If you could fence anywhere in the world where would it be?

[dramamine]

A bit of background info before I start. I am a 16 year old high school student in grade 11 with pretty solid grades, and I fence foil.

Recently, my dad spoke with me about him possibly taking a job in Dubi. He and my mom would need to live there, but I would be able to board - paid for - at any boarding school in the world. He had mentioned that he was going to decline the offer because he didn't want to move me in my senior year of high school, but I feel I definately need to explore this more before telling him I wouldn't want to do it. Another huge bonus of him taking this job would be that my university would be 100% paid for no matter where I decide to go.

Anyways, fencing is a big part of my life right now and I have always wished I could go to Europe or somewhere with really strong fencing to train, but I assumed it was just a pipedream so I never really considered exactly where. I am really looking for help in choosing some places to look more closely at.

Basically I guess the question is if you could fence anywhere in the world, where would you fence? Does anybody know of any places where boarding schools also are involved with fencing? Or any strong fencing clubs in Europe that would be willing to accept a student in my situation for a year?

Thanks very much

[LUDICROUS]

Take language barriers into consideration.

....Then go to paris!

[glowstix]

france....

[morael]

I spent part of my younger school years overseas, besides moving around the US quite a bit. Transferring schools can be rough (been there, done that) but living in a different country is a great experience. You'll have experiences that you never would otherwise, and if you keep your eyes and mind open, you'll end up with a much deeper understanding of the world outside your own country. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment you'll have when you can handle another language and culture. If your parents feel that you can do it, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Go to the FIE website and check out the clubs in different countries. Personally, I would say go to Italy. That's mainly because Italy is so beautiful, but of course, Italy has great fencers, too.

Good luck!

[davtsung]

Italia!! I'm extremely biased, but from my travels through Italy and France, I must say that most of Italy (including the parts few tourists frequent) is beautiful, while the same cannot be said for France. From a fencing perspective, I would cherish the chance to learn from the Italians more so than from the French (barring Guyart, what other French foilist do you fear?)

[foilz]

We have lived all over the world for over 30 years -- New Zealand, Australia, Italy, the U.S., and I even worked in Austria and the U.K. during our travels.

The opportunity to live in other countries, experience other cultures, and meet people different from you is a fabulous opportunity.

My global company moved people like me (I'm originally from New Zealand) because Americans who could move, and should have moved, generally prefered to stay put. As a result, I had a wonderful career, wonderful experiences, and we have had a wonderful life.

Your family has to make the decision that works for all of you, but if you have a say in the matter, be brave. Go for travel! It would be a great experience -- not just for your family in Dubai, which would be the experience of a lifetime, but also for you, wherever you happen to find a great boarding school, and wherever you finally elect to go to college.

(If you are like most young people around the globe, that will probably be here in the U.S. This country is where virtually everyone on the planet wants to go to school.)

Regarding your last year at high school, that's easy. Think of THIS YEAR as your last year at high school. And plan accordingly.

People like me on Fencing.net can't organize your life, or tell you what to do. But as someone who has lived abroad, for many many years, I can tell you that living overseas is a valid and exciting option for many people.

Together, you and your family will decide if you are those kind of people.

Let us all know what you decide!

[Zelda]

Having done my MSc overseas (admitting in an english speaking country) I thoroughly suggest you go for it. Living and studing in another country is an amazing experience and eye opener, one which I would not have changed for the world. Even if I did get whooping cough and break a rib!

However choose a school you would be happy attending even without fencing, and remember that although it may not be easy, starting your last 2 years of high school again may be a better idea than just doing your final year in a different country.

[LordTofuDog-jnr]

Italy all the way people!

The only thing you should take into account is that (from what I've heard) Italian, and European coaches in general are EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. My coach has trained in Europe and said that generally you aren't allowed to use a weapon until you've done over a year of footwork.

He also knew a chap who went to Italy and was nick-named "d1ck head" because he'd never been in the Olympics and was thus not a good enough fencer for Italy to harbour. Nice.

Otherwise, ITALY p4\/\/n5 j005!

[Ripost]

Before choosing country I would have made it clear that it was possible for me to take private lessons in the club which I came to. Not all godd fencing countries (or clubs) take care of their foreign guests. But some do and it would for sure be better to take lessons and develope in a smaller club than to be left alone in a bigger and more succesful one. One guy I spoke to who was a foreigner in Berlin solved the issue with taking lessons in a smaller club and assaut-fencing in the biggest and best. It turned out that the coaches on the big club was being paid by the german fencing association in accordance to their german pupils results, so naturally they had no interest in coaching a foreigner. to be part of the competetive assaut was no problem though.

[Zilverzmurfen]

...but if I could choose anywhere in the world to fence it would - without a doubt - be in Bern in Switzerland!

Switzerland has some really good fencers, it's a wonderful country and Bern is the most beautiful city I have EVER been to!

[veeco]

Although Bern isn't a hotspot for foil, and it's pretty cold in the winter.

I think that you shouldn't let fencing decide where you want to go. When I was your age, I was thinking just like you. I was thinking I wanted to go to this university instead of that one, because fencing clubs in the area were better. I ended up going to a university lost in the middle of the countryside, where the nearest fencing club a pretty far drive, and not that many sparring partners.

But I did meet great people and had a lot of fun, and believe or not, at your age, wherever you are and whoever you fence, if you're serious about it, your fencing will improve.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by veeco

Although Bern isn't a hotspot for foil, and it's pretty cold in the winter.

No the swiss are very much like us swedes. Épée is the dominant weapon.
And as for the temperature in winter it's about the same as southern/mid Sweden...

[wpotere]

I've been fencing in Germany and love it. The country is beautiful and the people are extreamly nice. It really depends on what your preferences are. Have you ever thought about what other countries you would like to visit? Also, with Germany you are centrally located and have the ability to move back and forth between the EU very easily. Fencing in Europe is generally pretty strong. You won't have a problem finding a coach in the EU at all.

[veeco]

Although, if you want to move back and forth inside of Europe, I'd say that France is a better option. From Paris you can go to Amsterdam, London, Kohln, Brussels, Italy, and reasonnably close to Spain in a few hours by train.

But if you'd like to visit more eastern european countries, such as Poland, Austria, Romania, Hungary, perhaps then Germany is a better option.

[Esotamoc]

For foil forget france. Forget Italy as their styles are too different from(probably) what you have learnt.Also the coaches will find no benefit from teaching you their secrets. contrary to tofu dogs statement- in italy they dont do a year of footwork b4 they can touch a foil- instead they give them a plastic one before they can even walk! I would suggest Germany as they are the most adaptable, train hard and there is good competition. but it depends on where the boarding schools are.

[LordTofuDog-jnr]

Originally Posted by Esotamoc

For foil forget france. Forget Italy as their styles are too different from(probably) what you have learnt.Also the coaches will find no benefit from teaching you their secrets. contrary to tofu dogs statement- in italy they dont do a year of footwork b4 they can touch a foil- instead they give them a plastic one before they can even walk! I would suggest Germany as they are the most adaptable, train hard and there is good competition. but it depends on where the boarding schools are.

You get a placky one sure, but you don't get a real one to work with.

[Esotamoc]

Originally Posted by LordTofuDog-jnr

You get a placky one sure, but you don't get a real one to work with.

huh? explain- real one to work with? u dont make sense

[Inquartata]

He means, they get plastic toys with which to play, but not real foils.

( Personally I'd be more than happy to go a lifetime without being able to "touch a foil"! )

[Esotamoc]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

He means, they get plastic toys with which to play, but not real foils.

( Personally I'd be more than happy to go a lifetime without being able to "touch a foil"! )

oh yeah, u understand Australian better than i do and i live there! but as young as 8 they get them to fence electric. they definately dont do years of footwork before fencing.I wonder what tofu pup knows about fencing in europe. is he just parroting what his coach told him- when was he last in europe?

[LordTofuDog-jnr]

Originally Posted by Esotamoc

oh yeah, u understand Australian better than i do and i live there! but as young as 8 they get them to fence electric. they definately dont do years of footwork before fencing.I wonder what tofu pup knows about fencing in europe. is he just parroting what his coach told him- when was he last in europe?

I'm just saying what I've heard from my coach and others around the place yes.. If it's wrong then I don't care, it has been corrected by what appears to be somebody trying to start a flame war.

Oh, it's been a long time since my coach fenced in Europe, but since Europe is just as good as ever and since many Europeans have a very physical/macho (no offense intended) manner with each other I don't think it is inconceivable that things haven't changed all that much.

Then again, who are we to argue over Europe when we are half way across the world from the place.