1. What made you choose Townshend International School for your daughter? My name is Yulia Gutnik, and my daughter Shelly attends Townshend International School. I discovered Townshend International School through an online search while looking for a boarding school for my minor child. My decision was primarily driven by safety and cultural considerations. When researching potential destinations for my child’s education, the Czech Republic stood out as a safe and stable environment. Townshend International School emerged as the best option that met our specific requirements for a boarding school in this preferred location. 2. Townshend emphasizes a close-knit, international community. How has this environment influenced your daughter’s personal and academic growth? Before Townshend, my daughter’s international education was limited to short summer programs in London. I initially worried she might see Townshend the same way and want to return home. However, over time, I saw a remarkable transformation in her character and academics. The school's close-knit international community has helped her become more independent and responsible, taking ownership of her success. Shelly strives for excellence not out of obligation but from a genuine desire to prove herself. Now in her second year, Shelly has adapted seamlessly and exceeded our expectations, thriving both personally and academically. 3. What specific changes have you noticed in your daughter's confidence, mindset, or ambitions since joining Townshend? She has become more independent and responsible and has developed clearer study habits. The school’s policy of taking away students’ phones in the evening and returning them the next day after school has been very effective. It ensures that they go to bed on time rather than staying up late on their phones. Additionally, prohibiting phone use during homework time helps students stay focused, reducing distractions and improving productivity. These limits help mitigate media addiction and create more opportunities for social interaction with peers. This approach has positively impacted our daughter’s development, allowing her to establish a healthier daily routine. The improvements we have seen in her independence, responsibility, and study habits suggest that setting clear boundaries around technology use can help children develop better self-regulation skills while maintaining healthy sleep patterns and strong social connections. 4. The school promotes a balance between academic excellence and character development. How do you see this reflected in your daughter’s education and daily life? Dormitory life has taught her valuable self-reliance skills, including: Managing her personal space and keeping her room tidy Taking care of her laundry independently Preparing simple meals when she wants to Going shopping on weekends, either with supervision or with classmates Making responsible decisions about personal finance and budgeting What’s particularly impressive is how naturally these life skills have developed alongside her academic achievements. The school effectively balances academic excellence with character development, creating an environment where students not only excel in their studies but also learn crucial life skills. This holistic approach has proven to be mutually reinforcing, allowing our daughter to grow into a more well-rounded individual. Townshend ensures that students not only succeed academically but also gain the practical skills and decision-making abilities they will need in their future. 5. Sending a child to a boarding school in another country is a big decision. Did you have any concerns or fears before enrolling your daughter at Townshend, and how have those concerns evolved over time? 5. Sending a child to a boarding school abroad is a tough decision. Initially, we were motivated by our daughter’s goal of studying at an English-speaking university, so she attended summer camps from age 12. Then, with the war in Israel, we sought a peaceful and stable country—the Czech Republic. We knew she could return home if needed, but her experience at Townshend has exceeded all expectations. She earns higher grades, studies more effectively, and has become far more independent and responsible. Any initial concerns have been replaced by confidence in how well she is thriving academically and personally.