Attestation, SFA) after ninth grade because of COVID, nor did I take the Ukrainian university entrance exam (External Independent Testing, EIT) in 2022 due to Russia’s full-scale invasion. The only formal test I’ve taken outside school was my driver’s license exam. I did complete the IB examinations, and now at university, I don’t have exams, which is a unique aspect of the Minerva educational model. 

Minerva experience

My first year at Minerva

My first year was very dynamic, and I experienced a new type of learning due to the unique Minerva model. I got to know a lot of people in my career field, and San Francisco is a great area for different networking events. I felt like I stepped into adult life where I needed to take care of myself; for instance, I had to cook, file my taxes, and handle other mundane things, so I felt like I took on a lot of responsibility for personal and career growth. Besides, I did many new things, such as co-piloting a helicopter, participating in a musical, or spending New Year's Eve in New York. All those things were new to me, but they shaped many of my dreams that I know I can reach after graduating from university. That was actually very exciting!

Academic workload

I was pretty scared after IB because there was no life balance, but I think IB prepared me well academically, so I had a strong foundation. Minerva is quite tech-based, which was challenging, but at the same time, you feel like you’re pushing yourself in new ways while learning. Once I adjusted to the new learning style, it became fun — I had more freedom, could explore the city, and now, with shorter lectures and more self-study, I have a better work-life balance.

Studying in different countries

Minerva recently changed its model. Before, students studied in a different country every semester, but now they spend a whole year in one city. This unique approach lets us live, learn, and work in diverse environments across four continents, giving us a truly global perspective by the time we graduate.

It’s definitely challenging—you have to pack your life into a 23-kilo suitcase and move continents each year. But this experience broadens your worldview and pushes you to grow. Unlike traditional U.S. colleges, which offer a comfortable “all-inclusive” environment with dining halls, nearby classes, and gyms, Minerva requires you to manage everything yourself. There’s no meal plan—you learn to cook, adapt to new cultures, and handle daily life independently.

This holistic challenge helps you develop not only academically but also personally. I feel like a responsible, independent adult who could survive and thrive anywhere in the world. We are very flexible and open-minded there, so I think that's the uniqueness of Minerva.

Extracurricular activities

Back in Ukraine, as I mentioned before, I practiced Ukrainian traditional dance and folklore for 13 years. We traveled around Europe to participate in festivals while representing our country. I was also involved with the Foundation of Regional Initiatives (FRI), where we organized events in my city related to education and volunteering. This experience helped me develop many skills. I finished music school back in seventh grade and got my diploma, but that was a while ago.

During high school, I joined the ‘Young European Ambassadors’ initiative in Ukraine, an opportunity I discovered at the time. It was a lot of fun—I got to go to the capital, Kyiv, for meetings and organizing events, especially since it was before the full-scale invasion. YEAs’ initiative has many chapters in different countrie,s and it is part of the EU NEIGHBOURS east communication program by the European Union. We promote European integration and create opportunities for rural youth to engage in informal education by organizing events locally and nationally, so we also engage in youth advocacy while forming bonds and resilient communities. 

When I moved to UWC, my hobbies shifted a bit. I tried aerial silks, which is a form of flying gymnastics, practiced yoga in the beautiful environment of Costa Rica, and did CrossFit. On the impact side, I participated in an initiative called Lifting Hands, where we helped children from marginalized communities by visiting schools in Costa Rica. Besides, I also took part in Model United Nations (MUN) and developed an interest in sales, completing an internship in that field between UWC semesters. Now, at university, I’ve been involved in extracurricular activities too, such as performing in a musical here at Minerva.

Financial Aid & Scholarship

Minerva is very international, with students from all over the world. Usually, they don’t offer financial packages that completely cover your expenses, and overall, the school is quite expensive compared to other offers I received—some universities were even willing to pay for flights, but Minerva doesn’t. The financial aid package they provide to most students is a mix of scholarships, student loans, and family contributions, depending on your family’s income. 

Plans after Graduation

I’m currently studying business and am generally interested in social entrepreneurship. I’ve been inspired by projects in Ukraine and how they use business solutions to address local issues. I want to explore how social entrepreneurship works around the world and how different communities tackle their challenges through business. For now, this is the area I want to work in, but since I’m still taking business courses, I plan to do some internships first to better understand which specific field I’d like to pursue after graduation.

Tips for International Applicants

• Make your college list strategically and don't just apply to all the Ivies. 

• Don’t apply based solely on a school’s name or reputation. 

• Know your strengths and have genuine curiosity about each school on your list. 

• Choose schools that match your personality and values.

• Understand what you want from college and what environment will help you thrive.

Personal Statement 

Regarding essays, make them unique and personal. Show what you will bring to campus and why the school should invest in you. When a school offers you a lot of financial aid, it’s an investment they’re making, hoping you’ll contribute something valuable back. Personal statements shouldn’t be rushed or left until the last minute.

For me, writing mine was an enjoyable process, guided by my university counselor over a long period. I refined it many times and structured it differently from typical essays. Instead of a single narrative, I told my story through different people, which I initially worried might confuse readers. But during interviews, universities told me it was an interesting concept.

Having an essay that stands out—whether in structure, concept, or simply a unique idea—is important. Avoid clichés like “When I was three, I saw a printer at my grandma’s village and decided to become an engineer.” I read many essays like that! A good tip is to share your essay with others and ask if it sounds authentic and really like you, rather than a “perfect” version of yourself. When it feels genuine and has been refined thoughtfully, believe me, it’s accessible and memorable.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I think it would be the way people communicate with each other. Communication is key to everything. Being honest and straightforward—despite cultural, political, and historical differences—is crucial, while also staying polite, respectful, and aware of our own biases.

When people clearly express their opinions and seek compromise rather than trying to deceive or promote selfish interests, the world becomes a little easier to navigate. Clear and intentional language can help us address global challenges more effectively.

Advice for your younger self

 “Don’t be scared, be scarier.”

I wasn’t always aware of how many opportunities exist or how important it is to be brave and intentional about the doors we choose to knock on.

Recently, I did door-to-door sales for my internship in Canada, which was tough but taught me how powerful confidence and good intentions can be. Trust me—you can get what you want if you don’t stop or fear the possibilities the world offers.