British International School, Phuket: The ultimate second home for student-athletes

Duana Lama was just six years old when she began her journey as a competitive swimmer in her homeland of Nepal. When she turned 12, her family decided it was time to choose a more conducive environment for her dual pursuits of academics and swimming. Almost immediately, British International School, Phuket (BISP) stood out. As a boarding student here, she would be able to train all year round. “In Nepal, pools shut down in the winter,” she explains. “Plus, being in Thailand meant I could continue competing within Southeast Asia.

Navigating new waters

Her transition to BISP wasn’t without its hurdles. Stepping into a multicultural environment and adapting to a new curriculum posed initial challenges. However, the warmth of the boarding community and the support of her peers helped her adapt with ease. Assigned a buddy to aid her transition and backed by supportive teachers, Duana swiftly found her footing, both academically and athletically.

Central to the boarding experience at BISP are the house parents entrusted with the care and well-being of the students under their charge. They offer guidance, support, and supervision, creating a warm and nurturing environment where students can thrive. “Whether students are facing academic challenges, personal issues, or simply need someone to talk to, our counsellors are here to provide guidance and assistance,” affirms Head of Boarding, Magali Margo.

Ms Magali and her team never fail to go the extra mile for the student-athletes representing their school with pride. For them, BISP offers specialised support services tailored to their needs. A team of dedicated nurses ensures the health and well-being of all boarders, providing medical assistance and support whenever required.

Unlimited access to top-notch facilities

Duana’s transition from practising in an 18-metre hotel pool in Nepal to training in BISP’s Olympic-sized swimming pool marked a significant turning point in her athletic journey. “Now I have access to both short-course and long-course facilities, depending on the meet I am preparing for,” she says.

Gone are the days of gruelling commutes and restricted training hours. As a boarding student and member of the BISP Sea Eagles Swim team, Duana relishes the ease of access to the gym, pool, and other facilities, allowing her to seamlessly navigate between her training sessions and academic commitments. Unlike her past experiences of rushing home late into the night after practice, she now thrives in an environment where every resource is at her fingertips.

“Easy access to facilities has been great, and it’s nice being surrounded by similar people trying to achieve not just their academic goals but their athletic goals too,” shares the student. “Being a high-performance student-athlete and a Nepalese national swimmer means I’m often under a lot of pressure, so it’s nice living with students in similar situations. It helps me keep going when things get challenging or overwhelming.”

The impact of BISP’s facilities often extends beyond infrastructure and peer interaction. Duana credits her coaches for their unwavering support and commitment to her development as an athlete. Unlike her previous experiences, where coaching resources were limited, BISP provides a conducive environment where coaches are receptive to feedback and dedicated to nurturing talent. And in a sport where mental resilience is as crucial as physical ability, having female coaches who understand the unique challenges faced by female athletes has been a game-changer. “They’ve been exceptionally supportive and good to have around,” says Duana.

The best of both worlds

Navigating the demands of rigorous training schedules alongside academic responsibilities is no easy feat. Yet, as a student-athlete living on campus, Duana has found a rhythm that works for her. Early morning training sessions at 5:00 am are followed by a full day of International Baccalaureate (IB) classes and additional swim sessions in the afternoon.

“Being a boarder has definitely helped build a sense of discipline, set routines and be organised,” she says. “It’s helped me grow as a person in terms of how to carry myself and interact with situations.”

Looking ahead, Duana — who has represented Nepal at the world championships in Budapest, Peru, Japan and Doha — envisions a future where she continues to pursue her passion for swimming while exploring avenues in animal conservation or art.

“I believe that you need to have people around you who are invested in your success, and I have found that in boarding,” says the student, who recently qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

With dreams of competing at the LA 2028 Olympics, potentially pursuing higher education in the United States and continuing to break national records, she hopes her story inspires female Nepali swimmers to dedicate themselves to a sport.

In addition to nurturing high-performance swimmers, BISP hosts a range of Sports Academies, including Football, Tennis,Golf and Aerial Arts, Flying Trapeze and Gymnastics. Yet, the benefits of boarding at BISP extend beyond the realm of sports. It is a gateway to academic success and personal growth for all students, regardless of their athletic pursuits. Beyond the fields and courts, boarders enjoy easy access to state-of-the-art facilities, including labs, art studios, and libraries. With every minute spent on campus, they grow closer to uncovering their true potential.

“Living away from home in a boarding school environment teaches students and athletes independence and responsibility,” explains Ms Magali. “They learn to take care of themselves, manage their own schedules, and make responsible decisions, preparing them for the transition to university and life beyond.”

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